Over the next two weeks Ashton was sent several invitations for tea, banquets, balls, dinners. He sent each his apologies, but he would be reframing from any visits until after the hunt as he was working on a few personal matters. Ashton also continued to monitor the chess pieces, as well as learn to ride on each of the different war horse's he'd selected.
Sebastian had also managed to catch the imposter, who looked frighteningly identical to his right-hand man. The only real differences were how rough around the edges the fake was and his lighter hair color, but even their voices were similar. Sebastian had asked to meet up after interrogating the imposter and finding a fourth location.
Ashton let Sebastian and Harlow follow him back after court, tea and snacks already prepared. "How might I be of service your grace?" Ashton asked as they all sat down.
Sebastian sighed, while the imposter was a great find, he was being instructed by another who a few other captives' thought was an errand boy. "I want the location of the coordinator, or hints about how to capture him." Sebastian was too old to be staying up so late day after day.
Ashton tilted his head, "Your offer?"
"Name your price," Sebastian didn't bother trying to barter, there was much to do since many of his leads were already going cold.
Ashton leaned back still holding the tea as he crossed his legs, "Hmm, some free information first so you are aware how important that particular coordinator is, a well-established noble with connections who was able to find Gerald Flaks bastard cousin after observing Gerald for no less than five years and train him for another four years before he was sent out into the field two years ago. This coordinator also has two other similar imposters, one of which is here in the capital. While not a top 5 wanted as far as the rebels consider this coordinator does have access to the palace."
Sebastian tightened his grip on his cane, "How was the tracer made?"
Ashton smiled tilting his head, "Blood calls to blood your Grace."
Sebastian took a deep breath, even if he reported to his majesty... he had no proof. There was also no reason for a Reece to help any specific nation, generally they were honored guests who sometimes help with relations between nations. Only when a Reece claimed land would they be subject to laws of the crown, for now... unless Ashton was caught red handed working with the rebels or killing someone Sebastian's hands were really tied. If Sebastian did try coercing Ashton for answers his entire house could be punished in international court, especially since Sebastian was still very much in the dark about Ashton's affiliation with the Seibel kingdom.
"Is this coordinator also the smuggler I am looking for?" Kristopher asked jumping in, his investigations led him to believe he was looking for a mid-tier noble, that would be the only way to have so many contacts in the north.
"The month is not yet over lord Harlow," Ashton reminded with a smile.
"What if I strike a similar deal, I want monthly information on the coordinator. What would your price be?" Sebastian asked, something was better than nothing. Sebastian also planned to use this to see how Ashton was getting his information.
"Hmm, a tempting offer," Ashton lamented, but if he started selling any more information the balance would be broken too soon which would only benefit the imperial faction. "I will sell you a single yes or no answer, the question must be specific and only about the coordinator. For example, you could as is the coordinator and smuggler the same person, but not is the coordinator affiliated with Duke Sebastian." Ashton explained, no broad sweeping questions to narrow down their search too quickly.
Sebastian thought about the offer, "Your price?" while the restrictions were steep... getting definite answers would eventually narrow down the suspects.
Ashton narrowed his eyes stirring his tea, "A third tier mana stone or better."
Sebastian's eyes went wide, "That's an outrageous price, you could buy a dozen sapphires for even a subpar third-tier mana stone." Sebastian argued taping his cane on the floor angrily.
Ashton tilted his head, "Your Grace, this coordinator was already impersonating your right hand man of thirty years, do you believe he doesn't have enchanted protection against spying and pursuit? For over two years he's been using your name for his plans. I do believe the price of a mere 4 war horses is a pittance compared to you being tried for treason had anyone else stumbled across the information. Framing you would have been a simple task if the imposter was able to actually replace Gerald. You interrogated him yourself for over a week."
Sebastian narrowed his eyes, even now the imposter had only let slip a useless warehouse they used as a meet up, and only because they were already following him thanks to the tracer. While war horses were expensive to train, the empire had a surplus since nearly every viscount and above were tasked to raise them for expeditions. He would have traded a thousand of his war horses for the imposter...
"How often can I ask a question?" Sebastian asked gritting his teeth, "And can I relay this to his Majesty?" he added, using the imperial power would be much more helpful.
Ashton tilted his head back and forth, "You can ask one question every three days, but the price will increase each time until the next month when the price will reset. First question one level 3, second question a level 2 and level 3. Then 3 and 3, 3 and 4, 4 and 4, 4 and 5, 5 and 5 for the rest of the month. If Lucian wants to attend an additional level 5 each question." Ashton added with an overly fake smile.
Sebastian hesitated before admonishing lightly, "You called his Majesty by his first name."
Ashton kept his fake smile, "I must admit to being rather cross with the Smyrnaean emperor, especially as my respect dwindles by the day. You may inform him of my comments should you desire, now, will you be asking a question your Grace?"
"Is the coordinator the same person as the smuggler?" Sebastian asked letting Lord Reece change the subject.
"No." Ashton informed keeping his polite smile, "Shall I see you off?" he then asked glancing toward the door.
Sebastian and Kristopher stood up, "I will have the mana stones delivered shortly." Sebastian promised before taking his leave going straight to the emperor. He had to wait almost an hour before his audience was granted then he explained everything to Lucian, Aaron, Devlin, Jaxon, Leonard, and a very pale Bert.
Lucian drummed his fingers then waved to Devlin, "Prepare the mana stones then fetch Emmerson and Whittet." He ordered.
Jaxon was eyeing Sebastian warily, "Why did he strike such a... favorable deal with you specifically?"
Sebastian sat straight and met Jaxon's black eyes, "Perhaps it was not because I was favored, but more because I wasn't disfavored. Even an older coot like myself who disdains gossip has heard distressing rumors of the boy's treatment thus far." He also let his gaze pass over everyone in the room, "I am aware I am not greatly favored by your majesty, but I am loyal. I only waited to inform you because I thought the matter would be far less significant." Sebastian intoned, he was no fledgling learning to fly. He would not be intimidated.
Jaxon narrowed his eyes but looked away. While the regular guards had been punished, David and Patrick were still being confined until a final decision was made, "Your loyalty was never in question Duke Carlos."
Sebastian snorted, "Since the conspiracy encompasses more than just the north, perhaps we can start to share information so when we ask our next question, we don't waste time. Fifth-tier mana stones are in short supply even in the palace."
Devlin decided to take over the conversation, "We have roughly 200 fifth-tier mana stones, but it's taken the last five years to charge them. We are able naturally mine third and fourth tier crystals but... even the fourth tier are rare."
Leonard sighed, "How long does it take to make a third-tier crystal into a fifth-tier stone?"
Devlin hesitated, "Safely, about a month, but we can usually make around 15 each month. Typically we use seven a month just to maintain the palaces, along several dozen fourth tiers. The real problem is... we planned to start selling mana stones to help recover the imperial coffers."
Jaxon rubbed his brows, "We should only use a few questions each month, three or four, while we follow all the available leads to narrow down our suspects. We can't afford the expense with the tribute delegations coming in barely three months."
Sebastian disagreed, "These rebels are far more organized than we thought, if they are planning to strike during the tribute our prestige, will plumet. It's better to spend the mana stones now than regret it later. If what lord Reece hinted at is true, and he has been unfailingly accurate thus far, this is not a problem we can sweep under the rug."
Leonard frowned, "Ashton also claimed he wanted to maintain the status quo between the imperial faction and rebels during his stay, his actions will put the rebels on guard. If they are on guard, they will hesitate. That means we have just short of two years to flush them out. I agree we should investigate more before we commit to any more expenses." He added writing down everything they knew so far.
Sebastian raised his brow, "The contract guarantees two years? If I didn't know better, I would think lord Reece was making plans to leave before the year was up. While his actions are small inconspicuous ripples now, the ramifications will no doubt escalate in less than half a year. If possible, what exactly are the terms of the contract your Majesty?" Sebastian asked turning to the emperor.
Lucian gritted his teeth, "The contract can be broken or extended, but the agreement is for two years."
Sebastian didn't waver, "Your majesty, what would invalidate the contract?"
Lucian turned to Aaron and Leonard, after a brief hesitation Leonard nodded. "That is Our Concern Duke."
Leonard hesitated, "Your majesty, it might be prudent to share some of the details."
Jaxon shared a glance with Leonard before slowly agreeing, "Marquis Silas has a point your Majesty, this way we can avoid mistakes due to ignorance.
Sebastian wanted to snort, he doubted ignorance was the true problem. His Majesty was willfully negligent at best considering most maters of court. Choosing to smash through problems rather than fix them. Unfortunately, Sebastian wasn't so sure how Lord Reece would react to his Majesty's usual tactics.
Lucian sneered, seeing the disapproval in Sebastian's eyes. Hide it as he might, Sebastian only supported Lucian because he was considered the best of the worst choices. No doubt if even a halfwit with equal right to the throne suddenly appeared, Sebastian would be the first to jump ship.
Jaxon cleared his throat, "Should His majesty fail as an emperor and leader, along with other less significant titles, would the oath be broken."
Sebastian furrowed his brows and tapped his cane as the thought, then took a deep breath, "Must his majesty fail at all the conditions, or only a set amount?"
Jaxon shared another glance with Leonard, "His majesty must fail at all the set conditions for Ashton to be released from his oath." Jaxon didn't want to give away all the information, just enough to set Sebastian's mind at ease.
"Have you failed any such relationships so far, your majesty?" he asked as he concern mounted if there was a rebellion or coup d'états that would be an excellent example as a failure as a monarch and leader. Though if Lord Reece kept ensured the rebels would remain lowkey... was that not a contradiction in itself? Or... was this a test...
Leonard hesitated, "Ashton claimed his majesty had failed as a provider, but so far nothing else."
Sebastian took a deep breath, "If my thoughts are correct, Lord Reece is only preventing civilians and commoners rebelling, he's done nothing to prevent the nobility from attempting a coup d'état. That would also keep him neutral and apart from political intrigues. I have heard of his... gifts to the empress after there was an attempt on Marquis Luthiger's life. While the attempt failed Lord Reece's involvement is still in the grey area. Much like my finding of the imposter, only the nobility contacting commoners were thwarted. Nobles against nobles won't be deterred unless I catch the coordinator."
Leonard and Jaxon shared a glance, "If anything, Ashton's revelation will only conceal the perpetrators more since they will be aware we are looking for them." Jaxon confirmed reaffirming the facts as Leonard started adding notes about Ashton's intentions.
Sebastian couldn't stop the twitch of his lips, "Duke Jaxon, from what I have seen, Lord Reece does not consider you close enough to address him so intimately. While Lord Reece is civil... I do think respectful boundaries will remind us he is not one of his Majesty's men. It would also ensure the guards and servants don't misunderstand the nature of Lord Reece's relationship with the empire."
Jaxon was genuinely startled by the idea... he was well aware Ashton was just a farm boy... even with the title Reece, no ceremony was held or witnessed. He looked around the room at the gloomy expressions all around. Even though they had given the title... he doubted any of them genuinely considered him worthy of such consideration.
Leonard wiped his face again, "Of course, we seem to be neglecting many aspects of Lord Reece's stay in the Empire, thank you for the reminder." Leonard had let his majesty's attitude influence his minute actions. No wonder Ashton had been growing more distant and displeased each day.
Sebastian nodded, "The minor details are often overlooked without a fresh perspective, perhaps having someone take note would be beneficial. Also, I will send over the impersonator, perhaps someone else might get some information out of him yet."
They decided to take a rest while starting preparations so they could discuss with Wesley and Matthew. That evening everyone met up again to discuss any new information.
Wesley was extremely nervous to be meeting the emperor. He stuttered anxiously before Matthew took over most of the conversation.
"While there has been an increase in requests, mostly from outside territory. To be honest, if you didn't point it out I doubt we would have thought about the increased demand from the north to other areas. It only makes sense since our output has increased dramatically in the last two years." Matthew admitted, while he stayed with the merchants as an escort he was mostly there for enchanted support.
Devlin sat back with a sigh, "True, just because the demands are being filled from the north... the transportations are mostly in the west and growing in the south. We should also look for connections in the east using the mage relay."
"That would only tip off anyone working at the relays, surely for news to have gone unnoticed for so long there are people actively disrupting or covering up reports." Matthew added looking at a map of the empire as they made notations about increased demand. The map was large enough for four grown men to lay on comfortably. More than fifteen feet long and seven feet tall, every town with more than three hundred residents was marked.
"To be honest, the demand is rather subtle since the production in the south and West has been progressively increasing, it only makes sense more materials were needed to keep up. The plows needed metal, meaning more blacksmiths so transient workers have become normal over the last two years. How anyone noticed... anything is a mystery." Wesley admitted looking at all the different notes.
More than seventy small tokens on the map, six red for confirmed rebel sites, and rest black for areas with increased demand, blue for areas that had increased supply, green areas with reported shortages. While most of the blue and green were in the north, there was a lot of green and black in the west, mostly black and blue in the south. The east had the least tokens, but the spread was rather even with two of each.
Leonard looked up, "We will have to go through all the tax reports to get a more accurate gauge, if this is what can confirm from just a few hours notes and memory... it's alarming how widespread the rebel connections could be spread."
Sebastian was sitting on a chair while the map was laid out on a low table, "I assume much of this is thanks to the increased productivity from the plow and sewing machine; but yes... we will need to comb through all our records to see if anything stands out. The month resets in 2 days so we should take advantage and think of the most useful question we can." Sebastian rubbed his left knee, he was far too old to be bending over or squatting for long periods of time.
Jaxon hesitated, then closed his eyes as he spoke, "If we had more trusted subordinates this would be much faster."
Matthew looked up, "If there were more trusted subordinates, we probably would not need this to begin with. The problem is there is so much dissatisfaction among the nobles that hasn't been pacified. Knowing who we can trust will be our biggest obstacle. Unfortunately our own distrust will cause more rifts until we have more answers." As a mage his perspective was slightly different from commoners, his education made him more empathetic of the noble mindset.
Devlin stood up, "Agreed, this much investigation won't go unnoticed, we're bound to force some to the rebel side even if they are currently neutral when the accusations come up." The more he thought, the more his head hurt, it would have been nice if Ashton just gave them the rebel locations so he could burn them all at once.
"The likelihood of any rebellions happening in the near future will be unlikely as we root them out, we just need to take Our time." Lucian remarked leaning back. Any light on the activity of rats will make them hide deeper, as long as they weren't cornered too fast this would give them enough time to make a more thorough plan.
Jaxon glanced at Lucian, "Better to cut off the worst before it grows unseen your Majesty, hiding rebels will only gain support and sympathy if we delay." Jaxon was starting to wonder if Ashton charged so much for his Majesty to be aware because his Majesty... insisted on bulling his way through problems. The idea of letting the rebels grow was like slapping a bandage over an open wound without any other treatment, not seeing the blood wasn't the same as stopping the bleeding. As time passed, blood loss, infection, even rot became growing concerns.
Leonard nodded, "Yes, if things are as bad as I'm guessing... the rebellion may have made a crippling blow during the tribute. If we can head off the worst and damage their supply chain we may just buy enough time to root them out before they can stabilize." Leonard added in further explanation.
"Could we... barter for the information?" Matthew asked glancing around the room, "Surely there is something he wants enough for the information?" All these men of power... avoiding the most obvious information source... what had happened in the months he had not seen Ashton Black?
Lucian's gaze bored into Matthew who gulped and looked down, "We are not beaten yet." He stated looking around the room. "We have no proof these rebels are even organized; a few skirmishes and you're all acting like this empire wasn't built on war."
Aaron took a deep breath, "Your Majesty, yes, the empire was founded on war, but we are increasing quality rather than quantity to take care of our people. We went to war because we couldn't feed our people twenty years ago. Only in the last ten years have we reached some semblance of stability, only in the last five can we say we aren't hemorrhaging resources, the last two we broke even for costs. This is the first year we have been at a surplus of our needs. Your majesty, in 700 years... this is the first year we have been able to start stocking resources in case of a disaster. This will be the first time in decades Smyrna isn't depending on tribute to make ends meet. Please don't throw away the last decade of work."
Lucian glared as he looked around the room, but no one would meet his eye. He took a deep breath, "We are not a fool, just don't forget our roots." Lucian growled.
Jaxon silently frowned, Lucian had been pushing for peace, well peace in the sense that Smyrna would not need spoils of war to feed the populace. This... sudden remember our roots speech... was unlike him. Jaxon glanced around the room... no one sensed anything amiss... Jaxon stared at the papers in his hands... that's right... Smyrna was built on war. He could not let progress weaken his state of mind. The weak would perish, the strong would feast on their flesh. That was the way of dragons.
Sebastian kept his gaze lowered. His majesty... was particularly fixated. He wanted to sigh but didn't dare show his displeasure so openly. This had been the longest period of peace in over four decades, hopefully the hunt would let out some of Lucian's bloodlust.