Humans Don't Make Good Familiars- Part 34.5

Note to all my patrons. This chapter will not appear on Reddit and will only be included in the book, and here. 

Full Conversation Between the Grand Duke and Jake

All the fire blasts and fogs of Chaos Magic eventually drew other Neame to the area, who, in turn, called for guards. I found out what happened later from Suma, as I had passed out and stayed out for a solid twenty-four hours. Suma spent some time healing my wounds while I was out, and she was interrogated as well. I later learned that Suma consented on my behalf for them to perform another memory delve on me. With that, they were able to get the evidence needed to arrest the two former lesser nobles as well as the now former magistrate. His noble title was stripped from him and given to the next in line in his family, he oldest son. I heard a rumor that he tried to kill himself, but it was never confirmed.

When I did wake up, I was starving and sore, but all my burns had healed and only a bit of stiffness remained in my elbow. Suma had been tended to as well, the blow from that white cat familiar broke one of her wings and legs, but she was up and about by the time I was awake again. I also apparently continued to emit that fog of magical energy for another hour after losing consciousness, and it didn’t disperse for nearly six hours. They actually had to remove everyone from the area because all their spells kept getting inverted.

“I heard you finally woke up,” Investigator Dehal said flying into the room I was in,” how are you doing?”

“Better,” I said and took a big bite of something called a Magiopa. “My arm is a bit sore though.” I said with a full mouth.

“You sure have a knack for getting yourself into trouble it seems, but everything has been sorted out, so I don’t think you have much to worry about from the former magistrate’s family.” Dehal said.

“I suppose that’s a relief…” I said after swallowing.

“Oh, and you have a visitor.” He said.

“Suma?” I asked.

“Not exactly…” He said. Meanwhile, another nymph, much larger and well decorated, flew in.

“Hello, Jake,” he said, “My name is Udoka Sopra, and I am the Grand Duke of the Royal Citadel and the country of Ambos. It is nice to meet you.”

“Um, hello sir. I’m Jake. It’s nice to meet you as well.”

“I am truly sorry to hear about what has transpired, you have my word I will make sure the nobles responsible are appropriately punished. I ask only that you do not attempt to seek retribution yourself, please leave it to me.” The Grand Duke said with a slight bow and a spread of his wings.

“Oh, of course, Please you don’t have to bow sir.” I said nervously, but I wasn’t really sure why. Yeah, he was a high ranking Neame judge or something, but I couldn’t put a pin in why he seemed so… dignified. He was well decorated, at least as much as the large Neame who attacked us was anyway.

He straightened up then spoke again. “Jake, I have a few questions if you do not mind. I had planned to ask them during our scheduled meeting but… well, we need answers regarding what happened.”

“I understand sir, please ask me whatever you like.” I told him.

“Thank you.” He took a breath. “Firstly, what is your magical affinity?”

“Chaos, or do you mean my specific.. like.. attribute thing?”

“Yes, your attribute.”

“Inversion.”

“Quite rare Indeed. Do you happen to know your mana levels?”

“I’m sorry sir, no I don’t. I was told they must have been high though.”

“Yes quite, and how much training have you received from Lady Suma?”

“She’s taught me a bit, the basics at least, and how to perform a summoning spell on my weapons.”

“I see. Regarding your weapons, may I see them?”

Investigator Dehal interrupted, “Sir, I don’t believe that is a good idea.”

Grand Duke Udoka Sopra nearly scoffed, “Nonsense, Sir Jake is an honorable man. He defended his master despite the danger presented to his own life. All without need.” He turned back to me, “Sir Jake… if you would not mind?”

“Sure,” I said and summoned destiny. As soon as I did, her tip fell to the floor between the Grand Duke and I.

“Was it.. supposed to do that?” Investigator Dehal asked confused.

“No, it got snapped by that noble’s drake during our fight. Actually, most of my weapons are damaged now that I think about it.” I said then sent Destiny away and summoned Mori and Aegis instead. Aegis was still full of holes, but Mori seemed mostly intact, if a bit dulled at the ends where it hit that drake’s scales.

“Even damaged I am able to see they are fine weapons, and your ability to use shadow chanting was unexpected as well.” The Grand Duke said. He turned to investigator Dehal, “I trust what he has said has fallen in line with what your investigation has found so far?”

“It has sir,” Dehal replied.

“Then I ask that you give Sir Jake and I a moment alone.” Dehal bowed a moment then left the room, sealing the door behind him. Turning to me he asked, “Sir Jake, what I ask you now is of a personal nature, I ask that you answer truthfully.”

“Okay.” I said confused.

“There have been concerning reports of late. You remember the mind delve that was performed on you a short time ago?"

"Yes sir.”

“Well, as you may know, another one was performed while you slept.”

“Yes sir.”

“The information gathered is already being suppressed, but I needed to ask you personally… Sir Jake, are you a Viking?”

“What?!” I asked shocked, but I really shouldn’t have been. I knew this would get out eventually, somehow.

“Sir Jake…” The Grand Duke pressed urgently.

I sighed, and relented, “Not exactly.”

“Not exactly? In what way is the information incorrect?”

“I’m not a Viking, but I am the same race as them.” The Grand Duke seemed concerned, his feathers were slightly raised, and that normal sparkle that all Neame I had seen had was a bit dimmer.

“Can you elaborate?” He wondered.

“The Vikings, as you know them, were a culture. They lived and died out a long time ago. It is possible that I’m one of their descendants, but there’s no way to know for sure.”

“I see…” The Grand Duke said before growing very quiet. Deep in thought his grey feathers occasionally ruffled, breaking the hanging silence for just a moment. “Sir Jake, I ask that you keep this information to yourself. I don’t believe it is in anyone’s best interest to know.”

“I will sir,” I agreed, happy that he wasn’t angry or afraid now that he knew the truth.

“And please tell Lady Suma the same as well.”

“Actually sir, she doesn’t know.” I said cautiously. This seemed to catch him off guard.

“You have not told her?”

“No sir.”

“May I ask for what reason?”

“She really… really… hates Vikings.”

“I see, then I shall refrain from mentioning it as well. Sir Jake, if you do decide to tell someone, please insure they keep it a secret if possible.”

“I will sir.” I said. With that, our conversation ended and the Grand Duke left. Once he was gone, I got in contact with Suma and she came to make sure I was okay before we left.