Sebastian didn't dally, he returned to his villa where most of his family arrived only that morning, the rest would be in the capital in the next two days. Sebastian had spared no expense to have the horses bespelled and carriages enchanted to arrive as soon as humanly possible.
He didn't wait to call a meeting, have all the attendants leave. Everyone was silent as he used two third tier mana crystals to be used as temporary anti spying wards. They also only communicated via writing and burned everything once the conversation was over. Sebastian organized his family into four groups, one for each page. The first group was to start selling off problematic and questionable properties such as rarely used villas or farmland, the second to sell off questionable businesses. The third group would physically go to certain retainers to capture and interrogate. The last group would focus on suppressing rumors and cutting off contact with nobles in the empire.
While Sebastian had been focusing on suppressing information from getting out, after about six weeks rumors were spreading that the duchy was going bankrupt after several quick sales of longtime businesses. The rumors were amplified since not one invitation had been sent, or accepted by the duchy in over a month, there had also been several cooperation's broken with other noble families. The Carlos's, including the married-out daughter and granddaughters also started stopped many correspondences with longtime friends without warning.
Sebastian had stayed firm when questioned by Lucian and Charmaine. Nearly a third of their properties had just been abandoned in what seemed like overnight. By the time the higher nobility had heard the rumors, it was because they were being served breach of contract compensation. Sebastian may have become thinner, but he walked with a firmer step. Even after covert and overt threats Sebastian didn't waver, simply stating he was focusing the Duchy's resources.
Sebastian also had his vassals release rumors about how questionable the quills were. No untrue facts were spread from the source, but personal speculation about the timing... so many highly confidential reports, all being penned by quills with questionable enchantments. One mage even authenticated that his quill was not enchanted to assist in writers' fatigue... but neither he nor any mage could figure out exactly what the enchantment was for.
As questions went unanswered, dark speculation about how the quills relieved light pains and fatigue started to rise naturally. Amin Kraft personally dismantled three quills to confirm that none of the spells, mana, or enchantments were capable of even the most minor of healing.
Leonard hesitated looking at the now... stripped feather quills. "Your majesty, I recall... Crown Prince Alphonse's gift also had questionable healing effects."
Lucian glanced up sharply, "What are you implying Silas?" The Ruby Teer had saved their lives several times. There was no way it was part of some conspiracy.
"No, no your majesty, I was wondering if... the church had a hand in Crown prince Alphonse's death... they may have assisted Queen Bethany in the assassination in return for such knowledge... it was his newest spell after all..." Leonard explained hastily.
Jaxon glanced at the feathers, "I recall... Prince Alphonse favored gold or white feathered quills, they were the only gifts he ever seemed to show public approval for... perhaps there were prototypes."
Amin looked mournfully at the destroyed feathers, "If they found a way to recreate the enchantment... using it now to gain favor makes sense. No doubt they hoped such useful quills would be appreciated among the aristocracies. If it were any other time... Even I would do much to use such a convenient quill." If they could replicate the healing, it would be revolutionary. Imagine similar spells using for armies. If boots enchanted to ease fatigue were used, they could march longer, faster. The minor healing would significantly reduce pressure on mages and healers... All the practical applications... the enchantment didn't even need to be recharged.
Lucian drummed his fingers on the table... "It would make sense Bethany wanted Alphonse dead... see if she's been in contact with the church... or any Smyrnaean nobles. Did you learn what the enchantments on it are for?" Lucian directed the question to Amin, who was more familiar with enchantments, otherwise they would have had Mage Stacie preform the dissection.
Amin shook his head as he started a rough explanation. The rampant rumors were only confirmed at this point... all the enchantments were linked, not unusual if done by the same enchanter.
The real question was, if all these quills were linked... what for and why? The rumor was lent credence since only a handful of priests were given the task before they were auctioned. What made the nobles especially concerned was the same priests enchanting and blessing the quills were the prime suspects still being investigated regarding the dragon summoning.
To have the twenty of the most influential priests, all survivors of the purge to be given such a menial task... did raise questions all their own. In the last month, only the staunchest supporters of the church dared use the quills, and only outside the palace.
Jaxon stared at the feathers, "How many are in circulation?"
Leonard sighed, "We've ordered all quills be turned into his Majesty by days end, so far we've collected over two hundred." If only they could figure out why the Carlos Duchy had started to suspect the quills, then secretly spread rumors... why not announce his suspicions publicly?
Charmaine had once again invited Sebastian to tea, the engagement with her niece had been broken just that morning and she'd been given no reason except that Sebastian's grandson was not a suitable match. The compensation gift had been generous... but her heart was growing more anxious the more she heard about the duchy. Charmaine had been looking for an opening but Sebastian had not visited privately with Ashton in over a month.
The worst part is she couldn't divert her resources to investigate with the tribute banquet preparations so close. Delegations were set to arrive in less than two weeks, and she had to prepare their accommodation in the imperial villas around the capital. Not to mention, the imperial family demanding all the enchanted quills be turned in had only raised more suspicions. Nothing was going right since that boy had shown up. For all she knew... he was in league with the rebels.
"Your Grace, the children are still young, Emma will not even have her debut until the tribute banquet. If she was rude in any way, or her circumstances unfit, I will personally have her make amends and ensure she will be a fine, proper bride." Charmaine continued as Sebastian didn't even touch his tea.
"Your imperial niece has done no such thing, nor has she brought any shame I am aware of. We are unworthy of such graciousness. As the duchy is going through... rough times we dare not claim relations that may inadvertently embarrass the imperial family." Sebastian politely explained. Sebastian had taken these few weeks to step back, and really assess the noble ties. Even if Charmaine had not been actively assisting the rebels... her belief in the church remained unshaken. She had more than once publicly condemned the rumors floating around during her tea parties. Even now, as the emperor demanded the quills be submitted to the palace, she'd made several comments about overreacting. Just last week she had admonished the Carlos Duchy for looking gift horses in the mouth.
Charmaine kept her smile, "Perhaps I can provide assistance, please, our time together has always been pleasant. Surely there is nothing the imperial family and the Carlos duchy cannot handle together." Charmaine looked for even the smallest micro-expression that might give away a hint of the duke's thoughts... the ties of marriage had been negotiated for the last several years. If they were broken so quickly... whatever had swayed the duke could not be in her favor. If they were not already strapped for time, she would have publicly castigated the Carlos Duchy for their rash actions. Charmaine would also demand an explanation... if only Lucian wasn't so dead set against moving against the duchy.
"Unfortunately, the Duchy would be too embarrassed to impose. Perhaps in the future we may yet be joined by marriage, but until the duchy is ready, we do not wish to stain your imperial highness reputation." Sebastian once again declined. Sebastian deliberately didn't glance at the freshly blessed nail guards the empress wore. The latest design from the church. His brother Reinhart had personally attended the auction supposedly donating all proceeds to the education of orphans and the crippled housed in the churches throughout the nation.
"If you are in need of funds, we will offer you a more favorable rate than any imperial bank." Charmaine offered glancing at Sebastian's tea pointedly, to refuse her refreshment meant one of three things. The duke believed she was trying to poison him, the duke was expressing his blatant disapproval of her actions as the empress, or he was too scared to partake... perhaps even a mixture of the three.
"The Duchy has no outstanding debts but will remember your kind intentions." Sebastian declined pretending to not see the pointed glance. He also firmly kept both hands on his cane as he sat father back than was proper, but the imperial family wasn't ready to challenge him just yet. This marriage was meant to express the duchy's loyalty to the crown, but also ensure the duchy kept their autonomy for at least another generation.
"Perhaps the imperial family could endorse the duchy's shops, I heard your long-time personal tailer has moved to the Hammer territory." Charmaine added as she continued analyzing Sebastian's every micro expression. She had tried to poach the tailor, but Duchess Hammer had offered nearly six times what the Carlos Duchy had been paying.
"The duchy will miss master tailer Mcalpine, perhaps in the future we will open a different tailor shop." Sebastian made sure to keep his smile and rebuttals impermeable. While it took almost an hour, eventually Charmaine dismissed him. Sebastian returned to the duchy to hear the latest updates.
Sebastian called a meeting for everyone, they had all returned to the capital to prepare for the tribute banquet. The room was solemn, as well as relieved since the most important items had been taken care of. Now... the aftermath and paying compensations were wrapping up, hopefully everything would be over before the tribute began. Sebastian looked from his younger brother to his grandchildren. For a moment he simply enjoyed the love he felt for his family, his heart swelling with pride.
Sebastian held his brother's shoulder, Reinhart Carlos was no spring chicken at 50, his wife Lina was 49. Their daughter Marisela was already 29, her husband Landon was 30 with lives of their own yet they had come without knowing anything. Their son Arnold who was only 13 had been helping check ledgers since his arrival.
Sebastian's eldest son and heir Dale along with his wife Emma were both 35. Both were in charge of much of the duchy while Sebastian was usually in the capital. Their children Calix already 18, Joseph 16, and Adrian 14. Three handsome young men who took after their parents, not one of them had complained when all three of their engagements were canceled, Calix had even had tea thrown in his face. Though it was Joseph who was having the hardest time since his engagement was just broken with the empress's niece. While Dale had been in charge of breaking contracts, his wife and children had been making sure appropriate compensations were delivered, often in person to show their sincerity.
Sebastian's second son Amador was 34, his wife Lynn was 33. Their twin daughters Melrose and Cynthia were 17 and took after her beauty. The whole family had been strictly making sure any rumors were dismissed and had been kept under wraps for so long.
Sebastian's youngest son Douglas was already 32, his wife Trina was running their household. Their children Roxanne was 15, and Jaden was already 12. Trina might be smaller than even her son but her temper often had her butting heads with Sebastian concerning expanding their businesses. She's been upset but had jumped on selling and dismissing shops as soon as they were told the gravity of the situation.
"You've all been amazing, I cannot even express my pride for the Carlos family. Tomorrow we will all rest." Sebastian announced which brought relieved sighs all around.
Trina leaned over the table to make sure her father-in-law could see her, "Father, when do we get to meet this Lord Reece?" She asked having to raise her voice a bit.
Sebastian sighed, Trina was so damn persistent... but then again if she hadn't been so adamant she would have never been able to marry into the duchy as a merchant's daughter. Her father, even knowing nothing, had been instrumental with how swiftly they had been able to sell businesses with almost all their personnel. "I will bring the matter up to Lord Reece the day after tomorrow." He finally promised.
Trina couldn't stop a grin from stretching over her whole face as she winked at her daughter. Roxanne blushed, kicking her mother under the table. "At least pretend you attended etiquette lessons when you meet him." Trina teased earning her another scowl.
Reinhart looked up, "Perhaps a family outing where we meet coincidentally? Rumors are that Lord Reece is rather averse to getting invitations, nor has he left the palace since the hunt." He offered, they were desperately trying not to bring attention to themselves after all.
"After court today Lord Reece announced he would pick a few venues to look around starting tomorrow. So running to him outside the palace may have already been part of his plans. If you see him out and about, treat him with the utmost respect. Also carry around mana cores just in case." Sebastian reminded looking at the girls, if Ashton were to find a wife... well Sebastian would not oppose such unions.
Calix looked to his father before speaking, "Is there anything else? I know the bards and announcements are singing his praise... but is there anything that stands out? Other than his feathered mask?"
Sebastian gave a wry smile, "Lord Ashton Reece will not be able to walk down a single street without drawing your eye, his as charismatic as a crown prince should be. If someone told me he was Fae royalty, I would believe it. He is... quite the enigma though." Sebastian admitted thinking over their interactions.
"What does he like?" The twins Cynthia and Melrose asked at the same time.
Sebastian rubbed his beard, "Hmm, he likes tea... and I do believe he is partial to children. Of course, he's still a child himself; but he sometimes seems as if he's a king with many decades of experience and wisdom. He doesn't like being lied to... so even if it's a bad truth, be as honest as possible." He really... wasn't sure.
Everyone sat silently as they pondered the descriptions, it was hard to imagine. They decided to wander outside as a family tomorrow and visit their remaining tailor shop to see how their banquet clothes were coming.