ASHA’S POV
Viscount Hawksworth is too much of a gentleman to utter anything but pleasantries and compliments when he comes to pick her up, though keen golden eyes clearly take in the obvious signs of financial difficulties before he helps Asha into his carriage.
Since she’s technically underaged and in a carriage with a man who isn’t a member of her House, Monique takes a seat next to her while Valora rides on horseback next to the vehicle. Viscount Hawksworth is as friendly as ever thanks to both of Asha’s attendants being attractive, which makes the considerable journey to the palace pleasant and informative.
Usually an underaged guest’s guardian would be invited out of courtesy, but since that’s not the case this was definitely the doing of the gamblers or House Nathaira.
She’s grown up seeing her father come and go as he pleases from the palace, sometimes even witnessing the Emperor’s attendants and knights in her home begging Callan Lamberg to attend meetings when the Lune Chieftain chooses to play with Asha instead.
This is the first time I’m seeing dad like this. I always knew in the back of my mind that this is what it’s like for the majority of people in the Empire, but seeing it firsthand is different.
As humbling as the experience is, Asha is on a mission to reduce uncertainties as much as possible.
Those degenerates are going to intervene for sure, since I can’t hide what I’m doing from them. I’ll need to find ways to fool them moving forward, or at least leave enough red herrings for them to be unprepared when I strike. I can’t just rely on whoever might be on my side in the Great Hall.
“Lady Asha.” Viscount Hawksworth is smiling as the carriage approaches the palace’s main gates, but his eyes are a little troubled. “I hope you’re prepared for tonight.”
You’re always kind to those you deem less fortunate. If you know who I really am, would you still treat me this way? Asha smiles the smile she’s honed over several lifetimes, especially her last. “I hope so too, Viscount.”
All eyes lock onto her as soon as she’s announced and the doors open, and once again Asha feels that odd sensation of the world not being the way it should be. Viscount Hawksworth is holding his head high as he escorts her calmly, but Asha knows he’s not the one who should be by her side.
Soon. I’ll break the seal and remember you and everything else soon.
Asha’s never thought she’d ever be grateful for the torture she experienced at the hands of hooded, faceless strangers, but she has to admit the experiences have provided her with a considerable tolerance for pain. And now I can endure the mind-mines with only minor outward reactions, so those gamblers won’t know when I’m pushing against the mental blocks.
“I wouldn’t steal anything from the palace if I were you.” Seriously?
Cassandra is scowling openly, while Medea smiles her perfect smile.
“Lady Cassandra...” Before Viscount Hawksworth can continue, Marquess Fenceton steps in and Asha almost wants to hug her former colleague.
“How very kind Duke Nathaira’s daughters are, to preemptively issue such statements out of concern.” I see your children told you about what Medea said to them before. “Though of course such things can be misunderstood easily, especially in the court of law.” Here we go.
“I’m surprised you think we spoke out of kindness, Marquess.” Asha wants to roll her eyes when history repeats itself through the mouth of Aphrodilia’s descendant. “I thought a Minister of your abilities would know better.”
Fool.
“Is that so?” Marchioness Fenceton has joined in. “Well, if you have proof that Lady Asha is a thief, please be sure to let the Ministry of Justice know.”
When the Duke’s daughters remain silent, Duchess Marlowe enters the fray.
“What odd reactions, when you both seemed so sure.” I know you want an Elementalist in the Imperial faction, Your Grace. But I can’t pick a side openly just yet.
“This is becoming a bit of a habit, Lady Asha.” For some reason, Marcia seems less on edge with her today. “Isn’t it the third time in as many encounters that I’ve had to witness you being falsely accused of something?” What are you up to? I’ll use this to my advantage for now, but I have to be careful not to take it too far and play into whatever plans you might have for me. Your father is a member of the Imperial party as well, after all.
“It does seem to be becoming standard practice, Lady Marcia.” Asha bows her head slightly in acknowledgement. “Fortunately, the Empire has honorable individuals such as yourself.”
I don’t think I’ve ever seen you blush before.
“Come now, Lady Marcia.” Nathaira. And...heh. Knew it. “My daughters hardly accused the young Elementalist of anything.”
“Oh my, Duke Nathaira!” I’m terrible with faking tears, so this will have to do. “Surely a man of your standing, with a son who’s the Empire’s ambassador to Vautour, knows best the power of words?” I will kill you before I die in this life, you wretched snake. “Or perhaps Your Grace has always been fortunate that others understand your true meaning, regardless of what you say?” Go on, get angry and make a mistake, you loathsome creature.
“The young lady is as bold as a mercenary.” Hello, Third Prince of Vautour. You might not remember me, but I remember you.
“Isn’t she a mercenary, brother?” Disgusting as ever, fourth prince. “At least, that’s what I heard from Lady Medea.” Not only are you as stupid as you were back then, you’re as lecherous as usual. But that works to my advantage now, since you obviously have your eyes set on Medea.
“Is that what Lady Medea said, despite my reminding her of Imperial Law Section 42 Subsection 27 which states that one has to be eighteen to become a mercenary?” Asha deliberately cocks her head and widens her eyes innocently. “Oh my, it hasn’t even been that long since I said that. Perhaps she’s already forgotten? Thank you for clarifying the situation, Your Highness.”
Seethe all you want, Medea. I absolutely just called you an airhead in front of a ballroom full of powerful individuals, but you can’t contradict a Vautourian prince publicly, can you?
“That...”
At Prince Alastor’s obvious confusion, Third Prince Balor steps in. “Do the people of Loredan obey the Law? How intriguing.”
Alright, I knew you lot were stupid but this is too much. What are those gamblers up to?
“Your Highness!” Viscount Hawksworth is predictably enraged, but so are many nobles from all factions. It was a very foolish thing to say in the Loredan Imperial Palace, and now your ‘dear friend’ Duke Nathaira will have to do damage control. I don’t like how things are going so well for me, it means great-aunt has something big planned. What is she up to? Is she trying to lull me into a false sense of security like before? Is she setting the stage for a war? Does she want a scuffle to break out so someone can stab me in the back, literally?
“Announcing the arrival of The Sun of the Empire, His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Aaron Loredan, and The Star of the Empire, His Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Griffin Loredan!”
Saved by the steward, Nathaira. But don’t think I’m done with you yet. I’ll chase you to the ends of the world - into the Far Side itself - if it means tearing you limb from limb with my own hands.
When she peeks up from under thick lashes as everyone in the ballroom bows to different degrees, Asha has to bite her inner cheek despite having prepared herself mentally.
Uncle Aaron and Griffin...
They’re nothing like the Imperials she remembers, for good reason.
Where before both always stood tall and proud, handsome and smiling, now the Emperor’s face is marked and pinched while his body is hunched and thinner than Asha’s ever seen. But despite Uncle Aaron looking older and more dazed than his years, what breaks her heart is Crown Prince Griffin’s appearance.
He’s walking with a limp, almost dragging his left leg behind him, while a sleeve dangles limply on the same side of his body.
Your face...
Once considered the pride of Loredan, Crown Prince Griffin’s famously perfect visage is now a mess of deep scars, one eye covered with a film such that a usually brilliant red iris is an almost invisible pink as mangled skin collapses into his left cheek cavity.
Your highness...you treated me like a little sister before, and now you’re but a mutilated shadow of your shining self. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I’ll make it up to you, I swear.
It hurts like hell, knowing she’s responsible for these sacrifices, but Asha refuses to give in to Oiseus’ whispers.
Dad couldn’t save you both in this life, because he’s not a Grandmaster. So I will. I know it’s dangerous to act so rashly and seek too much glory too soon, but I also know now that this is the reason why I came three years back. Another week of ‘treatment’ and you’ll be dead, Uncle Aaron. And what will happen to Loredan then, when no one respects or wants a ‘Beast’ of a Crown Prince?
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
I’ll have to play this right, but fortunately those two stupid vultures from Vautour helped set the stage. Someone must have won a wager in the Den; the question is: are they my friend or foe?
“Raise your heads.” Uncle Aaron’s voice is weak thanks to pain and medication, but Asha thinks she detects a hint of his usual strength and pride anyway. “We have a valuable guest tonight.”
You’re still there, Uncle Aaron. Hold on a little longer, I’ll save you from this hell.
“Your Majesty, we are joined tonight by Third Prince Balor Vautour and Fourth Prince Alastor Vautour.” Duke Nathaira acting this way is further proof that the noble party is the most powerful right now, since he’s not only blatantly correcting the Emperor but speaking without permission. “I believe you mean ‘two valuable guests’.”
Alright, I’m sick of this. How DARE you?
“Your Majesty, Your Highness.” Asha intentionally slams her shoulder into Nathaira’s arm as she pushes past him, stopping to curtsy deeply only once she’s six feet away from the Imperials, per protocol. “Thank you for inviting me to such a wondrous event. Asha Lamberg greets you both, and wishes endless light upon the greatest nation in the world.” Get angry, little vultures. Get angry and screw up again. I know your arm is hurting badly, Nathaira, so you should say something too.
“You little...!”
“Laydyy Assshehah.” I’m so sorry, Griffin. I’ll fix you, I promise.
“The first Elementalist in almost a thousand years.” The Emperor might be addled with all sorts of concoctions, but his love for his only child remains as the Loredan monarch steps in to hide the Crown Prince’s inability to speak properly. “You honor us with your presence.”
“Your Majesty, it is customary in the north to return a favor threefold.” Asha knows she’s treading on thin ice, but this is the best opportunity to start righting wrongs. “I have brought you something to cure you for good.”
“What?!”
Instantly the ballroom is full of clamoring nobles, as Duke Nathaira tries to rush towards her.
Not so fast, you piece of shit.
“KNIGHTS! Kill her!” Try it. This is my third life as an Elementalist, and even a Magic Grandmaster such as yourself will need to work to break my ice walls.
“Your Majesty.” Though his scarlet eyes are clouded, they’re still fixed on her while the Emperor refuses to react outwardly. “Please, I swear on my life, my father’s life, and the lives of all my Clan members. I have a potion that will heal you of your poisoning, and the toxic side effects of the medicine you’ve been taking since the War.”
“Farhderr...” I’ll fix you next, Griffin, so please hold on a little longer. Your father’s situation is most dire.
“PLEASE, Your Majesty.” Asha throws herself to her knees, holding up the little bottle of clear liquid she’d hurriedly brewed and strained this morning. “This will heal you, I swear. What is the Empire to do without you?” Why am I crying and trembling? I might be desperate, but this is pathetic.
She can feel aura and powerful mana striking at her ice walls, and knows there isn’t much time left.
This has to work. I can’t win without you both. I can’t win if dad lacks power and money.
“Your Majesty, I beg y...!” A shaky gloved hand swipes the glass bottle from her outstretched palms, and Asha blinks away tears as she witnesses proof that her Uncle Aaron is still her Uncle Aaron. He downs the foul smelling liquid in one shot, before the tremors become violent and the Emperor bends over hacking up dark blood while the Crown Prince shuffles over hurriedly and tries to hold his father up with his only arm.
I can’t keep the barriers up much longer. Not against so many Grandmasters, High Mages, Mages, and Swordmasters. My head...
“Break the walls! Hurry, you fools! We have to kill the witch!” Her icy defenses are crumbling layer by layer, and now the voices from beyond are clear as Asha watches the Emperor almost sag to his knees. A fierce pounding is starting in her skull from the effort of willing the walls to hold fast, and Asha knows she doesn’t have much time left.
Why is the medicine taking so long to work?! I know I mixed the Clan’s original blend from my past lives with counter-potions for the various brews Uncle Aaron was taking, but I boosted the potency so...
CRASH!
“YOU VILE SORCERER! I’LL K...!”
“Silence!”
IT WORKED!!!
The Emperor is still heaving, saliva mixed with expelled toxins dripping from his lips, but already the haze is gone from scarlet eyes and his voice is clear and strong.
Welcome back, Uncle Aaron.
“Y..Your Majesty...”
Wiping the spittle and dark blood away, Loredan’s 96th descendant stands tall as the spots and lumps on his face continue to fade. “This child has cured me of not just my poisoning, but the side effects of those foul medicines you’ve been pushing on me for years, Nathaira. Raise your hand at her, and you raise your hand at me.”
“Your Majesty, I only ever sought to be of service!” And snakes only wanted to be friends with prey. Go choke on a goose.
“Then why were you concerned only with killing my benefactor, instead of rescuing me when you believed me under attack from the Elementalist?” I’ve missed you, Uncle Aaron. “Or are you calling me a liar, Nathaira?” You tell him, Uncle Aaron! I...!
“My lady!” Viscount Hawksworth is first to reach her side as she shakes violently, then a pristine white handkerchief fills her vision as Asha blinks.
“You have pushed yourself too hard for my sake, child.” The Emperor’s eyes are as kind as she remembers them. “I’m sorry that such a lovely dress was ruined.”
Accepting the handkerchief, Asha wipes her nose and mouth while quickly glancing down at the front of her gown.
Oh, I see. Time for the other plan.
“Your Majesty, it is not me you should be sorry to, but Viscount Hawksworth.” The radical young noble tenses next to her, but Asha continues boldly. “Were it not for the Viscount’s thoughtfulness and generosity, I would not be able to wear such finery before you, Your Majesty.” I’m sorry, daddy. I don’t mean to insult your hard work.
“Is that so?” How many times have I heard you say that? It feels good to hear, but something’s missing. “Then I apologize, Viscount Hawksworth. You were kind enough to gift the young lady a beautiful outfit, and now it’s ruined because she chose to save me.”
“Y...Your Majesty! I am a servant of the Empire!” You always say that. But thank you for never changing. “How could I begrudge Lady Asha for saving Your Majesty?” Good, now Uncle Aaron will take notice of you and you’ll be on track to joining the Council soon. I need more of ‘my’ people there to win.
“How kind you are, Viscount.” At Emperor Aaron’s signal, Viscount Hawksworth rises while helping Asha up. “Thank you for escorting my savior.”
Alright, that’s enough of that. Say any more and he’ll start to get ideas.
“Your Majesty.” Asha pauses for a second before continuing. “Forgive my insolence, but is it not a citizen’s duty to do what they can for Your Majesty?” Murmurs start in the crowd, but Asha pushes on. “Just as Viscount Hawksworth is happy to do what he can for you, so am I, Your Majesty.” Everyone, shut up. I’m not done yet. “I believe I mentioned it is customary for my Clan to repay favors threefold. However, I have only repaid Your Majesty once for the invitation.” Raising her head, Asha’s locks gazes with the Crown Prince. “I know how to make His Highness whole again.”
“Did you hear that?!”
“How could she...?!”
“The greatest healers in four continents tried and failed!”
“Lady Asha.” Hello, Count Eszes. I knew I could count on your natural curiosity and devotion to your role as Minister of Health. “Do you mean to say you can remove His Highness’ limp and scars, and regrow his arm?”
“Count Eszes.” It feels weird bowing to him when she’s always outranked him as the daughter of the Empire’s Hero and sole Sword Grandmaster. “I can remove His Highness’ limp and scars, and give him a new arm but not regrow his lost limb.”
“What is she saying?”
“Isn’t ‘giving him a new arm’ the same as regrowing his limb?”
“Maybe she’s talking about prosthetics, like the kinds commoners use.”
“Surely not those stumps pirates have?!”
You’re all a bunch of narrow-minded fools, aren’t you? I was an inventor thrice and an alchemist twice before this. Don’t ever doubt my ability to make things no one has ever dreamed of.
“Lady Asha Lamberg.” She bows at the Emperor’s words, smirking internally because she recognizes that specific timbre. “You have cured me completely of my ailments, so I will trust your earnest desire to serve. But though you claim this to be a northern custom, you must allow me to reward you for achieving what no other has.”
The best way to get money and power is to refuse money and power. That way, no one can call me greedy or conniving.
“Your Majesty, I meant what I said.” Why are so many people so shocked? “Honor demands I repay Your Majesty for the invitation, since I am but the mere sixteen year old daughter of a poor baron whom Your Majesty still deigned to invite to such an illustrious gathering.” Superfluous words aren’t Asha’s style, but she’s learned plenty of them over her many lifetimes. “If Your Majesty will allow me, I will do everything in my power to aid His Highness.”
She’s not fazed by the Emperor’s silence, even as whispers abound.
“Very well, Asha.” You’re really sounding more like yourself now, Uncle Aaron. A little longer and you’ll probably start chuckling and ruffling my hair. “But since House Lamberg’s finances are a rather well-known fact, allow me to at least compensate you for the potion you created for me, and provide a down payment for whatever it is you will need to assist Griffin.”
“There is no need for compensation, Your Majesty.” I stole those plants from a public park before dawn, but let’s phrase it nicely for the audience. “I was fortunate to find the necessary ingredients in the Imperial Park.”
At her words, some nobles gasp while Count Eszes clearly struggles to hold himself back from begging for the recipe.
“And if it pleases Your Majesty,” time for the finishing blow “I would like to make the recipe used for Your Majesty’s treatment public.”
“Has she gone mad?!”
“Is she a fool?!”
“That recipe would be worth hundreds of thousands of gold coins!”
“How many in the Empire die from that same poisoning yearly?”
“So many knights have succumbed to metal poisoning, if not the treatment prescribed!”
“Asha, my dear.” Don’t cry, Asha. Stiff upper lip, you can do it. “Do you mean to say that despite your House’s financial situation, you wish to freely share your recipe?”
“Y...yes, Your Majesty.” Her voice is shaky, thanks to too many bittersweet memories. “It is customary for my Clan to share what we have with each other, through good and bad times. That is how we have survived this long.” Now bring up the taxes.
“Indeed.” I knew I could count on you, Uncle Aaron. “It seems I’ve been remiss. I pushed a title on your father as thanks not only for his efforts in the War, but as recognition of the Lune Clan’s ceaseless battles against demons for all our sakes. Yet I listened to certain individuals and did not take into account the fact that the aristocratic tax rate is a burden on the barren north.”
“Your Majesty!” What are you DOING?! You can’t admit ‘real’ fault or weakness, especially not in front of the snakes and vultures! “If Your Majesty ignored the words of your advisors, you would be labeled a tyrant and dictator.” She knows this because she was buried alive in her fourth life for the same reason. “The Empire of Loredan is vast, and Your Majesty in your infinite wisdom chose to delegate responsibilities to a select few deemed worthy and honorable through their heritage and actions. How could anyone fault Your Majesty for listening to the counsel of Councillors, especially a Minister as vocal as Duke Nathaira?” That was a bit obvious, but I can’t risk angering ‘my’ people. Besides, that snake deserves worse.
“You...” Asha dearly wants to laugh at the furious Duke, but at the same time she wants to egg him on until he does something stupid.
“Such wisdom and insight, from one so young.” ...I see. I fell into YOUR trap. Fortunately you’re always on my side. “I shall waive your House’s taxes for life then.”
Here we go.
The shouts from various parties is a familiar cacophony, and Asha has to bite her inner cheek hard not to laugh out loud before a thought sobers her.
This is going too well, which makes no sense. Are the gamblers going to mess with the tax rate? No, that’s too piddling now. They’re probably planning something for when I try to help Griffin. What I need to help him will require assistance from the Imperial Family and other Houses, after all.
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MOONRISE BY LUNASEA: CHAPTER 39 END