Chapter [B3] 44 — The Jade Court

Chapter [B3] 44 — The Jade Court

The day of the banquet had arrived in the blink of an eye. Things had been moving rapidly, and now it was time to do the thing that had been the main purpose of my visit. I stood in my chamber, a few servants helping me dress into more proper clothing. At least it was comfortable, the clothes crafted from really good materials. It did feel weird, but I had an important position and not dressing properly would look bad on the people I was working with, and reflect poorly on not just me but also the Lord and everyone else with me.

Such was the nature of politics. I couldnt wait to put it all behind me and go back home. I missed the simplicity of not worrying about all this and just exploding stuff for fun. After I looked proper enough, the servants bowed as they left the chambers, busy with a hundred tasks.

Everyone was moving around and buzzing with energy for the preparations of the banquet. I stood up, looking at myself in a mirror that sat in my chamber. I moved around a little, the regal clothing doesnt really suiting me all that well, but I could see myself growing into it over time, if I spent enough time here.

I changed my expression, trying to imagine how an arrogant young master would carry himself. Lifting my chin, I put just the barest hint of a frown on my face, straightening my back as if filled to the brim with pride and offended that peasants would dare breathe the same air as me.

The attempt made me chuckle, as I shook my head. Alright, that was enough messing around. I walked around my room, opening the drawer of the table present inside, before pulling out a key. Inserting it at the edge, I slid it into a crack at the corner till I found the keyhole and turned it. The bottom came loose and I opened it to see my weapon of mass destruction sitting innocently inside, packaged in the box it had come in.

I picked the void bomb up, putting it in the pouch at my waist. I dont know why I was bringing this with me, but I would rather have it on me and not use it than need it and not have it.

Patting my clothes once to make sure I had everything I wanted, I stepped out of the chamber. Everyone else had also gotten ready, and immediately as I stepped out I noticed Ash and Abby walking together, wearing newer items of clothing.

I actually wasnt sure they could change clothes since the ones the spirit got came with their human forms. Which had always been a little weird to think about. Labby and Ash noticed me and quickly came over.

Master, how does Labby look? She asked me, holding up her arms as she showed her dress.

You look great Labby, I said with a smile. You too Ash.

Ash grunted at me, clearly not very comfortable with his new clothes.

Lets go, best not to make anyone wait, I said, walking out with my spirits. Id wanted to ask Su Lin if he would accompany me but hed vanished somewhere before I could ask him, which I suppose was answer enough.

I made my way outside and saw our carriages standing in wait. The lords carriage stood at the front looking more pristine than ever, and just behind him was going to be mine. Then, just behind mine would be Yan Yun, Lei, and to my surprise, Zhou Fang, who would not be traveling in the same carriage as his father. But it made sense to an extent. He was neither a lord nor held any other position, so he would not be in the official group of the invites.

I saw the servants all moving about, filling the last carriage with gifts for the Shie matriarch. Given how many officials and lords would be attending I had to wonder just how many gifts would the Matriarch be getting.

Everybody looked busy around me, not just in the manor but outside as well. The entire city had been abuzz with activity, and to an extent that made sense. Today was a big day, with the rise of another Divinity, this was a show of strength. And a celebration to the continued reign and the prosperity of the Azure-Jade empire and the Emperor.

I walked up to my carriage, and took a seat, Ash and Labby following behind me. I looked out the window of the carriage and saw the Old Man walk out alongside the Lord. The Lord looked a little more proper than he always did, but it was the old man who caught my eye. I looked at him in surprise, with his back straight, and regal robes I could see the glimpse of the lord he once used to be.N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.

As the two of them took their seats in the front carriage, the drivers moved the carriages and soon we were off.

Looking down at myself, I began checking my clothes and making sure everything was proper. Id been taught the etiquettes thoroughly but it was still a bit nerve-wracking. I repeated the words I had been told.

Sheng Ming you have returned? The emperor asked in surprise.

Just a visit, your majesty. This old man is but a humble alchemist now, the old man said.

So you say, but we have heard talks of your disciple, the man said, and I could feel cold sweat running down my back. Why did every word this man spoke sound like a threat?

A disciple of alchemy. That is all this humble old fool does. It is the path I have chosen, the old man said, keeping his head bowed.

The emperor remained silent for a moment that felt like a terribly long time before finally speaking up. Very well. It is the boy with you, is it not? Raise your head, Lord Jie, the emperor said.

The words were like a command, similar to what the Shie matriarch had done, and a part of me immediately resisted the words out of sheer instincts. But before I accidentally ended up offending the emperor I raised my head, trying to play off the little shiver in my spirit.

As I raised my head, I finally saw the emperors face for the first time. He had a stern looking face, with a thin beard and a powerful build, but it was the eyes. Those five rings within it, the mark of power, the mark of Divinity, these felt complete, absolute, like a herald of true authority stronger than anything else I had ever seen. The man oozed respect and I wanted to bow my head to him despite not being under any command any more. If he were to be thrown on the streets, people would fall onto his feet and still worship him.

It seriously unnerved me. This was unnatural.

We have heard of you, boy. A no name child rising to the rank of lord, and becoming an elder of a sect. A new Sage as well. Impressive tasks, the emperor said.

You are too kind, I said, bowing my head, trying to play it cool as best as I could.

We want to ask you this, boy. Who are your fealties to?

If you could hear silence, this would be the moment. The entire court went quiet, even breaths halting for the briefest of moment, speaking louder than any gasp ever could. I was damn near shitting myself at this point.

What should I say? To the emperor? No, that would be a very obvious lie, it needed to be something subtler. I raised my head as my mind raced, and I felt my heart nearly leap out of my throat, as I spoke words that barely had had any time to properly even form in my mind.

To the betterment of this empire.

Silence remained in the court, as the emperor looked at me.

That pleases us, the emperor said, and I nearly let out a sigh of relief. Especially given how you are not from this world.

I looked up meeting the emperors eyes, a slight hint of a smile was on his face as my entire being frozen solid in that moment. Only a single thought remained in my head.

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.