Sebastian leaned forward, "Is the coordinator in the capital?"
Ashton smiled, "Yes."
Sebastian wanted to collapse in relief, Devlin stood to carry the tray over mournfully looking at the mana stones. Ashton let Devlin mourn for a moment before he took the four gems.
"I will be off, I set off at first light if anyone has need of my services." Ashton reminded standing up with a bow, then leaving for his room. He intended to only take two servants, the four horses, basic supplies, a whip, bow and arrows, and the carriage.
A little over two hours later Ashton was inspecting the carriage as the two attendants were adding their personal items and extra tent, Randal approached. Since Ashton didn't really see himself riding the carriage back he wanted to make sure everyone could fit their supplies on their horses.
"Lord Reece, I was wondering if you had a few moments to spare." Randal called, even with a full winter coat on, the windy chill seemed to seep into his bones, yet Ashton only had a simple fur lined coat.
Ashton gave a polite smile, "Please, we can sit in the carriage for a few moments." Ashton agreed letting the Duke in first.
Randal sat inside as Ashton signaled for warm tea to be brought, "I hope these dealings can be kept discrete." Randal added as he let himself warm up.
"Of course, though I cannot promise to always deliver." Ashton added looking over the older man. Ashton was aware this particular duke was not popular among the current loyalists. Randal's grandfather had been demoted to a commoner, his father crippled, and less than twenty years ago Randal had started making a name for himself. If Ashton wasn't mistaken, Randal's wife, Veronica Oleander and her family had petitioned the previous emperor to reinstate his status.
Thus Randal was often the odd man out or ignored by his peers, but lesser nobles and mercenaries held him in high regards. Dozens of high-class mercenary groups had sworn their allegiance to Duke Hammer like vassals to a liege lord. So while his personal guards were lacking, his ability muster troops was second only to Lucian himself. How... convenient if there was ever a need for troops not loyal to the emperor.
Randal Alexander Hammer had striking green eyes, dark brown hair, a stout build, calloused hands, and few adornments. It was clear he put more stock into his personal abilities than noble frivolities, a stark contrast to his sister Cassia. Ashton thought over all he'd come to learn in the past weeks, perhaps he needed to bait the one in the shadows with some bobbles.
Randal nodded then waited for the tea to arrive before he continued. After only two or three minutes there was a knock and tea passed through the door. Ashton dismissed the servants then nodded for Randal to start, "I heard of the gems you gifted the empress, I was hoping to buy a few."
"Unfortunately, they are not for sale." Ashton informed taking a sip of the steaming tea. Ashton had been hoping to bait a few of the nobles, but for a duke to come knocking... either they were smart, or thought he could be bullied into giving away his secrets.
"I can trade a fourth tier mana crystals for each one." Randal countered pulling two from his coat pocket. Unlike the mana stones theses were mined from a secret location only he and his wife's family knew of. His brothers-in-law would personally go mine the fourth and fifth tier crystals.
Ashton simply shook his head, "The price is not the problem, they have to be made by a mage of the sixth tier your grace. Not only that, the mage has to be a specialist of protection enchantments. At this time, there are not currently enough for me to be bartering them away until I can resupply."
Randal sipped the tea, he had not missed the specialization. Not in barrier enchantment, but protection... how oddly... specific to mention. If Alphonse had made them for his hidden son, it would make sense that Ashton gave them out so sparingly. Or if another mages was making them... even Devlin took a month to charge a third tier mana stones into fifth tier. Turning a quartz into an enchantment was like trying to use water to write a legible correspondence. Possible but needlessly complicated and much room for error. Then again... raw quartz was readily available everywhere so would not draw attention. Of course, Ashton had also said at this time, so possibly someone was able to make and supply them.
Ashton saw the gears turning behind Randal's eyes, "Was there anything else your Grace?"
Randal distanced himself from his thoughts, "Would it be possible to make contact with the mage who created them?"
Ashton gave a wry smile, "The mage in question is under contract while I am in the capital, I insist on selfishly keeping such a talent hidden as long as possible."
Randal nodded, "Of course, what if I merely wanted to meet such a mage? I will not make any requests, just as a future contact?"
Ashton tilted his head back and forth, "The mage will be made aware of the request, though will not respond before the hunt ends." Ashton added with a polite smile.
Randal's eyes narrowed, so many implications... "I understand, I look forward to hopefully a favorable replay Lord Reece." Randal memorized the patterns on the mask, if there was a specialized enchanter... there had to be a use for such a mask.
Ashton kept his polite smile as Randal left, he spent a few minutes going over the interaction in his mind, he'd left a few threads for Randal to chase... but he'd also left enough hope for him to wait patiently, at least for a few more days. Ashton then finished his tea before he as the attendants confirmed everything was ready for their early departure.
Lucian was waiting at the Eastern palace entrance as Ashton was leaving, Ashton stopped but didn't say anything.
"Do you wish to take any guards or mages with you?" Lucian asked looking Ashton over, even hidden behind the mask his cheeks were slightly flushed from the biting wind.
Ashton examined Lucian, this... consideration was unexpected, "No thank you your Majesty," Ashton then decided to reciprocate the consideration, "My safety is assured, and I will set up camp near a guard station."
Lucian gave nod, then stood off to the side.
Ashton started walking, they didn't speak but Lucian watched his entire departure. Ashton thought about the unusual ... understanding. If Lucian was being instructed, he didn't give the slightest hint, but for Lucian to think of escorting him in silent agreement and not make any demands... perhaps there was hope for Lucian yet.
Though Ashton had no intention of changing his plans until he had more... just more from Lucian. Ashton climbed into the carriage, he was half surprised none of Lucian's council followed.
Ashton felt the immediate difference as soon as he'd passed through the capital gates. While the capital had been cold, dark, and suffocating, he'd grown accustom to it. This sudden relief was like taking off wet clothes that had been warmed by his own body heat. While the wind made Ashton shiver, the metaphorical fresh dry blanket was a vast improvement.
It took almost half a day to reach the hunting grounds after they left the city, so they didn't arrive until early afternoon. The days were so short in the winter, Ashton thought to himself as he surveyed the campgrounds, about a dozen nobles and several dozen wealthier families had participants. Ashton even noticed a few off-duty guards, not all of which were happy with him.
Ashton spent the next day examining all the animals that would appear during the hunts, most were regular animals, deer, rabbits, pheasants, foxes. There could be the occasional bear, and wolves were native to the area. Unfortunately, beasts would also be in the area, horned rabbits, armored deer, snow and fire foxes, and lighting wolves would be roaming. That's all that should be in the area but... well life is rarely so predictable.