(I don't understand your words. Master. But that was surely a fight. Are you okay?)
[Not all fighting leaves scars and death in its wake Judah. Sometimes swords and words are how people connect. What's important is that I've secured what I need.]
Ashton had left the counts office immediately after he had gotten his father's promise, leaving him slumped over his desk. Shaun's body felt heavy, his mind had been in motion for much too long and his body along with it.
His confrontation and conversation with Ashton only added to what was already burdened.
His thoughts regarding Ashton had swung many ways, but he finally settled on a realization both difficult and welcomed.
[He is no longer uncut, he is a diamond shaped and ready for admiration... Outside of my persuasion]
The count had to stimulate his body with his mana to rise to his feet, only he didn't head to his quarters to sleep his mind off. He had walked to his mini bar and poured himself a glass of wine.
The 40 year old Carvan wine he skimmed from Ashton's gifts, tasted bitter as he looked out over his gardens from his window. The blue hue of the magically powered lamps, illuminating beds of flowers revealing the cleanliness of the colosseum.
[Have I stopped reaching for the ripest grapes because it was too high along the vine? My son seems to only aim for such grapes.. It is not that he is wrong, its just..]
"Honey?" The sound of his office doors opening, and his wife calling out for him, grabbed the counts attention, like warm mist had doused his spine. It calmed the storm inside of his inner world.
But he didn't respond. He stood still, no longer numb, he was accepting.
"Aren't you coming to bed dear? I heard you sent Duke Raine and his family away a while ago." The softness in her voice, the way she wrapped her arms around his body and rested her head on his back, it was what he had needed. Comfort.
"Em," Pouring another glass, this one for his wife, Count Shaun confesses his fears. "I was just meeting with Ashton. He worries me."
Rejecting the drink in favor of maintaining her full embrace of her husband. "What about our son worries you so?"
"His mind seems obsessed with becoming worthy. Like he believes his genius isn't his own, but was given to him for a purpose. He spoke of becoming a protector but also wanted conquest."
"Conquest of what? He couldn't possibly mean the duchy.." The countess chuckled, slightly dismissive, positive her husband misread Ashton's intention.
[I'm afraid he won't stop there.] Shaun thought, finally turning to face the countess and return her love. "I don't know, but for whatever reason I trust and am confident he will succeed. And that's what scares me... Conquers walk alone."
"Honey," Her husband's words finally settled within the countess. It made her body run warm in shared worry. "You're scaring me, there is no way our boy desires to become a military monarch."
As the count and countess stood amongst each other confronting the changes in their son, Ashton was issuing commands to the servants of his manor.
They weren't anything grand but there was a risk in them.
"Do not allow Sir Galen to leave the estate, if he tries to, escort him back to his room and wake me immediately." He paused momentarily before adding, "And have Treasurer Pike ready for our meeting tomorrow evening."
Ashton knew that restricting Sir Galen's autonomy was a risk, something that could drain the already shallow waters the two share.
But it was necessary.
Ashton felt like the rest he was about to take would be deep. The last step in his transformation, the final shedding of excess. And he was right, from his sleep Ashton arose anew.
His body did not feel stronger. His mana did not surge or spiral.
His mind, body, and magic had all already been tempered from his decision.
The stationary relaxation of sleep allowed the Aether System to refine his spirit, a metaphysical incubation.
He couldn't feel the any difference, but he knew something had happened. His instincts, his existential connection with the Aether System said so.
While he couldn't feel his change, he found his vigilance was without consequence. The servants reported to him while at breakfast, Sir Galen has not attempted to leave, he in fact has been requesting Ashton's audience all morning.
[This is unexpected..] Ashton thought, he assumed Sir Galen would need more time to simmer given the look in his eyes the last time they met. Or he might have even already decided to forego on their collaboration.
"Has he eaten yet? Invite him in." Ashton replied, while subtly retrieving the alchemic firestarter from his shadow.
Ashton was only alone in the dinning for a moment, sipping tea and trying to lift his utensils with mana. Although it wasn't working Ashton didn't mind, it was just mindless practice while we waited for his guest.
Then the soft click of the room's doorknob, the creak of its hinges followed by the footsteps of multiple people.
Sir Galen had arrived, flanked by the two butler that fetched him.
The look on his face was light, Ashton assumed his confidence was back.
"Sir Galen, welcome. Come take a seat." As he took the invitation to sit at the table, Ashton continued. "We have tea, meat, fruits, or I can have my chefs make you something."
"Ha. No thank you Lord Ashton. I am okay with just the tea."
[He is defiantly different than when we departed] "Alright, although I must warn you, this isn't as good as the tea Marcella brews." Ashton announced, his words were halfhearted but struck the butlers that made the tea.
[Lord Ashton is certainly... different. His edge is still there but his intensity is buried. Is this how he usually is?] "I think its safe to say you are surprised I wanted to meet with you again.."
"I was surprised. Given how we left things, I assumed it would take some time before would next meet."
"I know, I was unsightly previously. However, I have done all I could to try and focus on the future since then. I believe I am ready to trust again."
Sir Galen finally seemed like someone who deserves his honorary membership. He wasn't in his magic tower robes, he was wearing casual clothes, any other noble would say he was undressed.
But Ashton was different. He respected, Sir Galen's gaze, the confidence that was visible in his posture, along with his seemingly evolved emotional state.
"Its a shame, but I am glad you resisted my hand." Ashton said as he leaned back into his chair.
"Lord Ashton, I didn't mean to offend you. I really want to work with you, do you want to apologize?" Sir Galen was shaken, but he remained calm, used his reason.
"I don't hold a grudge against you Sir Galen, I respect you and your mind. Our conversation about science still drives me into thought. It's just much has changed. I am now too busy, I would be incapable of fulfilling my end of our partnership."
"I see." Sir Galen didn't shrink this time, Ashton's words didn't extinguish the burn of his desire. "I am willing to stay within the county for collaboration, provide alchemic assistance when needed between research sessions."
[Oh... I didn't even have to propose it] Ashton took a moment, tried to look through Sir Galen and see why he is willing to go so far. [Is this really just because of your vison?]
"That is a tempting offer, but this is not only a location issue. It is a time issue. I simply don't have the time to spare... And I do not trust you."
Sir Galen's eyes widened, his nerves fired from head to toe in a cold flash, for a moment he reverted back into his shell.
"However," Ashton continued after letting his words stir. "Trust is something that can be built, and time can always be made for what is important."
"Lord Ashton, then what is needed for you to trust me?"
"For starters, time. But I have something that is somewhat a priority of mine, and it happens to be in your area of expertise."
[It is natural to do favors and spend time together to facilitate trust, and I have already said I am willing to provide alchemy for Whey County, but that was for an equal exchange... I guess to start gaining Lord Ashton's trust, this could be considered equal.]
"What can I help you with Lord Ashton?" Sir Galen steeled himself.
Reaching under his chair and grabbing the vial of liquid, "This alchemy potion was used last night against my people in an act of terror. This weapon had caused my people to lose their lives. If you could identify it, recreate it, maybe even figure out the manufacturer, I would be grateful."
[So that fire wasn't natural? Who has the guts to attack a tower backed territory?] Sir Galen had a couple of thoughts, but only one rose to his tongue. "Can I see the vial?"
Ashton handed it over, and Sir Galen immediately started analyzing it.
He smelt it. Tasted it.
[Is that methanol? Such a simple thing..]
"Lord Ashton, I only recognize one or two of its compounds, this will require time and study."
"And are you willing?"
[For my vison, my desire...] "Yes Lord Ashton. I am willing to uncover its mystery."
Ashton gulped down the rest of his tea, threw his meal napkin down onto the table, and rose from his seat.
"Perfect. I was recently granted my own private budget, let me know of whatever equipment you need for your work."