CC3 -CH19-

Ash smiled, placed one fist into the palm of his other hand, and gave the Realm Lord a differential martial salute. While bowing his head to the other man he noted that there was dirt and mud crusted to the sides, soles, and top of the man’s boots.

There was also grass, a twig, and a few leaves in that mix that was caked on.

The Realm Lord had gone through some rough terrain to get here as quickly as he did, which meant he likely didn’t travel the road for very long.

There also looked to be a slight tremble in his legs, as if he’d been consuming large quantities of pills, elixirs, or utilizing spell enhancement. In traveling alone he’d born the burden of the trip entirely upon himself.

“Greetings to the Realm Lord,” Ash said, remaining bent at the waist. This man technically ruled over Ash as Hu, the king, ruled over Citizens. “This Cultivator greets his Realm Lord and offers him whatever assistance, accommodation, or refreshments that can be given.”

“I… that-” the Realm Lord’s words came with puffed breaths. He sounded as if he’d just finished a good jog, rather than likely what he’d actually done. Days long sprinting without rest or respite.

“You… what is your rank? Your name? Why are you here?” commanded the Realm Lord after af ew seconds had passed by. It hadn’t taken him long to forcefully control his breathing.

Still sure we can take him?

Maybe he’s more like me? Overpowered for his level?

“I’m… you know, I’m fairly certain we can take him, but I can’t promise it,” admitted Locke. “There is the possibility he’s like us. Stronger than his rank should be.”

“I’m Ashley Sheng, husband to Ju Langye, the crown princess. Brother-in-law to Hu Langye, the now king of the realm. I am part of the Jade Fist sect,” said Ash, slowly standing erect again and meeting the Realm Lord’s eyes. “The king dispatched me the Imperial City wouldn’t fall into unknown hands. Namely his cousin, Hou.

“He had his uncle and great-uncle murdered by Cultivators. We may need to call upon the Emperor to insure there’s a division between Cultivator’s and the government of the royal family.

“I myself am going to need to be investigated as well since I’m now married to the crown princess. When we wed, we weren’t expecting her to be in the line of succession. There were so many other heirs ahead of her, after all.”

Ash had no intention of actually calling on the Emperor or having himself investigated, except that it was in his favor to put the suggestion forward, first. If he was to put the threat out there before someone else could, the Realm Lord would have to push for it, or let it fall on deaf ears.

Nor was he going to give his actual rank away to the Realm Lord unless directly asked to do so a second time. For the time being, he could act as if he’d forgotten it in his response.

The Realm Lord had a flicker of surprise on his face in regards to Ash being here for Hu, but none at all for the fact that the previous king was now laying in a grave. It was obvious he’d already known about that.

There was no reaction one way or the other that Ash could discern from the man in regards to the realm lord.

“We’re the Brides of Sheng,” Jia said from Ash’s right and slightly behind him. “We are his wives and concubines. We live to serve him.”

“I see,” said the Realm Lord, his eyes moving from person to person around Ash.

“My Lord, may I ask why are you here, and if I can provide you with any assistance” Ash asked. “I’m certain his highness would ask me to treat you with the courtesy your Lordship would expect and so I offer you anything that I might in his stead.”

“No, you can’t assist me,” the Realm Lord said in a tight and firm voice. There was an aura of power he was pushing out as well. One that was very similar to the master that’d gone along with Ash into the veil overlap.

This time, it wasn’t powerful enough to actually cause Ash any distress, other than leaving him feeling as if he were standing in front of a particularly hot oven.

“I see, well, if the royal family may assist you while you’re in the Imperial City, please don’t hesitate to contact me, my Lord,” Ash said in a respectful tone.

If the man was going to be secretive about his business, than there was no way he could very well push at him. At least, not without causing him to suspect Ash and his intentions.

Right now, everything was playing out in an innocent way.

He could push a little bit, as if he were curious, but nothing beyond that.

“Of course,” said the Realm Lord, standing there, looking confused, then his brow cleared suddenly. “The King sent you as his envoy.”

That had the ring of a statement rather than a question.

“Yes, though he did send me with the royal seal, a letter specifying his demands upon the palace and all those who serve it, as well as written orders for myself,” said Ash honestly. “This was of course, after he sent a letter to everyone noteworthy before I left. I delivered several of them personally.”

Ash left unspoken that he had no letter to hand to the Realm Lord.

A statement of information known, an indirect push that perhaps something wasn’t as it seemed, and then leaving it open for the other party. It was more practiced amongst Citizens than Cultivators, but it wasn’t unheard of either.

“Of course,” said the Realm Lord, as if realizing his mistake. His being here left a slew of questions that would need to be turned over in time. Especially if he didn’t have a legitimate reason to be in the Imperial City during such a tumultuous time. “I’ll leave you to it. I was merely coming to the palace to pay my respects to the royal family.

“I wouldn’t dare come to the seat of their power without at least announcing myself. That simply wouldn’t be polite or very welcome, I imagine.”

As they’d been speaking the royal guard had been trooping back onto the palace grounds. More than a few of the companies were starting to form up around Ash and the Realm Lord.

On top of that, the Cultivator’s who’d been hired into the royal guard were forming in the area as well.

“That makes perfect sense, my Lord,” Ash said with a bow of his head. “Thank you for letting us know of your arrival in the city. If you’re tired from the great haste you made to arrive at the city, I would like to offer you anything that I can, once again.”

The Realm Lord gave Ash a long look without saying or doing anything, before suddenly bowing his head in return at the same measure to Ash.

“Thank you, I’ll keep that in mind,” said the Realm Lord. Then the man turned on his heel and began walking sedately back the way he’d come from. Heading back into the city proper itself.

Ash didn’t look away from the man.

He watched him.

Closely and without hiding his gaze.

“Locke,” Ash said as the Realm Lord reached the furthest edge of the palace grounds.

“On it. I’ll keep an eye on him. I can retreat back to the Hall if I need to,” said Locke with a laugh.

She appeared halfway between them and the Realm Lord in clothes better suited to a citizen. They also did a good job of dressing her down, hiding away her eye-catching looks, and making her seem far more mundane.

“She is a good wife,” murmured Jia.

“Yes, though I fear her hold over Ashley,” replied Na. “I think I feared the wrong duo. Yue and I will have to strategize over this.”

“Hmph, it’ll be fine,” Tala chimed in, suddenly wrapping an arm around Ash and bringing him into her side. “In time, he’ll be smothered in all the attention he wants by my Elegant Self and Moira. She’s already relayed to me all his secrets. I will utilize them and win his heart.”

Tala’s words made Ash’s heart skip a beat, at the same time that it flipped over itself from being so close to her so suddenly.

He knew Moira understood him in a way even Locke didn’t. If she’d told Tala all of that, he wasn’t quite certain how the big bunny would treat him.

“Come on, Ashley,” Tala said, turning around and dragging him with her. “I’m feeling suddenly like I want to take a moment for ourselves. Would you mind if we took a nap together before the meeting with all those administrators?”

I could really use a nap, actually.

That sounds great.

And knowing Tala… she’ll want something else before that Nap.

Not arguing, Ash let Tala lead him away.

“Well, Jia, I suppose we should talk,” Tai said as Ash departed.

With the arrival of the Realm Lord, and realizing Tai was no longer a threat to him, Ash had forgotten the man was even there. As if he weren’t worth noticing anymore.

“Indeed, that we should,” replied Jia. “You will need to be part of this Ehrinis, since you carry my nephew or niece inside you. I have already spoken with Ashley in regard to this and he has given me permission to make arrangements for the three of you.”

The sound of Tai’s sudden inhaled breath was audible.

It seemed while everyone else knew that Ehrinis was pregnant and maybe he wasn’t so happy about that. That or he didn’t really want to discuss it.

“Come, Ashley, they don’t concern us,” Tala urged, her free hand coming up to hold to his forearm. “Now, tell my Elegant Self how you’d like to begin, because I was thinking we could start with getting dirty, then getting clean in a bath together.”

***

“It’s almost time for that meeting,” whispered Locke. Her words were like a caress on his ears. Her voice sounded lovely. “Oh, I had no idea you enjoyed me talking

that much. Maybe I’ll have to get some dirty talk going for you when we get our first night together.

“LBA might have been experienced but I’m afraid I have none at all in my current body, so it’ll be exciting for both of us.”

Ash managed to crack an eye open and barely registered her words. In fact he was still partly asleep.

At his side was a very long-eared cuddle-bunny that at one point had been a very prideful warrior. Moira had very clearly told Tala everything she knew about Ash and what he liked, and she’d used it to her advantage.

Ash had been given all he would’ve gotten from Moira, by Tala, and then promptly forced to take a nap with her. Just as she said she wanted.

“I know, I watched. It was rather lovely. Now,” Locke said, her tone switching from warm and gooey to firm in a single word. “Are you ready to discuss the Realm Lord and the meeting you’ll have in about thirty minutes or so?”

I… yeah. I’m ready, thank you, Locke Sheng.

“Of course. It’s what I’m here for,” said Locke in a very warm voice before switching right back to the more serious tone. “First off, yes, I do believe you’re right in your thoughts about the Realm Lord. He’s very clearly involved with the murder of the king.

“Likely a co-conspirator, in the same way the queen was. Promised something, or offered something, so long as he helped in whatever was happening. There was obviously no traces of that Life-Qi on him and he didn’t likely know anything of what was going on in a detailed way either.

“No better or worse than the queen, really, though still involved. It’ll be rather difficult to prove his involvement. I’m looking into the prisoners we have to see if any of them are willing to talk about the Realm Lord’s involvement. They might be more willing to talk about that than their organization.”

That makes sense. I imagine they might be more willing to talk about it, indeed.

“Beyond that, the Realm Lord just wandered around the city. He clearly didn’t know what to do with himself, and was quite concerned with being followed.

“The number of loop backs, alleys, and Cultivation abilities he used to make sure he didn’t have someone on him was impressive. Unfortunately for him it was me following him. No one can elude me in my current form and abilities. I’m even stronger than Locke Before Ash. She’s nothing compared to me, Locke After Ash.”

You’re most impressive, Locke Sheng. You impress me.

The honest thought was given freely. Locke was indeed very impressive to him and growing more so in unexpected ways.

“I… well… thank you. I try really hard, ya know? I’m so new to this… monogamous, married, wife thing and I’m working at really doing my best for you,” Locke said bashfully. She sounded like she needed encouragement from Ash’s point of view.

And you’re doing wonderfully. I look forward to when we can be closer.

Now, thank you for your hard work.

I’m not sure there’s anything we can do about the Realm Lord at this time, however. If he really is operating through a cutout like the Queen was, then he’s probably not in the know of any useful information.

“That and there’s someone in his city who can likely kill him. In the same way that someone tried to kill the queen,” offered Locke. “So… if that assumption is true, than Life-Qi is far more dangerous than we thought, or this entire attack is coming from a realm superior to ours.”

A realm superior to ours.

Ash didn’t like that thought, but he couldn’t deny it. It seemed perfectly reasonable and logical.

There was no way that this organization would leave a loose-end like the Realm Lord hanging around. Not after all the steps they’d taken to make sure they remained in secrecy up to this point.

They had some type of plan or way to deal with the Realm Lord that would make him a non-issue. To eliminate him without leaving a trail behind that could back to them.

Should we send someone to infiltrate the Realm Lord’s sect and see what can be found?

“I would agree to that idea but… it’d be dangerous. Very dangerous. I’m not sure we have anyone that I could suggest to send that would do well with such a thing,” Locke mumbled.

Good point. It’d be a very dangerous thing.

Have we given out a set of abilities to anyone that would be similar to a spy? Or an assassin?

If we haven’t, should we? This seems like an opportune time to have someone like that.

“No, we haven’t. I’ll look into that for the future. Sorry, didn’t even think about it,”apologized Locke.

Not your fault. Wasn’t something we’d encountered or even thought of.

Anything else to discuss?

Concerns?

Opinions?

“No. Nothing, really. Though I should let you know, I’m working on a way of manufacturing rings that link to the Hall,” gushed Locke. “I’m getting really close to actually getting something working!

“From what I can tell, it’d be limited to being able to connect whoever was wearing the ring to the Hall and let them transfer to it, but then they’d come out wherever you were. Not where they’d started. It’d be like a one-way travel system. Making you, the Hall to be specific, the hub and everyone else spokes.”

Huh.

Well, that’d be pretty interesting and useful I’d imagine.

Good job, Locke.

LBA can’t even hold a candle to you now.

Locke didn’t respond, though he knew she’d heard him. She just didn’t reply.

Tala woke up with a small startle in the next moment. Then lifted her head and looked to the door to the bedroom.

Ash felt it then, too.

Jia, Chunhua, and Na were all coming to collect him for the meeting.

Their time napping was over.

Yawning, Tala laid her head back down on Ash’s shoulder and sighed. She started to stretch her body out against him while also snuggling into him.

“I liked this,” she murmured, one of her ears flopping down over Ash’s face. “We’ll need to do this again, soon. I can see why Moira kept calling me an idiot for not making this happen sooner.”

Then the door opened, and Ash was pushed into action.

Twenty minutes later and Ash found himself walking toward a door that would lead to the throne room. It was where Ash had asked for the meeting to be held so that he could discuss everything with the ministers and administrators of the country, while also making sure they understood he was here at the king’s behest.

Surrounding him was all the “Brides of Sheng” that were with him. They were dressed in their uniforms, sporting weapons, and looked more like bodyguards than brides.

He wasn’t going to argue the point with them though. That felt like a losing battle, that even if he won, would be a Pyrrhic victory.

Up ahead, Ash could hear a great many voices inside. More voices than he was expecting if he was only seeing those who controlled the rest of the country in their respective positions.

Something’s happened here.

Either the Commander has set me up for political trap, or one of the Ministers has.

Whichever it may be, I’ll need to deal with it harshly. I have to bring them all together for Hu.

Na opened the large wooden door to the throne room with a signficant amount of force. Taking several steps inside she slammed the butt of her jade spear into the ground several times.

The clang of it against the stone floor was quite loud and left a mark that was visible.

All the voices that’d been talking were instantly silenced as Ash and the others entered the throne room. There wasn’t a place to stand or sit in the throne room and it was filled with a great many people.

“Seal the doors, guard the exits,” Ash said under his breath as he laid eyes on the throne.

Jia, Na, and Chunhua all spread out. Locke and Tala remained with him and were now on either side of him. The cultivators hired to protect the royal family weren’t present, and the royal guard was missing as well.

“I am Ashley Sheng!” Ash said, marching straight for the throne. He didn’t bother to make eye contact with anyone. He wasn’t going to give them any attention whatsoever.

This had to start on the right note. With a heavy hand in a gauntleted fist that held a bloody dagger. He needed to be brash and bold so that everyone would rather deal with the king, than his brother-in-law, who might be sent after them.

Like a mad-dog.

Ash like that thought.

“I expected to only see Ministers in here, yet I see a great many more people than that,” he continued as he sat down in the throne. “People I didn’t invite. People that weren’t expected.

“So now we’re going to close the throne room, I’m going to find out who all is here, and why, and then we’re going to decide if anyone who is here, and shouldn’t have been, never leaves here.”

Ash’s words were accentuated by the slamming of doors, followed by their beams being dropped into place to lock them.

“So… let’s all remember this moment together and begin,” Ash said and then pointed at the nearest person in the stands. “Who are you and why are you here?”