Lucian, Jaxon, Leonard, Randal, and Devlin were all in a meeting going over testimonies to find discrepancies and similarities so they could focus on finding patterns. With patterns they could start looking for any other hidden rebels.
Leonard looked up from the reports, "I'm surprised Lord Carlos is not here, as well as how... simple Lord Reece's testimony is."
Lucian looked up from the piles, "We will question him when he returns," Lucian was sighing as the couriers continued to bring more reports.
Jaxon glanced up, "I wonder if Lord Carlos will be asking his question about the rebel coordinator here in the palace, or at his villa?" Everyone tensed, though surely they had all been wondering the same. As much as Jaxon wished he could order Sebastian to return... they were of equal rank. Only Lucian could order the duke's return, though he should not do so lightly.
Lucian finally put the papers he was reding down, while he wanted to be present for such questions, Sebastian had made his displeasure fairly obvious yesterday.
"Lord Carlos has always been rather rigid in the strangest ways, but his loyalty has never been in question. His displeasure was from our clear double standards regarding asking Lord Reece for information yet doubting everything he said. We need to make sure we treat Lord Reece with the respect he is long overdue." Leonard analyzed once again reding over the single page report from Ashton's questioning.
"Or he's buttering the boy up," Randal commented under his breath. Randal did not believe for one moment a duke would be so flippant with their questioning without reason. Randal was also hesitant to barter with so much unknown about the boy... better caution than haste when entering a contact. For now he had doubled his efforts to learn about the boy's past... and how he came the attention of Leonard.
Devlin made a showing of looking Randal up and down, "Your Grace, it may be my humble mistake... but I'm starting to wonder if the grapes are sour... or you need to cast doubt on Lord Reece for... more personal reasons." Devlin was getting tired of all of Randal's snide comments casting doubt on Ashton, but more importantly Jaxon.
Randal glared at Devlin, "I think if anyone would be under suspicion, how close Carlos and Ashton have gotten would be raising the alarm after Carlos's nephew was used as a mule for the rebels. Or that Jaxon's uncle, who was publicly beheaded over two years ago was very much alive until yesterday. Yet both are now championing this upstart. I'm starting to believe whoever invited Lord Reece might actually be the one in league with the rebels." Randal sneered glancing at Leonard. Randal was really starting to think that boy was bewitching everyone he encountered. The longer one spent in the boy's company, the more they blindly defended him... he should ask his wife for a ward against such enchantments and charms.
Lucian banged his fist on the table, "We very much doubt We would make such elaborate schemes to kill Our own heir." Lucian growled; the constant criticisms were getting on his nerves. If the duke could not contribute something helpful, best he cower in the corner like usual.
Randal was immediately silent, while he didn't show it, his anger almost had him lashing out at the emperor. What they should do is imprison the boy in dragon dungeon, that would keep him from wielding mana. Then, they should demand answers, but of course the emperor and his cronies weren't willing to make the tough choices when needed. No, Lucian would only bully the weak or overwhelm his enemies with numbers.
"Your Grace, please don't crumble the reports," Leonard reminded helpfully, Randal glared at him again. Leonard kept the smile, but let his eyes show his displeasure. Randal was snapping at everyone like a mad dog, maybe that was reason enough to investigate.
Randal dropped the papers, take a deep breath to forcibly calm himself, "Perhaps I need a moment to compose myself, clearly, I am more distraught over yesterday's incident than I believed. Please excuse me," Randal said forcing his voice to remain even. Lucian waved him away so he left the room to take a calming walk.
Leonard watched Randal's unexpected outburst, after Randal left the room Leonard shared a glance with everyone, "Perhaps... we should all be investigated. We may not be aware of what everyone in our house is doing."
Devlin snorted, "Might as well, clearly everyone is suspect seeing how compromised the hunting grounds were. Gotta say, even if the spell to summon that land dragon did only last around 2-3 hours before Winston would have died... a lot of damage could have been done in even half that time. I just don't know how they got their hands on that spell."
Jaxon rubbed his brow, "Perhaps we should focus on the 600 lives used as sacrifice, where are those bodies? The rebels are able to hide and ritualistically sacrifice so many people in such a short time, yet we don't have reports. Our intelligence... I hate to admit, but it's not up to par. We should hire the assassins guild to investigate, feelers among the merchants wouldn't hurt either." Jaxon finally concluded.
Even after sending out three hundred mages to comb the forest, and another five hundred guards. Not one other body had been found. As soon as Winston's body had been removed from the platform, the connection had been cut. Stacie and the others concluded the sacrifice must have happened... in the capital. But where was the question...
Leonard hesitated, "Perhaps we should run the idea by Lord Reece first, in case there is a conflict of interest." Leonard reminded looking around. Leonard had already employed half a dozen men to start investigating the cathedral. That was the only building that could possibly hold so many unnoticed.
Lucian sighed, "Call for a representative, before they arrive inform Lord Reece." They then started to go over reports again making any notes that stood out. Lucian stared at an image of one of the dead... holy sacrificial rites... was that not a contradiction in itself?
After about half an hour Randal returned, their work continued but the tension after being informed they would also be investigated kept them mostly silent.
Morning court was... a disaster. Everyone wanted answers, while it was nice almost everyone agreed finding the rebels was their priority, very few were willing to make more than a token effort of assistance. Surprisingly Sebastian looked refreshed and well rested as he remained silent for most of the session.
"Do you have a different opinion, Lord Carlos?" Jaxon asked raising a brow. Sebastian had turned in three ledgers regarding Harvey Crawford's allowance over the last decade. There was nothing that stood out... but it was something. Jaxon also glanced at Ashton, who was napping on the lounger today, a wonder considering all the yelling going on.
Sebastian glanced up, "Ah, of course I agree, and will contribute resources to help the investigation. The duchy is also willing submit to any inquires." Sebastian agreed nonchalantly, he had done everything within his power to help Harvey, but he would not beg. Sebastian was... mildly concerned with the sleeping youth...
Jaxon frowned, Sebastian almost seemed... disinterested. He glanced between the sleeping Ashton and Sebastian but didn't pursue the matter, "Then let us all send at least three members of our houses to join the investigation squad. Please submit the names in the next three days. After a quick review the final task force participants will be announced by weeks end."
There was a light cough from lower down the table, Count Eunice Leonhardi, the second oldest at the table at 82, grey hair and a frail lanky figure leaned forward. "Perhaps the hero of the empire would have a suggestion?"
Everyone subconsciously turned to look at the sleeping figure, one leg bent and a hand resting on his stomach. An attendant had even placed a small blanket on him, his soft breathing didn't stir.
"Lord Reece appears indisposed; he graciously attends our court at his majesty's request even though he is only a guest in the empire at this time. Surely, we can hold a banquet to express our appreciation at Lord Reece's convenience." Sebastian remarked glancing around the room.
Eunice furrowed his brow, "Lord Reece is clearly a powerful mage, might we employee him to assist?" Eunice had heard the rumors... but how much was to be believed was still to be seen.
Sebastian rested his eyes on Eunice, "You forget yourself Count Leonhardi. Lord Reece is not subject to the laws of the empire, any assistance he provides is a gracious gift. He is not some common thug for hire, or tenant on your land you can bully into compliance. Should I learn you are discourteous to our visiting Reece, I might just skip past any words." Sebastian tapped his cane on the ground once as he glanced over the table and finally staring into Lucian's eyes.
Everyone was silent, the naked threat was not Sebastian's usual style. Jaxon gave a light cough, "Since that is all for today, court is dismissed." As much as Jaxon wanted to force the issue... it would not due to offend Ashton anymore than they already had. The boy clearly preferred coaxing. Then they would coax... for now.
While most of the nobles left, Charmaine was escorted in. She was surprised to see Ashton sleeping on the lounger, she sat down quietly while documents were brought in.
Sebastian stood up drawing everyone's gaze, "I believe Lord Reece is in need of rest, hopefully tomorrow will be a better day to bombard him with questions. I will return to my villa to start gathering names for the investigation team as well as a list of resources I can provide."
"We only have so many opportunities for hints, we can speak until Lord Reece awakens." Jaxon refuted staring Sebastian down.
Sebastian tapped his cane on the floor twice, "Lord Darnings, you seem to have misunderstood. I was not asking your permission. The barter is between Lord Reece and myself. With my sudden workload, I believe it would not be in my best interest to ask something today." Sebastian nodded to the emperor and empress then departed. Even if Ashton was only pretending to sleep, Sebastian was not so tactless.
Leonard sat there stupefied... suddenly a soft chuckle drew everyone's attention as Ashton sat up hugging one leg.
"A pity there are so few. Well, it appears I now have time for a nap back in my room." Ashton informed with a stretch and yawn. He stood up while folding the small blanket. Ashton kept his smile mildly amused, but his body ached all over. Every movement felt as if he had sandpaper and rocks in his joints.
Jaxon stared... Ashton's tone had almost been... as if he was trying to keep from singing... the oddly lyrical tone was so out of place.
Leonard attempted to find anything to keep Ashton here, "Lord Reece, did you not have a favor to ask his majesty?"
Ashton gave a dispassionate glance over the group, "I dare not impose, especially since heroes are supposed to be self-sacrificing, and generous. At least there is a bed provided." Ashton remarked as he set the folded blanket down then walked out.
Jaxon paled visibly as Ashton left, before anyone could say anything he knelt to Lucian, "Please forgive me your majesty, it was not my intention." He immediately apologized, all thoughts of Ashton's former tone gone.
Lucian was glaring down at Jaxon, "What did you do?" he demanded in an angry, but controlled voice as he gripped his armrest. Here they all were, criticizing all his interactions with the youth, but now Jaxon had offended him.
Jaxon didn't raise his head as he spoke, "I only mea-" before he could finish he was cut off.
"What. Did. You. Do?" Lucian repeated. Lucian wasn't in the mood for intentions, he just wanted to know the actions.
"I ordered the rumors of Lord Reece being our benefactor, and that he was a hero who defeated the land dragon." Jaxon admitted as he felt a cold sweat.
Devlin glanced around, "Being a hero and benefactor should only be beneficial to him though, right?" Devlin asked tentatively, but Leonard's expression looked like he'd smelled manure.
Leonard let out a defeated laugh, "ha hahaha, ahhhh," Leonard needed a moment to compose himself as he rubbed his face, "why not just throw ourselves into a pit?" Leonard asked looking around wearily. A hero... what a farce. More like a beaten dog forced to protect his abusers.
Charles hesitated, then also let out a resigned sigh, "Lord Jaxon, surely you had to know Lord Reece would not appreciate being held morally hostage? There had to be more than just rumors to your plan."
Jaxon gave an audible swallow, "I intended for the rumors to inspire respect and awe. I truly did not mean to use it as blackmail, that would be suicide. I planned to steer public opinion to make Ashton a form of reverence so at the tribute banquet we could offer him a suitable Smyrnaean title and land. It would have raised moral and support for the imperial faction after yesterday's disaster while also intimidating the rebels." Jaxon tried to explain in a rush. Jaxon had been so fixated on how to recover from the crippling blow of the imperial family's own wards compromised, and having his uncle appear... Jaxon had completely neglected how greedy courtiers might twist his intentions to their advantage.
Leonard leaned back, while he understood what Jaxon had wanted to do... clearly not all the nobles were on the same page. "We should inform everyone at court, and probably a proclamation of some kind informing the citizens that Lord Reece is only a passing guest. We need to remove any expectations our people may have of him, while also discouraging foreign powers from trying to tempt him away. We also need to keep our original goal, that brought him to the capital, in mind."
"Would the others learning Lord Reece is here to clear his majesty's name be helpful?" Charles asked, Alphonse's death was all but forgotten... very few even cared at this point. If anything, many would see it as a cover up for some other mysterious purpose... and it would be mysterious if a dragon slayer was idling around the capital. Not just any capital... but capital of the most powerful nation that revered dragons.
Devlin sighed while he glanced around, "If we spread rumors of his real reason to be here... that might help disperse the speculations. Then again... nothing we do seem to do is going right."
Lucian stopped glaring at Jaxon to glance around the room, "We will speak on it tomorrow if Ashton is willing. For now, we have other topics to focus on." Then Lucian turned to Jaxon, "Fix it." Then they started going over reports again.
Jaxon kept his head down and re-read everything he did before turning over any of his own reports. That night he distractedly wondered how to fix the situation. Jaxon couldn't think of anything that could appease Ashton except... mana stones and crystals...