The Blue Mage Raised by Dragons

Book 2: Chapter 48

Alice stared at the cup in Mr. Skellys hand. A drink? Whats in it?

If I had a stomach or a tongue, I could tell you, Mr. Skelly said, but as it stands, I cant. Ask Henry; hes the newest bishop of our church.

Bishop? Alice asked as she accepted the cup. She stared at Henry who cleared his throat and looked away. I didnt know you were religious. You never worshipped the holy dragons. Thats why I thought you were one of the best workers. What made you change your mind? She sniffed the cup before taking a sip.

Ah. Well, you see, Henry said and scratched his head. Its not a bishop for the church of the holy dragons. The, uh, church of the damned is being founded on this continent, starting with Anfang. I actually get a lot of benefits as a founding member, such as free mana crystals for up to 50 years worth of life after I die. I also

Hold up, Alice said, spitting out her drink. Church of the damned? What the hell? Dont you, what even, you. Youre an idiot, she said and sighed. Theres really a church of the damned? She glared at Mr. Skelly.

Of course, Mr. Skelly said with a nod. How else are we supposed to gain supporters? Religion is the best method to garner support and sympathy. Besides, were a lot better than the church of the holy dragonswont you consider joining us? We promise life after death, food in exchange for mana, living quarters in exchange for mana, and reunions between your deceased loved ones and yourself. What do the holy dragons offer? He cupped his skeletal hand beside his head where his ear wouldve been if he had one. Thats right. They offer nothing except for some measly healing. Anyone can be healed if you throw a potion at themwhat makes the holy dragons priestesses special?

Alice made a face. You know, that sounds really tempting, but Id rather not sell my soul to a necromancer, she said. And from what Im gathering, you seem to have plans to stay for the long term? I know youre from the same continent as Tafel since you know each other, so why dont you just complete your mission and go home? Why establish a religion?

The religion is part of our mission, Mr. Skelly said. Without it, we cant accomplish what we have to dowhich is a secret only divulged to followers of Damnedism by the way. Join now and Ill throw in a free ten years of life after your death.

Henry gets offered 50, but I only get 10? What the heck is this? Hes not worth five times as much as I am, Alice said, furrowing her brow. Wait a minute. I dont even want to join. She held her hand out in front of her face. I think Ive heard enough of your case. And Ive decided to nip a problem in the bud. Her shield expanded. Meaning you should kindly return to the grave.

Mr. Skellys eye sockets widened as the shield descended. Before he could react to the strike, Tafel appeared in front of him and blocked the attack with her sword. She pursed her lips as her arms creaked under the pressure.

Alice frowned as she retracted her arm. Youre going to defend him? she asked. Its unnatural for something to live beyond death. Destroying him will bring about relief instead; I hope you know that.

How would you know that? Tafel asked as she lowered her sword. You havent died and came back to life. Mr. Skelly lives a in a fulfilling and satisfactory manner. Who are you to deem whats unnatural or natural? No one wants to die; isnt it natural to seek an alternative to death?

`Everything from your continent is unnatural! Alice said, practically shouting. The amount of mana you have is beyond normal limits. Undead retain their memories and are actually sovereign citizens. And dont even get me started on Vur!

Yeah, so were a bunch of freaks; what about it? Tafel asked with a snort.

Alice bit her lower lip. I didnt mean it that way, she said. Its just that your culture is way too different from mine. Im having trouble adaptinglike the skeleton said, Im a bit old fashioned.

So your first response is to try to kill my friend? Tafel asked, glancing at Mr. Skelly.

Alice raised an eyebrow. I thought he was just an acquaintance.

Same difference, Tafel said. You dont see me coming here cutting people down because theyre different from what Im used to.

You killed a gryphon, Alice said.

Tafel coughed and turned her head away. That was Vur.

And by extension, you. Youre responsible for Vurs actions as his wife, Alice said, crossing her arms over her chest. How about this? Ill go against my better judgment and allow the skeletons to stay and accomplish their mission, but anything that happens is your responsibility. If the holy dragons retaliate, its completely on you to do something about the situation.

Thats Tafel furrowed her brow and glanced at Mr. Skelly who grinned at her. Im going to regret this, but alright. Its a deal.

Youre the best demon lord the world could ever ask for, Mr. Skelly said and made a move to hug Tafel. She grimaced and smacked his body away.

Im not doing this for you, she said. I owe Auntie quite a bit. Dont do anything thatll land me in serious trouble, alright?

Of course, Mr. Skelly said. We wouldnt bring betray your trust in us like that. Nothing serious will happen at all. In fact, Ill clean up all the messes that occur myself. You wont have to worry about a thing.

Alice sighed. Maybe its my mindset thats been holding me back this whole time. I believe in common sensethings can or cant be donewhile you dont. Youre a lot more open-minded than I am.

Tafel scratched her head. It feels weird to be praised like that, she said. I dont think Im open-minded though. You just learn to not sweat the small stuff when your mother-in-law is a dragon.

Alice snorted. It wasnt praise.

Oh.