With the Ascians in control of so much I wouldn't be supprised if they are directly behind Garlemauld's rise from a no body city state to the most powerful empire since Allag.

By doing that they allowed the battle of silvertear skys to free the primals, manipulated the Ishgaudians to shutting off their borders at the same time as crushing Alahmigo, AND then tricking/manipulating Nael van Darnus to freeing Bahamut from Dalamuld with the meteor project.

Lets face it, it's exceptionally likly that we've done nothing but play into their hands the whole time. After all, one of the perks of immortality is the ability be VERY patient.