Ashes of the Elite-Chapter 23: Summoned

Cain exhales , rubbing his temple before dismissing Marta with a simple wave of his hand. She bows quickly before hurrying out, closing the door softly behind her. Silence lingers for a few beats before Cain sighs in obvious frustration, leaning back in his chair and pinching the bridge of his nose.

I frown as I watch him. "What's wrong? And who exactly is Count Ashland?" The name rings a faint bell, but the details are lost somewhere in the mess of half-asleep lessons I endured with Mrs. Carla.

Cain drops his hand, giving me a disgusted look. "If you don't start paying attention, I swear to the Gods I'll have a talk with Carla and increase the amount of time you have to spend with her."

I grimace at the threat but don't respond. The last thing I need is more time trapped in that stuffy study, listening to Carla drone on and on.

Satisfied that his warning has sunk in, Cain continues. "Count Ashland is the overseer of Lont. His castle sits in the northern part of the city, making it one of the first things people see when they arrive. It's a reminder of nobility's presence, though their power is... limited." He gestures vaguely. "The Inquisitors only answer to the Imperial family so they wield a lot more power and more leeway for questionable actions, but counts like Ashland do have some influence over them. Enough to issue certain orders, at least."

I nod, taking in the information as he goes on. "He manages the city's funds and ensures the enlisted soldiers stationed at the garrison are keeping up with their duties. Beyond that, he also sits on the city's council."

That catches my interest. "Council?" 'Never heard of that"

Cain snorts "That's because you dont pay attention to your lessons. He continues, "Lont's council consists of three key figures—Count Ashland, Bishop Lark, and Lieutenant Kirper. Together, they vote on policies, oversee criminal cases, and mediate disputes between multiple parties. The council convenes twice a month unless something urgent comes up that requires immediate action."

I absorb the information, the name Lark also ringing a faint bell but my mind already circled back to the summons. If this Count Ashland is calling us in personally, it means something serious has happened. Either that, or this is about me—which, given recent events, wouldn't be surprising.

I frown, leaning back in my chair. "What could we even be summoned for?" Then, after a pause, I add, "And don't we technically outrank the Count?"

Cain raises an eyebrow at me, clearly unimpressed. "Correction you don't actually outrank anyone."

I stare deadpan . "Excuse me?"

He leans back in his chair, sipping his tea with infuriating nonchalance. "Until you graduate all four years of the Academy, your rank is essentially ceremonial. You're given respect because Awakening is rare and widely celebrated by both the Inquisitors and the Imperial Family. But as far as actual authority goes? You have none."

I stare at him, my grin fading. "You're kidding."

"Do I look like I'm joking?" He sets his cup down and folds his arms. "The only reason people listen to you is because they're either impressed or terrified, but that doesn't mean you hold any real power yet. Meanwhile—" he gestures to himself with a smirk, "I do. Technically, I outrank the Count."

I snort, crossing my arms. "Great. So I'm just a glorified mascot until I graduate?"

Cain chuckles. "More or less."

Cain's lighthearted expression evaporates a second later.

"But even though I technically outrank him, because I'm stationed here, there are certain regulations in place that prevent me from just outright ignoring the city's lord. The Crown wouldn't exactly appreciate me disregarding one of their appointed overseers." His lips twitch in mild amusement. "So the answer is yes, but actually no."

I shake my head. "Ah, politics—so full of unnecessary complications. I'd say it makes my head hurt, but that implies I actually care enough to think about it."

Cain smirks, shaking his head in disappointment. "You'll have to start caring once you arrive in Lusa for the Academy. The politics in this country aren't as black and white as you seem to think." "Behind every blade of grass lies a snake"

I shake my head in disgust. "Whatever, but you didn't answer my question" "Why would we be summoned."

Cain lets out a dry chuckle, completely devoid of humor. "Most likely, this is about that little stunt you pulled in the market." He gives me a pointed look. "Word travels fast, especially when it involves an Elite causing a spectacle."

I scoff but don't argue. He's probably right. That's what I had assumed as well.

I lean forward, resting my arms on my knees. "Is this going to be a problem?"

Cain sneers. "Oh, absolutely. It's going to be a headache." He gives me a flat look. "You can't just go around killing people."

His words sit heavy in the air between us. I don't respond, just staring at him as irritation prickles at the back of my mind. But before I can say anything, he sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Look, I'll take care of it when we get there. Just let me do the talking."

Without waiting for my response, Cain reaches for a small brass bell on his desk and gives it a sharp ring. The chime is crisp, Cain uses his power to have the sound carried throughout the house. A few minutes later, there's a knock at the door before it creaks open, and Doran steps inside, looking as stiff as ever.

Cain barely glances at him. "Get the carriage ready."

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Dorian bows his head. "At once, my lord." He turns on his heel and leaves without another word.

I drag a hand through my hair. This is going to be a long day.