The Whey's sat in a cold silence while they ate their dinner. The count wanted to enjoy his food and set the atmosphere. He didn't sleep as long as Ashton did, and he didn't wake up as refreshed as he did. He was forced awake by his responsibilities and had another long day. First it was the uncomfortable meetings with the estate's leaders, giving them the notice for war. Then explaining the circumstances to his daughters and planning out initial logistical problems. Then just when he found the time for a break, Olaf came to him and adamantly voiced his concerns about Ashton's methods. Then after the chamberlain it was Pike that came to him.
The treasurer already voiced his misgivings about the private budget multiple times throughout the day through, mostly through messages as the count shut his concern down in person. But after Ashton finally took the gold form the vault, he could no longer contain his angst. He let himself into the counts office and spoke his mind.
It was exhausting, and Ashton was the root cause of it all. He was growing to respect his son as man, and as a ruler but the others with influence wasn't as far along. That's why when Ashton broke the silence in the dining room and announced he was taking a trip, Count Shaun immediately agreed that it was a good idea.
Ashton was surprised, he hadn't said where he was going, or what he was going to do. Given their situation it would have been natural for his father to say no or at least ask why.
"I didn't expect you would be so open to the idea of me leaving the territory... Your enthusiasm is odd father."
"Hadn't we previously tabled the topic of you going to the everglades for training? Now might be a good time. I can inform my brother, then you can go and refine what you wish to teach to your order."
Count Shaun's perspective was outside of the box Ashton was residing in. He had forgotten about the everglades and his prior eagerness for training. The idea that he needed further refinement of his theory wasn't wrong, but he already knew what he wanted to teach.
"Actually father,-"
As Ashton was about to explain the true destination and purpose of his leave, his mother cut him off.
"Honey, Ashton dear, shouldn't we talk about this some more? I don't doubt your prowess or ability son, but the everglades are treacherous. It won't be a controlled environment like the arena, death lurks in every step you take down there."
"Em, I understand your... motherly instinct. But now isn't the time to hold onto Ashton. He has things he must do."
"But-"
As the count and countess were exchanging their feelings, Ashton interceded. Revealing his truth.
"Actually, I don't plan to head south yet, the everglades may be perilous, but I plan to train my order there after its founding. I have somewhere else to be in the near future."
"Where else could you go? Especially now of all times..." Count Shaun was curious. He knew Ashton was driven into action for the territory, so whatever he is planning should be good.
"Among my birthday letters and presents, I received a peculiar invitation. Daniel Mayvivan has invited me to his auction house personally."
"Son, I do not want you getting involved with him. He is an animal. He has his hands so far deep into the economy of the empire, that if he sneezes the whole country shakes. What's worse is that he has a working relationship with Duke Raine."
"That is exactly why I must go. The promises he made to me was before our relationship with the duchy deteriorated. As a businessman his word is gold, he can no longer go back on his promise so I must meet with him while I have the chance."
"Ashton dear, you may have a mind for magic and politics alike, but Daniel Mayvivan has played this game for a lot longer than you have. Meeting with him once won't be enough to estimate his mind, and I don't want you to get burned."
"Your mother is right son. We are planning for the duchy to have his support regardless of if they do or not. There is no need to for this."
[Do you still not trust in me? What more could I say to convince you father...]
Ashton was ready to walk his path, and he was going to regardless. But he didn't want to have to convince someone every time he makes a move.
"Mother, father. I appreciate your concerns. I understand them, but I won't allow myself to be suppressed by them. In your own words father, I am now a man. I need your trust, not your protection."
As if his words were judgement, Ashton continued as he stood from the table.
"I am not asking for your go ahead. I am informing you of my course. Please watch over me."
He walked away, leaving his words lingering in the air, no body spoke out against them.
While no words were said about Ashton's actions, everyone had their own perceptions.
Janet thought that her brother was impressive, she wanted to walk alongside him.
Charlotte also believed he was impressive, but also a little disrespectful. She observed her father's reaction, but he was calm.
The count didn't feel disrespected, he felt pride welling inside of his gut. He had trust in his son but wouldn't express it. He knew Ashton's desired path, how hard of journey he wished to embark upon. While he couldn't help but to give advice rooted from his concerns, he knew Ashton was unpersuadable.
The countess was quietly worrying about Ashton as his image in her mind was becoming sharper, she saw him clearly as an individual. She didn't like it. The truth in front of her couldn't be ignored and she pitied herself for growing old.
Ashton felt light, like weight and lifted from his shoulders, a burden he hadn't known was there.
["An animal" father said, "Too dangerous" mother warned. He is but a human. No mana to behold. But that is also what makes him so impressive]
Ashton's wrath started to swell unchecked within his mind and body. His silent footsteps further emboldened him.
He was furious with the fact strength of mana was not enough in his world. The interpersonal relationships, material wealth, and intrigue of the world that has created a system of politics that allowed the weak to walk as predators.
[A cripple and a magicless merchant... forcing my warriors for parents into such a mindset... this world needs a change]
Ashton gripped his quill and started to write a letter addressed for his parents.
Each time he paused to ink his quill, his anger had settled. It didn't fade, it never would. It only became focused as it brushed against his desires and balanced.
"Marcella..." He called out as he sealed his letter with wax.
"Yes? Young Master." Marcella had packed Ashton's luggage for him and was now pouring him tea.
"This letter, please give it to my parents after I have left."
"Are you not going to say goodbye in person Young Master?"
Ashton looked down at his feet for a moment as he handed her the letter, "I already have.."
After he handed his letter to Marcella, he said his goodbye to her and took his packed bag then leapt from his window into the back of his manor. He wanted to travel alone, but there was also somebody he was interested in.
Ashton first went to the stable master and had his carriage and driver readied for departure. While his servants gathered the horses and a coachman for his journey, Ashton visited the knights barracks and assigned Titus to his trip.
Titus was thrilled, he didn't even pack a bag. He only took his sword, armor, and the clothes he had on. While retrieving them he made a show of his new mission.
The knights in the barracks were happy to see him go, but envious that they weren't.
As Ashton and Titus entered their carriage and rode up the driveway, the count and countess rushed out on the balcony to see the taillights of the carriage fading.
"My Lord!" Marcella shouted as she stepped out behind them, "The Young Master had given me this with instruction to wait until he left before delivering it."
Marcella handed the letter to Count Shaun, but Countess Emily took it before he could and promptly ripped it open.
"Mother and Father,
I imagine as you're reading this you are watching me ride off into the darkness, I apologize for my haste.
The auction and my meeting with Daniel Mayvivan is not for another 7-days, but I wanted to make a stop along the way.
I plan to use the warp gates in our home city to travel to the western sector and visit brother Darian. I plan to meet with Count Albert and enlist support for our cause.
My trip is something that must be taken, I plan to use my time its upmost potential.
Whether I gather an ally, allies, or prevent our enemies from gathering their own, I am ready for what awaits.
In this world, the greedy weak have been allowed walk above the strong, it is something that is suffocating our home.
It is why we are fighting. We are strong. I will show the weak what happens when the lines they dictate become blurred as a force outside of their control enters the equation.
Look forward to my good news and await my return.
Love, Ashton
PS. Sir Gallen is working on reverse engineering the alchemy used in the terror attack. Please use my budget to provide him with whatever he requests."