Ashton spent the day napping while the golems happily continued to dismantle the dragon corpse, the meat had been frozen, the intestines cleaned then placed in a box that would keep them fresh. Tendons were separated and being cleaned. Dragon tendon would be an excellent material for bows or the likes.
While his body as Ashton had not actually suffered the injury, the pain had been rather consistent. Luckily having a golem that's sole purpose to absorb mana he was able to recover quicker than planned, even when he'd been considering the dragon blood. Ashton lay in bed passively absorbing the refined mana, while he had been seven tenths healed when he left Palmer town, then almost eight tenths after breaking into the fifth tier, the sheer concentration of mana he'd used had collapsed two of his channels and had him backtracking for the first time. He figured he was just over half seven tenths healed, so not too bad, but still discouraging. The night before he had forcibly corrected the new breaks which had left him aching all over.
Ashton was slowly forcing his mana circulation back on track, but the old wounds had already healed crooked. So like a bone, he had to break the circulation, realign this channels, then let them heal. The fresh breaks were sharp stabs rather than dull throbs. Ashton took another deep breath, before forcing two smaller older crooked channels to break. Sweat was pouring down his face and back as Ashton couldn't even curl up from the pain.
After what felt like an eternity but was probably only half an hour Ashton's body was able to relax as the golems sent mana to help smooth out and coat his channels.
Before he would manage about one break a month or so, that was his mana could passively chisel at the crooked parts and the breaks were much easier to manage.
Now that Ashton was in the capital... he was debating forcing a full heal. It would leave him temporarily defenseless outside of his golems, but then he could skip the six tier and enter the seventh again. Unfortunately, the quick heal would take up a lot of this body's vitality. Talk about a no win situation.
A month or so of weakness, or a slow steady healing... Ashton took a deep breath, there had been over two hundred damaged channels when he'd first started. He had less than forty left. If he flooded his channels with mana like he'd done to reach the fifth tier, the ascension forcibly aligned his mana channels but the two hours had felt almost as bad as his initial stabbing. While it had later healed 17 of the least egregious crooked channels... the pain was almost not worth it.
Of course, he couldn't make the golems until he reached the fifth tier, so now he was in a better position to protect himself.
"Ash, you're just delaying the inevitable. Better to get it done once and for all. Once it's over... it's over. Procrastination only leaves more openings," Ashton muttered to himself. He really should use the mana from the dragon to force a breakthrough. Ashton rolled just enough to get out of his own pool of sweat.
There was much to prepare, many people had to come together before he ascended. Ashton lifted his hand, reaching for the sun. Before he could return... he had to take the necessary baby steps. First his ember, then his Beloved. Of course, Ru would no doubt be there every step of the way.
Ashton closed his eyes as he curled up, baby steps. How to entice his Ember to return to his side...
During the tribute banquet, he swore he would force himself to endure. If the Ember arrived many options would become available to him even if he remained in the empire... "if, if is good."
After 6 consecutive breaks he was a little better than when he'd started his battle, in a few hours he'd be just over eight tenths healed. Ashton didn't bother to get up, he flopped onto his front then passed out.
Ashton woke up to something poking his cheek. He opened one eye to see a golem the size of his hand poking him again while holding some bread. Ashton struggled to force himself up. The sweat had dried, he accepted the bread, "Thanks Tou." Ashton murmured taking a bite. Ashton didn't bother calling for a maid, so his golems changed the bedding and started a near boiling bath to soothe his aches.
Ashton grimaced as he settled in the water. It was little wonder he'd always disliked fully submerging himself... birds were meant for the sky... not the sea. The near boiling water would cook most humans in minutes. As Ashton lay in the shallow water the golems threw crushed mana crystals, herbs, dragon blood, and more. The idea that his body was being stewed became more reality as items floated around him.
Court would be starting in about an hour, so he endured the water as he slowly ate bread, cheese, and some fruits his golems had acquired. All too soon there was a knock on his door. Wordlessly the golems sank into the floor.
While Ashton didn't sleep, he laid out lazily while he continued to snack on pastries. A very diligent maid also ensured his teacup was filled promptly just the way he'd liked it. He felt like a nice piece of bread as they buttered him up.
As court ended Sebastian watched as Ashton made a visible effort to sit up, his lips quirked. "Are you in need of assistance Lord Reece?" he asked half in concern, the other half suspicious jest.
Ashton managed to sit up enough to drape himself over a pillow and hang on the raised side, "No no, I think I slept too much... or perhaps not enough." Ashton informed pretending to be serious.
Sebastian snorted in an attempt to hide his laughter, "If you are in need of a nap, I did have other errands to run after a short meeting with the others. I'm sure another day will be just as good as today." He offered not sure if Ashton was pretending to be weak... or actually suffering from the battle.
Ashton waved the idea away, "Today is a good day, I'm just enjoying the little free time I will have for the foreseeable future." Ashton added in a sigh as he pulled the pillow out so he could sit up straight. With another sigh he stood up and stretched resulting in audible cracks. Ashton then sat at the far end of the table, "Ah, a day for many decisions." Ashton lamented as he laid the pillow on the table so he could slouch forward as Charmaine was escorted in.
Leonard stared at how... lackadaisical Ashton was being, "Decisions?" He asked as Ashton rested his elbow on the pillow with his cheek in his hand.
"Ah yes, decisions one what you actually want from me, how you will explain my existence here in the palace, whether I help with your pesky rebels, or assist in helping you discover the murder. All the decisions should be made today, so we all know and can coexist in peace." Ashton informed counting off on his fingers. Ashton didn't bother to address the growing tension, "Having focus would be good."
Jaxon's tension was palpable, "Before we begin, I wanted to express my genuine apology, I did not mean to use the public opinion or try to pressure you into anything. I meant to pave a road of respect, or adoration." Jaxon explained pulled out a mahogany box opening the lid. Inside were half a dozen fourth tier mana stones, a dozen third tier mana crystals, and three bank notes for denominations of 1,000 gold each.
Ashton barely glanced over the contents, "I would rather not, being left out of such... cabals would probably be best for an outsider." Ashton reminded dispassionately, "So, which will the priority be prior to the tribute banquet? Rebel round ups, or murder investigations?"
Jaxon's face went from white to green. This was no small sum; a thousand gold was more than enough for the annual budget for his capital villa.
Lucian looked Ashton up and down, while he continued to wear that mask, he... didn't seem injured. "Why must We choose?" he asked ignoring Jaxon.
Ashton gave a polite smile, "Your majesty, my choices are consistently being taken. Seems only fair I return the favor, at least I will allow you to choose."
"Which do you believe would be most appropriate to focus on lord Reece?" Sebastian asked without much surprise. It was fairly obvious Ashton wanted them to shift their attention from the rebels since they had been dealt such a significant blow. If they continued to pursue the few leads left, no doubt the rebel faction would be wiped out, cementing Ashton's image as an imperial supporter.
Ashton gave a beaming smile, "Personally I prefer your efforts to focus creating a charm or ward that would help find the proof of Alphonse's death. Since at least one of the culprits will be arriving to the tribute banquet, it would be a shame to pass over such an opportunity."
Charles's bit back a retort, "I fail to see how a murder of a decade past could possibly be more important than rebels who just summoned a dragon? Or where 600 bodies have been tucked away without noticed." Charles reminded in disbelief as the others looked ready to agree.
Ashton continued to beam, "Finding the murder was the contract I made with Lucian before I arrived in the capital anyway, the rebels were just a growing thorn that would have made it harder for anyone to focus. But now that they are all hiding away after such a show of force, I think there's enough time to refocus, at least until our contract ends."
Lucian glanced around the room, "You're saying the rebels will need at least a year to recover enough to be a threat?"
Ashton raised a brow, "I'm saying our contract will end before I would need to ... help remove obstacles in your focus."
"What about our contract Lord Reece?" Charmaine with a polite smile as she sipped on fresh tea.
"The same, I intend to leave the palace after my contract with Lucian, that would of course bring an end to our contract as well Empress." Ashton reminded; Charles was trying to perceive any veiled implications.
"Is there a way for his majesty to break the contract, freeing you from the set time?" Charles asked suspiciously. Ashton seemed... oddly confident of his timeline.
"The contract is heavily in Lucian's favor, but it is possible." Ashton informed with a yawn. Ashton decided secrets weren't worth keeping about the oath, otherwise they might continue to focus on the rebels which would delay his departure. As of this morning... several nobles had stopped personal and public outings. There were even a few tea parties, poem recitals, and book reeding clubs that decided to cease meeting until the truth of the dragon summoning came to light.
Sebastian red between the lines but kept silent. He assumed everyone understood, even if the rebels wiped out the entire empire with a similar spell... it wouldn't matter because Lucian could not fulfill his part of the contract. "Can I change my line of questioning? Still yes or no answers but... a different subject."
Ashton tilted his head back and forth, "Yes, and I will accept the same price, but as compensation will allow two questions if they are unrelated to the coordinator or rebels."
Sebastian tensed, so he could ask about the rebels, which would only benefit himself and the Carlos duchy... besides he had no interest in a man long dead. "Will your contract end when his Majesty has proof against Prince Alphonse's murder?"
Ashton let out a long sigh, "Unfortunately no. Even if Lucian discovered the truth tomorrow and killed the culprits it would not affect our contract."
Sebastian nodded, "Then I would prefer to continue our barters in a more private setting."
Ashton then turned to the rest, "Now, you have five minutes to decide. Then within the hour to see if you want a separate barter." Ashton informed dropping his smile. Ashton didn't let his gaze linger on Randal... but it would be interesting to see what the reestablished duke decided... caution or carelessness.
Lucian drummed his fingers on the table, the tribute was less than three months away. May 16th was the Founder's Day of the empire, so of course any vassals would stay after paying tribute to attend. Most tribute delegations would arrive starting the 10th of April, all the way until the Founders banquet where the empire usually reestablished treaties and accepted requests form vassal nations.
Typically, the less powerful would come later since they could not usually afford to stay in the capital for a extended periods of time. The larger nations, more valued vassals and nations Smyrna regularly cooperated with had established places to stay leaving only inns and such for weaker nations and tribes. Some delegations would camp right outside the capital and only enter for the market, offer tribute, and for the Founder's Day greeting; not even staying for the official banquet.
Since it was already February, to have a focus would be best. Then again, to have murdered Alphonse in his own palace... they had to be not only incredible powerful, but exceptionally resourceful. So, they really only had two months to finish creating a brand-new ward or charm, Lucian glanced around the room as the rest thought about the options before them.
Leonard felt as if he were being let into a trap, but really... what choice did they have? "How do you know one of the culprits will be at the tribute banquet?"
Ashton only glanced over the room, "You'll have to barter for the information, and after my last few generous barters... I have felt rather taken advantage of. So, decide now, barters after."
"We will focus on finding the proof, and the murders." Lucian announced, Ashton finally perked up as he sat up, "Name your price to answer the question."
"The answers will be yes or no like Lord Carlos's, the same price and increase after each question. Hmm, I will allow two questions every three days, but only pertaining to guidance with the creation of the ward, finding of the journal, or identifying one of the murders." Ashton informed once again by counting on his fingers.
"Does our price start at a third and fifth tier, or only the third tier?" Randal asked, he didn't miss out on how Ashton excluded how the information was obtained from what they could ask about. Then again... would anything good come of his majesty's obsession... it had been almost 15 years.
Ashton tilted his head from side to side, "Baring any other... misfortunate understandings the price will start at a single third tier. But I reserve the right to increase the price at any time or cancel the barter altogether."
"Do we have to ask both questions at the same time?" Jaxon asked trying to prove his usefulness since Lucian had not once looked at him the entire morning. Jaxon couldn't remember the last time Lucian had been so... angry with him. Considering they had nearly wiped out the imperial bloodline, had been as close as brothers... the sudden estrangement had not gone unnoticed.
Ashton glanced over Jaxon, "No." Ashton heard the unease in Jaxon's voice, even if nothing looked amiss. Ashton wasn't going to help repair their relationships at the expense of his choices, this would hopefully be lesson enough.
"Can we pre-buy questions? So we stock up on a month's worth of questions and use them during the tribute banquet?" Jaxon asked seeing the potential. Even if they found the murderers, if there were left over questions they could focus on what the rebels had been doing. There might also be other uses, two months could buy around 40 answers... about nearly anything.
"No, a max of two questions every 72 hours. Though you can pick when during the 72 hours you'd like to ask." Ashton offered with a polite smile. It would seem Jaxon was still looking to take any advantage possible.
Jaxon was a little disappointed but nodded thinking about the logistics, this was still useful. While Jaxon had wanted to try rule trapping Ashton... he didn't want to create any other misunderstandings or do anything that might further alienate Ashton at this time. Otherwise, he would have never been so specific in his example.
After a long silence Leonard leaned forward, after everyone looked over, "Is there anything we can do to make amends?"
Ashton looked over the group again, "The best outcome would be for us to part ways," Ashton informed, when the group, especially Lucian and Charmaine tensed, he gave a wry snort, "Of course, I doubt everyone would be so magnanimous. So no, better to keep our relationships... professional."
Charmaine didn't let her countenance waver as she sipped her tea, "Would you be willing to extend our contract, or renegotiate the term?" While she was sure Lucian wouldn't deliberately break the contract... since she didn't know the exact terms it would be better to get a set date.
Ashton met Charmaine's polite smile with one of his own, "Not at this time, besides Prince Serafin does not seem very fond of me or my helpers." At first prince Serafin would try to coax Tou or the others out, yesterday he'd been screaming at the walls demanding their presence... not even a week had passed since they'd saved his life.
Charmaine kept her smile as she put her tea down. "I see, if there is anything Serafin can do to make your helper more comfortable please let us know. Or if there is a preference of food." Charmaine added glancing at Jaxon's mana stones.
Ashton kept his smile, but his tone cooled considerably, "That will not be necessary, ever." While the golems were still adapting to their new bodies, they were intelligent. Ashton had not neglected their learning, even as they languished in his previous nest, they had access to all his memories. As individuals they may only be comparable to toddlers, but even toddlers could sense malice. Not to mention, even parrots could mimic what they heard. After days of listening, none of imperials had been charitable with their thoughts. Not even after one of the golems had saved Natasha from falling from her nanny's horse on their rushed return to the capital.
Charles stilled, then met Ashton's frosty gaze. A shiver ran down his spine, "Can you... perhaps see everything they do?" Charles asked with a straight face, but under the table his fist was clenched. It would seem these helpers were more for surveillance rather than protection.
"They can speak Lord Luthiger." Ashton informed keeping his smile.
Jaxon tensed, "Are they how you've been getting so much information?"
Ashton didn't bother to hide his sneer, "You have more important concerns, your grace."
Jaxon felt like he'd been slapped, he also wasn't sure exactly what Ashton was referring to. He took a deep breath and just nodded. Coaxing, they had to coax information from Ashton, Jaxon took a deep breath.
Ashton turned to the group, "Now ask your questions before I leave." He knew he was being unreasonable, but he was still exhausted and wanted to sleep before the real chaos descended. Ashton's body felt like pooling meat trying to slide off his bones... had he not given them only five minutes?
Leonard wasn't sure exactly what had offended Ashton so abruptly, but he was clearly done entertaining them. "Will the journal also come to the capital?" Leonard asked, there was no point in rushing the ward if the journal wouldn't be here.
"Yes."
Lucian stopped the next question, "Will the journal be in the capital during this year's tribute banquet?"
Ashton gave Lucian an appreciative smile as he tilted his head. "A trade then." Ashton didn't answer, perhaps a short delay would yield a greater reward. "As of now, no. But I will give you something to put in the next correspondence to five people. If only the recipients receive them untampered, the journal will also arrive in time for the tribute banquet this year."
Lucian drummed his fingers on the table, "In return?" he asked.
Ashton gave a ruthless smile, "All the guards, attendants, and servants, will be removed from the Eastern Palace, there will be a kill on sight order for anyone who enters without my permission." The tingling along Ashton's spine was becoming numb... and his left leg was starting to throb with each beat of his heart.
Everyone tensed, Lucian thought about how that would even work. "Food deliveries and servants who invite you to court?"
"I'll have my own attendants. They will be more than capable of such tasks." Ashton informed curtly. Everyone was already aware his attendants weren't human; this would give him more leeway outside of the daily court meetings. Just a few more moments, then he could leave.
"Will there be anything dangerous in the correspondence?" Sebastian asked pretending to be interested, of course everyone was thinking it, but no one dared ask. As much as Sebastian understood Lord Reece's rancor... endangering the monarch was not a risk he would take... at this time. Sebastian glanced over the nobles and imperials at the table... his assessment may yet change.
Ashton raised a brow, "While I intended to say that would be a gamble, no. The recipients will only see a single sentence. If anyone else sees it prior it will disappear. Before you send the correspondence out for the tribute simply send them to me, I will place the items and seal the letters myself." Ashton informed, he did appreciate Sebastian's quick wit, but the throbbing was now extending up and down his thigh. Ashton just wanted to curl up somewhere warm to endure.
Lucian shared a look with Charmaine, Charles, his dukes, and Leonard, slowly they all nodded. "Agreed."
"Perfect, everyone and anything without my permission is to be removed within the hour. There should also probably be an announcement made since we will not be giving warnings. Now I am off, Your Grace, did you wish to join me for a cup of tea?" Ashton asked using the table to stand up, his core muscles trembled from the strain. He'd managed to conceal his effort, but between his left leg and the rest of his body still tingling all over from the night prior, standing was more than just a physical effort. It was a test of his endurance.
Sebastian stood as well, "I think that would be lovely, your majesties, I will return soon. My attendant will be here shortly with information and reports." While leaving without being dismissed was rude... Sebastian wasn't particularly worried. In the grand scheme of the empire, he had lived a long, satisfying life.