Dominic passed the Prince his notebook, and Alex began scanning the pages with a trained gaze.
"Well, it looks like it might possibly be functional. There are no obvious gaps or incompatibilities. But as for making it, and getting it to activate... I don’t know if it is possible." The Prince admitted.
"A project for when I have spare time, then.
But I suppose that the real question should be: What exactly happens when we get back? You mentioned rewards, and I’ve been gone from the forge quite a while, working as Princess Alexis’ advisor. In fact, I’m completely lost as to what my proper duties are at this point." Dominic admitted.
Princess Alexis winked at him. "Relax, at this point, your duties are basically whatever I say they are. The role of Advisor takes precedence over all other duties within the Palace, unless you’re a titled and landed Noble with territory to manage.
Though, you likely could become one if you wanted. They are going to give us a lot of credit for the victory as the city’s commanders.
So, you could ask for a title and manor, rare blueprints and your own workshop with a Royal Commission. That sort of thing. Technically, you’re still an Apprentice at the Royal Forge, but once your Trade Skill Core shows the first signs of blue, it will just be a matter of time before you’re officially a Journeyman."
Dominic chuckled. He had been mass-producing magical weapons for some time, and his Trade Skill Core already glowed bright yellow, marking his progress as the ninth or tenth level of Apprentice.
He wouldn’t be surprised if he checked it and found a few streaks of blue already, putting him at the first level of Journeyman Blacksmith.
Even when they were the same weapon, making over six hundred magical items in only a few months was a lot of crafting experience.
They were nearing the river valley outside the capital when Dominic noticed the first signs of guard stations along the main road. Those weren’t there before, and served as a reminder that the war was not technically over until the final armistice papers were signed.
Dagos might be in chaos right now, but that didn’t mean that whoever had enough power to marshal forces wouldn’t try to attack.
The sun was reaching its peak when the city came into sight, and the two Royal straightened in their seats. They both put their books away, and Dominic took that as a sign to be on his professional best.
Their convoy was just the six trucks that they had gone to Burton with, but they were now draped with the Royal Family’s banners, so everyone would know that they were a returning victorious force, carrying a member of the Royal Family.
The convoy slowed as it approached the city, and members of the Capital City Guard came out to escort them through the last section, where Dominic could see that a battle had taken place during their absence.
It was not right up against the city walls, though. It looked like the Capital Army had gone out to meet them on the field.
The army escorted them to the gates, where a Royal entourage was waiting for them to greet the Nobles and switch carriages to ones more suitable for the ride into the Palace.
Dominic activated [Mage Armour] under his robes as he got out of the carriage, and then followed the two Royals through the crowd. They were the ones that everyone had come to see, and Dominic couldn’t help but laugh inwardly at the uncomfortable way that Prince Alex shifted when women screamed at him about their undying love, in much more colourful words.
{If you walk slowly enough, I think she might just throw her panties at you as a claim.} Dominic whispered, trying not to move his lips enough for others to read what he was saying.
Prince Alex clicked his heel in annoyance, but did look in the screaming woman’s direction one more time, just to make sure that she didn’t actually do it.
Naturally, the young Noblewoman took that as a sign that he might be interested, and began hysterically giggling with her friends.
The three of them entered a Royal Palace Carriage, which immediately began moving through the crowd. They sat in silence for a moment, then Princess Alexis began to giggle.
"You thought that it would end just because you got married? Oh no, dear brother. They will keep at it until you’re old and grey, hoping to become a Royal Concubine to the legendary Battle Mage of the Royal Family." She joked.
"Just you wait. One day, it will be you that has to put up with the lewd wedding proposals."
He paused, then frowned. "Hmm, I take that back. You already know what that’s like. But it only gets more annoying when I know that I will also have to hear about it from my wife when I get home."
Dominic knew that it was only the twins and Elanor that were still unmarried among this generation of the Royals, but somehow, Prince Alex didn’t seem like the family sort.
"How long have you been married?" Dominic asked, trying to change the subject.
"Eight years and six annoying brats so far. I swear, that wife of mine spoils them rotten. But what can you do with daughters other than spoil them?" He sighed.
"Don’t believe him, he’s worse than she is. But he’s gone most of the time, thanks to his work, so he only sees them at their most excited. Plus, his wife seems to mysteriously get pregnant every time he comes home, so we all know that he’s not spending too much time arguing with her." Princess Alexis added.
"See what I put up with? You would think that older brothers get more respect, but Princesses get away with murder."
Dominic chuckled. "I think that is inevitable. They just bat their eyelashes and put on the cute face and nobody can stay mad at them."
"You think I have a cute face?"
"You are just giving her tactical ideas now."