Ashton let a guard accompany him, first he didn't know the area and no need to take the full mile they had extended to him. He spent the first two hours visiting the most popular stalls, then saw a parade passing though. When he sat to watch a play of the empire, he informed the guard he'd be here until the play ended if the guard wanted to go his own way.
While the guard hesitated, he asked one of the local guards keeping the peace to inform him if Ashton left, then decided to kill some time elsewhere. He'd been ordered to only make a note of when, where and how long Ashton was alone, not to follow or investigate.
Ashton made sure to create two illusions using the quartz, one would be a golem with his appearance to watch and record the play, the second so no one would notice his temporary absence. He had an hour to return to the mana stone shop where he sold over one hundred quartz enchantments so he could buy seven 4th tier mana stones. He rushed back and took his place again as he finished watching the play.
After the play the guard led Ashton around more popular tourists' spots when Ashton seemed to show interest in the carving of enchantments by a third-tier mage. The guard sat and watched but was bored out of his mind as Ashton seemed extremely curious. Ashton used his golem to once again take his place as he went off to rent a room for some privacy.
Ashton took a deep breath as he glanced at the mana stones, not as effective as mana crystals but quantity would make up for the quality. Mana stones were gems, typically cheaper gems like quartz, that were artificially infused with mana. While mana crystals were created when natural mana deposits gathered.
Ashton had bought fourth-tier mana stones, expensive, but not an unusual buy. Ashton set up sound dispersal wards, and seals around the room then sat on the bed as he closed his eyes. This... this was going to be a long two hours...
Ashton had underestimated how much time it would take for him to recover. He was barely walking faster than a hobble as he made his way back to the third-tier mage's stall. Ashton felt like he'd ripped his muscles out, then tried to put them back blindfolded. He'd used more than twenty of his premade quartz to clean himself up to look slightly better than death. While he was still pale, the firelight made it hard to see his complexion. As the mage wrapped his lesson up Ashton stumbled as he stood up.
They sat for over three hours until the market was over then took the carriage back. Ashton had been clearly exhausted from the night out, barely able to keep his eyes open as a maid led him to his room. The guard was tested for any mage influence then gave a full report to Devlin, Leonard, and Lucian.
Leonard tapped his fingers, the only suspicious points were the play, but Ashton had shown interest in such entertainment for years; then when he watched the carving of enchantments. For now, they didn't question it, but they would pay attention in the future.
Devlin had also sent a message via the imperial mage relay. Lucian had ordered Jaxon to prepare all the reports of their time in Seibel, as well as informing Jaxon about the subtle accusation from Alphonse's possible child.
Duke Darning had expressed his understanding and swore to cooperate in any investigation upon their return. Now... they just had to negotiate Ashton's attitude in the capital.
When Ashton arrived, he gave a formal bao, "Good afternoon my lord, how can I be of service?" He asked, he was rather surprised no one else was here.
"I thought this would go better alone young master Ashton, his majesty and the others agreed to defer to my judgement. Please join me for some tea." Leonard explained pouring the lemon tea but only adding half the honey as last time.
Ashton sat accepting the tea, "Then let us not speak in riddles. How will I be introduced?" Ashton was in a relatively good mood after managing to break into the fifth-tier last night, even the painful spasms he felt reminded him he was getting stronger. He could now start making real preparations for his escape. He'd have to be careful of the dozens of mages his majesty nobles employed, but unless several dozen all jumped him with the resolution to die, he'd be able fool even the craftiest fox.
Leonard decided to capitalize on Ashton's obvious delight, "An honored advisor who I am introducing to his majesty as well as quite enthusiastic about, there will also be rumors of your noble linage though nothing concrete."
Ashton sipped the tea, it was almost as good as his memory, "How will I introduce myself, and how do you intend to confirm the reliability of my information about Alphonse?' He asked with an almost genuine smile. Let the dogs fight earlier, he'd be gone when things went south.
"Do you have the journal or know where it's at now?" Leonard asked raising a brow.
"I can give you information on finding it, but I doubt you'll trust anything I just hand to you. I will provide clues so you can find it and confirm the truth. Or if you could try and make the owners bring it themselves but that might be harder." Ashton offered casually. He'd put permanent enchantments to make sure his journal stayed safe, clearly a habit. Ashton stared at his tea, yes, a habit of more than just one lifetime.
Leonard didn't push, it only made sense they would want to find it themselves since it could prove how Alphonse died. "Your official title with be royal advisor Ashton of Reece." Leonard explained while pulling an official document out for Ashton to view. He red it over quickly with a simple nodded.
A Reece was a special title that transcended that of even noble titles and was respected though several countries. He would be the equivalent of a traveling landless duke in any civilized monarchy. Two nations including the Empire offered special amenities for any who stayed within their borders for prolonged periods of times. While the drawbacks meant he'd given up any rights of inheritance of his bloodline, he could still request aid on their behalf. His title would also ensure any offspring would be granted at least the title of a count in whatever country he settled in. Typically, no less than three countries' monarchs had to sign off on such a title, of course Smyrna had insisted they could name their own Reece as well as give them special privileges.
"Since I'll be a Reece I won't have to abide by the regular social etiquette, that means I can technically call even his majesty by name, I'm sure even his majesty hesitated to give such a grand title. What will you do if I suddenly use the title to leave the country?" Ashton teased rolling the scroll to slip into its enchanted carrier.
Leonard's smile stiffened, "Duke Darnings and I would be in quite the pickle, this will also allow you to decline or host any social gatherings you see fit."
Ashton eyed Leonard, Duke Darnings had been part of the delegation when he'd murdered... had Leonard jumped to conclusions about his death? Well, it benefited him when there was so little to appreciate. He debated saying something... but waiting until he saw Jaxon again would only help his own standing. "I see, and if I had ties to Seibel this would be a declaration of independence of even the royal family."
Leonard smiled, "That's true, if you had any such ties. Of course, then you could also use our military to... reclaim such titles."
"A pity I didn't prepare any suitable garments for my new title, much speculation will be had while any eccentric habits will be written off for the most part." Ashton mused aloud, even if he just acted as a traveling bard no one would dare dismiss him... they had truly gone all out. Unfortunately, he would also be expected to perform as an advisor, as well as to have an official ceremony. For now, it was a temporary fix.
"You will also be provided garments when we arrive in the capital. Along with 300 personal guards for your own use." Leonard explained pulling out another document, "Here are a list of 1,000 of his majesty's capital guards, names, ages, accomplishments. You will be allowed to pick your 300, 30 may be mages."
Ashton leaned back, "Now this is far too good to be true, besides what use will I have for guards when I return to being a farmer. I don't even have the funds to house myself, yet I am to suddenly acquire the capital to house or feed 300. Nor do I have the funds for their salary or training." he reminded with his signature smile.
"His majesty has allocated a separate budget for them, they will also be informed should anything happen to you, they will suffer the same fate." Leonard explained with an identical smile. What a trickly little minx, no way a farmer would think of all that in just a moment.
Ashton crossed his leg then bounced his foot, "Two years. For two years I will play the part, unless his majesty fails me as an emperor, man, leader, protector, or in any other relationship he establishes with me. I will announce why he failed as such; if he proves himself worthy, I will remain until his dismissal." Ashton bargained. While 300 lives shouldn't be dismissed so casually he had no intention of staying in the capital forever.
Leonard hesitated thinking about the offer, surely his majesty wouldn't fail in every relationship... at least as a protector and man... "Shall we use a contract stone?" Leonard offered pulling the stone from his breast pocket. Ashton nodded.
"I will fetch the others to witness." Leonard informed ringing a bell.
After Lucian, Aaron, Devlin and Bert arrived the contract was explain, while Bert was the most indignant the others were also rather cross with the idea.
"This is my only offer, otherwise I won't cooperate and being a Reece would be useless." Ashton informed holding the tiny ceremonial dagger for the contract. Eventually everyone agreed, then Devlin prepared the contract stone.
I, Ashton Black, so do swear to stay by his majesty's side as a vassal, follower, protected, citizen, and fellow man for two years, only if his Majesty Lucian Gustafson fails in his role of each relationship in a grievous betrayal will I be freed to leave when the last bond is broken. Should Lucian Gustafson prove himself a worthy example of the relationships, I Ashton Black so do swear to stay by his side until his dismissal.
I Lucian Gustafson, Emperor of Smyrna, so do swear to be an exemplary emperor, leader, protector, and fellow man to Ashton Black for the next two years. Should I prove lacking in all relationships acknowledged by, Ashton Black, he will be free of any consequence. Should I prove to be a worthy example of our relationships Ashton Black will be duty bound to stay by my side until I dismiss him.
The contract was established, a black spell circle broke in two then half each turned into a pattern on their skins, then faded from all but mage sight. For the first time Ashton gave a genuine smile.
"Well, glad that was easier than I expected, we set off in the morning, correct?" Ashton asked turning to Leonard. While he couldn't break the contract without consequence it did provide him with a time limit and a small bit of hope.
"Yes, before first light, you will have your own personal carriage and temporary guard until you select your own." Leonard offered while Lucian continued to examine his wrist from the contract, each point of the contract would turn golden if he honored the relationship but turn red if failed. For now each point was in black, including the days counting down to the end of the contract.
"Perfect, then I'd like to check the carriage and supplies before it gets too dark." Ashton requested, Leonard ordered a guard escort him to the carriages. He no longer needed to use stuffy honorifics, while he was still a prisoner the countdown had begun. Ashton held his wrist touching the 730 days marking with a smile, there was much to do.