Ashton spent two days making sure he knew the layout of the trading market, each delegation would usually have between ten to twenty official members and were allowed three guards per charge. The only exceptions were the legitimate royalty attending, which allowed up to five guards. Typically each delegation would have two or three members of the royal family or high nobility, then a servant or two each, then the diplomates, usually at least two mages of note, and finally two or three religious members.
For the last three years the religious blessings had been entirely skipped, even though more than half the attendees had at least publicly practiced the Lindorm faith. The empire allowed followers to support the church outside the capital, the cathedral rumored to have the remains of the previous emperors had not seen a single visitor walk through the gates in over three years.
Ashton eyed the cathedral with distaste, then turned away dismissively. The empire was already starting to suspect... he fully intended for the truth to be exposed during his stay. Ashton's aversion had increased more than tenfold since his time as Alphonse. Meeting Lucian had not improved his opinion, then again one of the reasons Seibel refused to submit to Smyrna was even Seibel had a vague understanding of what happened in Smyrna. Ashton sighed as he faced away from the looming cathedral with dragon statues. Eventually the ebbing tide would reveal the stones, what a shame that not even a tsunami would be enough to cover them up again.
Ashton mounted his horse as he made his way to the city gate. The guards had already tripled in preparation for the delegation's arrival, not to mention spots for stalls selling welcoming flowers, handkerchiefs, food, and other knickknacks were already being sold. The best spots were closer to where the delegations would branch off for their personal accommodations, and outside the gate to entice visitors to spend their coin while they waited for the palace to send parties to escort the delegations.
After spending half the day checking the stalls Ashton started heading back. There would be little change until the 8th of April which was just over a week away. He'd also bought a stall spot, not particularly close but decent enough to catch attention.
As Ashton approached the palace gates there was an unexpected sight. Three carriages with the holy Lindorm sigil were awaiting entrance.
Ashton didn't stop to see why the church was at the palace, he kept riding past while he listened to the whispers. A rather... unwelcome addition to the banquet this year.
When Charmaine requested his presence for the evening meal Ashton debated. Charles was a devoted follower, consistently provided financial support to the church, it was hard to not read into the situation.
Ashton really should attend, he was still cooperating with the Empress but... the priests were still being persecuted by Lucian. If anyone were to notice he was slowly ascending... just meeting with anyone of note from the church could be taken as aggression against Lucian and the imperial family. And that was best case scenario.
If they decided to try and keep him in the empire... well that would be awkward since he just killed a land dragon. Not the killing of the land dragon, that had always been part of the plan. The awkward part would be refusing to give up the mana core... even dead it had enough mana to prolong their desperate situation for at least a decade.
Ashton sent a reply he would like to know who would be in attendance before he made a commitment. An hour later a list arrived, Lucian, Charmaine, Serafin, Natasha, royal concubine Lasvill, her son prince Wyatt, Pope Bodin, Cardinal Promise, Cardinal Wilbert, Sebastian, Jaxon, and Randal.
Ashton sucked his breath in, while there were four cardinals the older two were mostly retired living in other territories and doing charity work after the purge. Wilbert was for all intents and purposes a paladin at 24 years old. He frequently went off on expeditions to hunt powerful beasts and to cleanse sinners, he was often noticed not for his priestly armor, but his dragon bone sword.
Promise was the only female priest to rise above an archbishop in over forty years. She was supposedly capable of healing men from the brink of death, and even broken two notable curses. Many called her a saintess, she was officially to be given the title on her twentieth birthday in the summer. The greatest mystery was why she always wore a veil with the holy symbol, no one knew what she looked like other than her delicate, beautiful hands which often held a dragon fang when she prayed.
Ashton seriously debated how to respond, there were still three hours before the dinner would start. Any shows of reverence or worship would no doubt be interpreted as mocking when they learned the truth. Nor could Ashton publicly support the Lindorm faith as one soon to ascend... it would be like a winged tiger worshiping a unicorn... it would make no logical sense.
As Ashton, he had to keep him from being invited all while not dishonoring their faith. He sat on the bed debating the best course of action, Lucian was truly vexing him lately.
Charmaine had to read the letter from Ashton thrice before she understood its meaning. Charles was not eligible to attend but he'd been preaching to the children about manners. "Father, look at this." Charmaine called. Both children immediately scurried away.
Charles took the paper and raised a brow at the extremely formal reply.
I, Ashton Reece, agree to attend the dinner hosted by Her Majesty Empress Charmaine Smyrna. Please do forgive my lack of preparedness to meet her esteemed guests of the Lindorm Faith.
As I am only a guest of Smyrna, I will do my best to uphold the honor, and faith of all who practice with such diligence. Unfortunately, I dare not overstep and make personal greetings to such esteemed members of the Faith. Please accept my gratitude for your invitation.
I will arrive promptly, with all due respect. May the Dragon's wisdom lead Smyrna for a thousand years.
A
Charles had to read the missive twice to understand Ashton was only agreeing because Charmaine was acting as host, because his position as Reece was on par with the Duke so missing such a dinner would be considered disrespectful.
"Is Ashton against the Lindorm faith?" Charmaine asked uncertainly, while there were other religions, there were only two others of any significance. But this was dragon country, to worship another ascended would be almost blasphemous.
Charles sighed, "I haven't the faintest clue, I guess we will see why Pope Bodin wished to meet Ashton so quickly." Charles had been hoping this dinner would lead to cooperation from all sides and past grievances could finally be put to rest. If the church could work with the imperial family to punish the rebels, they could possibly find a way for the imperial family to be summoned to all edges of the empire... it would only benefit everyone.
"I'll make sure to note anything down so we can talk after. I must see to the preparations since they are so last minute." Charmaine reminded as she left for the kitchens to personally oversee the preparations. She had been raised very devoutly; it was one of the few topics she could tolerate from Concubine Lasvill who had almost become a priestess.
Since Ashton was to be the guest of honor, he arrived last. Surprisingly two of the creatures announced his formal arrival, then stood behind his chair as he took his seat.
"I do hope I didn't cause you to wait too long, Majesties, highnesses, Graces, and to the Faithful." Ashton formally greeted; he maintained a distant but polite manner as he nodded to the three new faces.
"We have heard much of you Lord Ashton, or do you prefer another title?" Bodin asked while examining Ashton, he also looked over the two beings standing guard. He was mildly surprised Ashton was greeting them as if they were priests of different religions. Bodin examined the signature red feathers, blond hair, blue eyes, ruby teer, and silver mask.
"As you wish Pope Bodin, I have no doubt the rumors have exaggerated me greatly," Ashton met Bodin's benevolent smile with his own polite smile, what a tricky question. If he called himself a lord in front of the Pope it could be disrespectful, even Reece's were not exempt from respecting the faiths.
Bodin made a show of glancing over the two guards, "Well, the rumors of your... guards do not seem to have been exaggerated." There was something... oddly soothing about the duo. From all the rumors he'd been expecting bloodthirsty monsters on tight leashes.
Ashton tilted his head just enough for the feather to bounce, "Ah, well Tou and Hito are not guards your holiness, though such rumors have continued to persist even with my... explanations."
Bodin let his smile fade just a bit as he glanced over the table. Ashton had just accused him of spreading frivolous gossip, which meant either he was deliberately ignoring facts, or too incompetent to find the truth. "My deepest apologies Lord Ashton, I must have misunderstood my chats here in the palace."
"No need your Holiness, despite my efforts I am but a single being. Regardless of my status I cannot quell rumors that even the palace walls cannot block." Ashton explained waving the two golems forward.
Bodin kept his smile but glanced over the table. This boy was blatantly accusing the imperial court of using his name for their agenda without his permission. It would make sense, even Marquis Charles was lamenting that they were unable to move the young lord with coaxing yet dared not coarse him. If the imperial nobles created a wedge, perhaps the church could capitalize and turn it into a chasm.
Hito and Tou bent down on one knee and on hand on the ground, "We answer the call."
"Please allow me to formally introduce the guardians, Hito their leader, and Tou the youngest." Ashton offered.
Bodin accepted the invitation and used his Holy sight to examine the fearsome duo. They both were surrounded by the purest mana he'd ever seen, it was only one step down from being holy power. Bodin heard Promise give a small gasp of shocked awe. "Truly, the rumors did not due you justice Lord Ashton. Please forgive my rudeness, Hito, Tou. Calling you mere guards was indeed a great insult."
The golems nodded, then retreated. "They are not entirely familiar with Smyrnaean customs, or with Lindorm faith. I must admit, I have general knowledge of the faith... but am not a follower." Ashton explained keeping his voice neutral. While the words weren't spoken, he had just admitted to knowing the truth behind the faith... and possibly how the faith kept their followers safe.
Bodin showed an appropriate amount of surprise, "Forgive my assumption Lord Reece, may I ask what faith you do follow? I would be honored to make a formal blessing of friendship of Lindorm during the tribute banquet." Bodin then explained. Blessings of friendship were nuanced to the different faiths. If the young lord wanted to try and expose the darker side of the faiths... it would take far more than a few words.
Ashton returned with an appropriately awkward smile, "Please, considering the rumors such assumptions are expected. Think nothing of it, I merely wanted to clear up any misunderstandings before offence was given."
Bodin didn't miss that Ashton didn't announce his faith. Nor did he agree to a blessing. Bodin continued to smile as the silence grew uncomfortable, but he would appear ignorant if he asked again.
Charmaine rang a small bell beside her cup to call the servants, not even a full moment passed before dozens of servants swiftly placed food around the table. Each was on a plate that would maintain its heat, keeping the food fresh for three hours.
Ashton didn't wait for Lucian or Bodin to start eating as he sipped his poor excuse for wine. The action did not go unnoticed either. Ashton kept his smile polite, but added a hint of authority as he picked up his fork and took the first bite of the meal.
Sebastian was surprised by the show of force, since the table was round there wasn't really a head seat, but for Ashton to take the initiative not once, but twice. Bodin and Lucian raised their cups at the same time taking a sip, but their eyes didn't leave Ashton who ate as if his actions were perfectly natural.
"Master Ashton, have you found a place to call home?" Wilbert asked starting the conversation, he had been watching the much younger man and something wasn't adding up. Guardians were titles for the faithful, if Ashton was a religious leader it would make sense for him to have guardians, but to not admit faith was... unusual.
Ashton stopped eating to meet Wilbert's grey blue eyes, "Paladin Wilbert, while Pope Bodin, and even Emperor Lucian may speak to me as equals. You have yet to earn such curtsey." Ashton informed as if he were speaking to a lesser.
Wilbert's eyes narrowed, but he bowed his head, "Please forgive my disrespect Lord Reece, might I ask where you call home?"
Ashton placed his fork down picking up his towel. "Your Holiness, your paladin is about to learn the difference between his station, and a guardian." He made a showing of wiping his mouth clean as he turned his gaze to Bodin.
Bodin saw the flash of... divinity in Ashton's gaze and was almost too shocked to speak. Bodin immediately stood and gave the formal bow of a priest to someone of a higher station, "Please excuse our rudeness, we do not dare." Neither Promise nor Wilbert had seen anything but they also stood bowing.
Ashton placed his napkin down, "Be grateful I am magnanimous, but the insult will not be overlooked thrice. Now sit, as I am not yet fully matured I would like to enjoy my meal." Ashton didn't bother looking at the priests as he picked his fork back up and started to eat. At least the empress had paid attention to minor details as he was the only one served a buttered fish. The rest were all eating lamb or beef.
Jaxon and Charmaine shared a look, they had attended masses together as children. Even as a future Pope Bodin had always been well respected, only the previous Pope and now deceased Oracle had ever received such bows.
Ashton glanced over the rest of the table, then tilted his head to the side, "If no one wants to eat, I will return to finish my meal." The meal started up again while the priests looked both excited, yet subdued while they ate.
Charmaine decided to talk about the venue for welcoming the tribute delegations. While Bodin nodded along Promise kept up most of the dialog. Wilbert made sure to keep his gaze respectful as he kept glancing over Ashton.