Chapter 4: Honor Spites Betrayal

“Asa?...Asa!” a voice calls out.

Asa looks up from the board across the table in the reception room, Inei staring back at her.

“It's your turn. Pay attention,” he scolds.

Asa looks back down at the board, still thinking about her move. Inei sighs.

“Do I need to teach you again?” Inei asks, the displeasure in his tone making it clear he didn't expect or want an answer.

Asa caves under his scrutiny, quickly placing her piece in a total misplay that she immediately recognizes. Asa grimaces and anticipates another sigh which she's promptly met with.

“Haaaa… you're hopeless. I want you to beat me at least once but at this rate it'll never happen,” Inei complains, capturing Asa’s unit, “I even let you play black with no compensation.”

Inei shakes his head as he collects her pieces.

“...your advantage is too much, yet you say you want me to win…” Asa mutters under her breath.

Inei looks up and raises an eyebrow at her and Asa keeps her eyes trained on the board. “...sorry,” she says.

“You wouldn't have to be sorry if you played well,” Inei chides harshly, gesturing to her, “Your turn.”

Asa doesn't reply and, after another long moment of silence, makes her move while Inei places his piece immediately after. Asa frowns. Inei glances up at her silence and chuckles at her expression.

Asa’s hands clench tightly under the table, her whole body radiating tension as she gets the sense something is wrong. “...doesn't a king have better things to do?” Asa asks bitterly despite herself..

“Than prove why I'm king to you? No, I don't,” Inei responds in a low grumble that speaks to his easy confidence.

Asa huffs, “This is why people talk about you so–” She cuts herself off before she gives Inei another reason to scold her. However, he finds one anyway.

“Let them talk. If anyone else were meant to be king, they would be. Just focus on the game, it's your turn.”

Asa refocuses on the board with a frown for a moment before she shakes her head and mumbles, “I can't understand you. You won't be king forever.”

As the words leave her lips, she feels a painful dread weigh down her heart, her limbs feeling like lead.

Inei doesn't respond, instead making a move for her. “Since you want to lose so badly, here,” Inei says before following up with his own play and capturing another of Asa’s units on the board.

“You can't even do this,” he mumbles, leaning back in his seat and gesturing to her, “it's your fault.”

Asa wills herself to move but can't, choking out what little she can hoarsely. “I….I…” she utters clumsily.

With a scoff, Inei says, “You can’t finish a game of Go. I could’ve been a good king but you couldn't save me. What can you do, Asa? Do you really think you can save your home?”

“I…I can’t…” Asa mumbles. Her breaths heave out of her in short, erratic bursts and her skin becomes clammy in a cold sweat. Her fists stay curled tight in her lap underneath the table, trembling greatly just like the rest of her.

Inei stands and walks to the window with a huff, the eerie glow of the roaring flames outside the palace creeping over him and engulfing his entire form steadily in red shadow. “We’re gone, “ he says, “and it’s your fault, Asa.”

The sound of the fire grows louder, pounding against Asa’s eardrums in a painful rhythm. She finally wills her head move a second too late, only able to sit and watch as Inei and the mountains far in the distance seen through the window are both swallowed whole in flames.

“Asa,” a voice calls, “...Asa! Wake up, Asa!”

Asa bolts upright with a gasp, and the men at her bedside jolt back in surprise.

“Asa, are you alright? We have a medic here,” Hoen says, studying her with concern.

She doesn’t answer at first, looking at the entrance to the tent and seeing that it’s already well into the day. Rarely ever sleeping this long, her first instinct is to get up and she swings her legs over the side of the cot before the men stop her, hands out to prevent her from standing.

“Ah–t-take it easy!” Wen stutters out panickedly.

“Do you feel alright, miss?” the medic says calmly, “You’re shaking. Please, rest more.”

Hoen rests a hand on Asa’s shoulder gently. “I sent Wen to get you so that we could have a meeting with all my aides, and he found you having a bad nightmare. I apologize to have to wake you like this, but Wen and I can leave while the medic checks you–”

“Medic?” Asa cuts him off, looking up at him with a frown. “I’m fine, it was only a nightmare.”

Hoen’s mouth opens to protest but he stops himself and takes a deep breath before offering a patient smile. “Alright, I understand,” he says, “You missed breakfast but, please, join us for lunch when you’re ready and we’ll have a meeting.There’s also some water and a rag if you wish to bathe.”

Hoen gestures to the other side of the tent where a shallow basin and a rag are set. Asa nods and Hoen takes the other two men out of the tent with him, closing the flap. Asa stands up shakily and goes to the basin to clean herself in the basin before she redresses, taking the time to breathe deeply and recenter herself. By the time she’s done, her shaking has mostly subsided and Asa leaves the tent with the keys in her pocket and the journal in her hands, not wanting to leave it unattended. When she finds the group gathered in front of a large tent, they all notice the journal but say nothing as Hoen approaches her and speaks first.

“Asa, there you are. Do you feel better?” he asks.

Asa nods and says plainly, “I’m alright. Thank you for your concern, though it’s unnecessary.”

Hoen lets out a breath and nods, looking her over once anyway and then nodding again. “Good,” he says, “There’s food for you inside the tent. Please, come in and we’ll all talk about yesterday.”

Asa nods and follows his lead, his aides already entering the tent and taking seats or standing comfortably around the space. Hoen leads her to a comfortable looking chair and gives her a leg of rabbit, some bread, and a flask of water. “I can guarantee the quality. Shou cooks for our group,” Hoen tells her.

“It’s much better than whatever the soldier’s rations are, at least,” a man with a smug smile adds in a half-joking tone. “You met everyone before me, Asa– what a shame. I’m Jaemi.” Jaemi approaches her and extends his hand in greeting. Asa nods and shakes his hand firmly, to Jaemi’s apparent delight.

“Wow, what a grip! You must be a fighter but you’d make a good businesswoman, too, with that handshake,” he chuckles, entertaining himself with the mental image.

“That’s enough, Jaemi,” Toge cuts in, turning to Asa himself, “He doesn’t mean bad, just doesn’t know when to shut it.”

“Are you talking about yourself, Toge? You should be a little more positive, you know,” Jaemi jibes.

“Hey! You know I–” Toge starts, but Hoen cuts him off, having been previously chuckling in the background.

“Alright, you two, she doesn’t need to hear you argue,” he says before turning to Asa with a smile.

“Jaemi is my logistician. He’s mainly in charge of making and maintaining professional relationships and procuring supplies for our various investigations,” Hoen explains, Jaemi waving at Asa from behind him.

Toge huffs, but takes over introducing himself, his arms crossed over his chest as he leans against the desk. “I’m Hoen’s guard but lately they just make me do errands and busywork,” he grunts out, “Nice to meet ya.”

“Ah–hello again, Asa,” Wen starts awkwardly with a small wave, “I, uh, don’t really have a title like them but I’m a historical researcher–mainly focusing on linguistics, but I can explain that later. If you’d like, of course. Uhm, I research and compile data and documents for our audits and investigations.”

Wen ends with a nod and turns to Shou. Shou simply says, “Shou. Scout,” with a nod of his own, leaning back against some boxes with his arms crossed over his chest.

Then, Hoen speaks again. “We do audits and investigations within the Aristocratic Coalition of Sehchoh as well as for related third party organizations and businesses,” he explains, “I am the Vice Administrator of the Coalition, working under my father who is the Administrator.”

Throughout their introductions, Asa nods along in understanding. The Coalition, its structure, and its important figures are well known amongst Ba’atan’s Saishu– the Crowns, warriors, scouts, and guides of Ba’atan. Though, Asa never would have thought she would meet the vice-administrator and his team face to face, always having involved herself rather strictly with affairs in the mountains and not much else. “It’s nice to meet you all. I’m a warrior from Ba’atan,” Asa introduces herself briefly.

Wen hesitates for a moment before asking, “If I may ask, do many Ba’ata people have features like yours? People from Ba’atan are rarely seen in the rest of the Midlands. I think you resemble someone from the southern peninsula.”

Asa replies, “No.”

There’s an awkward silence, Wen muttering out a disheartened, “Oh…” at her curt response.

Then, Hoen clears his throat to break through the atmosphere and smiles at her, sitting at his desk. “In any case, please feel free to eat during our meeting, Asa, and don’t hesitate to participate, either,” Hoen says, transitioning the conversation, “I’m sure we each have questions about you we’d like to ask–I surely do–and I hope you’ll entertain them after our meeting.”

Asa nods and then the meeting begins with Hoen leading.

“So, Jaemi,” Hoen starts, “tell us what you learned yesterday.”

Jaemi performatively clears his throat, much like Hoen earlier, with a grin and begins his report. “After asking soldiers on both sides, I learned that some buildings around the capital were lit on fire–though no one saw by who–and the fire spread to the palace walls when one of the buildings close to the palace collapsed and grew from there. There weren’t enough people to put out all the fires at once and so the buildings by the palace were left burning longer. The fires attracted soldiers from Naiténoza and Sehchoh and fighting broke out when they could not determine the source of the fires and they started to suspect one another.”

Hoen cuts in, “Weren’t our soldiers instructed not to engage in any fighting unless absolutely necessary? A fire is hardly just cause.”

Jaemi nods and adds, “I didn't think it made sense, either. It’d be one thing if Naiténoza soldiers were the aggressors but after some pressing some of our guys told me that it was our side doing most of the instigating, all by a specific couple of soldiers. Those I talked to said it was very strange and that the instigators usually aren’t so verbally combative or quick to take up arms.”

Hoen nods, “And you’ve already identified them, I’m sure. Are they being held securely?”

Jaemi chuckles, “They’ve been detained, yeah.”

Hoen hums a low, “Good, we’ll have them interrogated in Sehchoh” affirming he’s satisfied with Jaemi’s report. Then, Wen speaks up.

“There’s something I still don’t understand,” he objects, “I understand that there weren't enough people to put out all the fires so they likely prioritised their own homes and businesses, but why weren’t there enough people? King Inei was supposed to be holding court yesterday. I expected a lot more nobles and their staff to be present.”

Shou nods, adding, “I agree. It wasn’t just the palace, the whole capital seems deserted.”

“Yes, I noticed as well,” Hoen agrees, “This isn’t consistent with our records–but then again, no noble from the Coalition has come personally to the capital in a long time due to the growing tensions between Sehchoh and Naiténoza across the Midlands. This can be attributed to our own oversight. Still, I feel the information we got about Naiténoza was more than just slightly off…” Hoen drifts off in thought, his hands folded on the desk in front of him.

There’s a brief silence as the men all seem to contemplate the same thing. Having finished her food, Asa joins the conversation. “People have been leaving the capital for Rita,” she adds, “Those who remain here are either in service to King Inei or value their history enough to ignore the capital gain offered by the industry growing elsewhere.”

Hoen hums in acknowledgement. “I see. Rita has been growing, but not at a rate that I thought should warrant any concern. Could our information be wrong in that respect, as well, I wonder…” His expression becomes more severe as he thinks.

“Even if the population has been declining in the capital, why would the nobles not show up when Inei held court? There weren’t any nobles in the palace at all and it’s not as if they didn’t know–Inei holds court at the same time every year.” Toge questions brusquely, his arms crossed over his chest. The other aides nod along in agreement, equally baffled.

“I believe I have the answer,” Hoen reveals. The men all look at him in surprise when he follows with, “Inei likely knew that we would be coming and informed the nobles not to come.”

Toge, of course, is the most shocked, his arms unfolding and hovering at his side as he exclaims loudly, “What? Why would he do that?”

Shou speaks up, “And how would he know? Even if someone spotted us, it’s unlikely they made it back here to report it with enough time for all the nobles to leave. He’d have to have known beforehand.”

Jaemi adds, “I agree, it just isn’t feasible that he could’ve managed this without preparation. Especially when court is meant to be held for a few days, it wouldn’t be easy for nobles to pack up and leave.”

“Uhm, Hoen,” Wen says, “You must have some proof, right? It sounds like you think someone leaked the information to Naiténoza.” The other aides nod in agreement.

Hoen hesitates before he says, “I don’t have concrete proof, yet, but Inei told me something when we dueled.”

Wen is the first to react, his eyes wide as he exclaims softly, “Duel? So you two fought?”

However, only Wen seems to be surprised by the information. Toge, having seen for himself, simply nods knowingly while Jaemi and Shou take the information in stride, watching Hoen and taking in his expression. Wen looks even more shocked by the lack of reactions from his comrades. “Did everyone know this? Is King Inei still alive?”

Hoen shakes his head before he speaks in a solemn tone, “When he saw the flames outside, he challenged me to a duel. I tried to reason with him, but he wouldn’t listen.”

Toge adds, “I figured that’s how it would’ve gone when the chaos started.”

“...you don’t seem injured, though,” Shou points out.

Toge's eyes widen at that, searching over Hoen’s form. “Wait, he’s right–did the king really not put up a good fight?”

Hoen frowns, continuing hesitantly, “That’s the thing I find most strange. He did, but looking back on it he didn’t seem to have any killing intent. He was more formidable than I expected from someone called the ‘foolish’ or ‘useless’ king, but he didn't take any killing blows despite likely having many chances.”

Asa nods, adding, “King Inei was very skilled with a sword. We trained together many times. He was a warrior in his own right.”

The men look over at her with varying degrees of surprise. After a moment of silence, Hoen finally reveals the most crucial information. “Thank you, Asa,” he starts, “That makes me more sure of my hunch. I’m almost certain King Inei knew we would be coming. When the chaos outside started he didn’t look surprised at all, almost like he expected it. Then, when he spoke to me he sounded so calm. He said, ‘One of us is meant to die here. Draw your sword.’ It sounded like he knew the fires would happen and thought someone was out for his life–or mine. I believe he would not have behaved this way without having at least some knowledge beforehand.”

Asa takes in the information with a frown, nodding in understanding. “I get it,” she says, “If he knew something would happen yesterday, he’d have wanted his life to be ultimately in his own hands. He likely held back on purpose during your duel, wanting your life to be spared.”

Wen hesitantly speaks up, “Uhm, but why put up a fight if he didn’t intend to kill Hoen?”

Toge huffs and answers, “It’s about honor, Wen. A king who doesn’t put up a fight in that situation is hardly worth being king at all. He can’t dishonor himself or the people who are loyal to him by just giving up.”

Asa looks at Toge with wide eyes but nods slowly. “That’s right. King Inei was a very honor-bound man and was very partial to traditions. He would not have died sitting down.”

They are all quiet for a long moment before Shou breaks the silence with an astute, brutal observation. “If he’s as honorable and formidable as you say, Asa, then must’ve spared Hoen knowing that the fires weren’t Sehchoh’s fault. Otherwise, his actions don’t make sense…unless he just wanted to die.”

At that, Asa’s face screws into a scowl. Though, she doesn’t respond, her gaze falling to the floor. The atmosphere in the tent becomes tense as the men observe her reaction. Wen scolds softly, “Shou…” Though, Shou's gaze stays trained on Asa, waiting for her reaction.

“He wanted to die? That doesn’t sound anything like the haughty King Inei we know about,” Jaemi comments half-jokingly.

“King Inei might have been private, but are we going to continue to trust rumors and say-so about him or Asa’s words as someone who was close to King Inei personally?” Hoen challenges. When Jaemi puts his hands up in surrender, Hoen looks at Asa. “Well?” he says, “What do you think, Asa?”

Asa is silent for a long moment as the men watch her, waiting for her input. Then, she grits words out like they physically hurt to say. “...both are likely.”

Wen tries to clarify, “...do you mean he knew Hoen and Sehchoh didn’t cause the fires and still wanted to die, Asa?”

Asa nods, accompanied by more silence before Hoen hums in thought.

“...I believe you, Asa. I get that impression, as well, from our duel,” Hoen says.

Toge sighs and says, “So we know why the nobles weren’t there. Does this mean we can assume Naiténoza was actually the instigator–here and the mountains?”

Hoen nods, “I believe we can, yes.”

Jaemi adds, “And the soldiers we have detained? I’m assuming they were coerced somehow, then.”

Hoen nods again, “Yes, I believe so. They’ll have to be thoroughly investigated after we return and give our report. Were there any casualties, Jaemi?”

Jaemi shakes his head and Hoen continues, “Good. We can leave in the morning, then. There’s just one last thing to address.”

Shou says, “You mean the palace.”

Hoen nods and says, “Yes, the palace was devoid of life and of any evidence. There were almost no official documents and definitely not any that we found of importance.”

Wen adds, “It makes sense now that we know people from Naiténoza knew we were coming. They likely didn't want us to leave with anything. Though King Inei doesn't seem to be involved–rather, he seems like a victim.”

“Yes, this changes a lot of what we thought we knew about Naitenozan politics and King Inei specifically. He likely wasn’t behind the missing documents, but he must’ve at least known who was. It doesn’t make sense for someone to come into his palace and make away with so many important documents undiscovered. Since we’re fairly sure that he intended to die yesterday, he either didn't care that whoever was meddling was plotting against him in the first place or was covering for them by letting them get away with so much information.”

Asa interjects, “The first idea is more likely. Inei wasn’t personally close with any of the nobles in his court. He…didn’t care for being royalty.”

Hoen’s head tilts curiously at that, but Toge speaks up first, exclaiming, “Really?” He seems to search Asa for any sign of dishonesty, but when she simply meets his gaze somberly, Toge shakes his head. “...so we were all wrong about him, then, “ he acquiesces.

“Thank you for being so forthcoming, Asa. It’s been a big help,” Hoen assures her, seeing how her mood has dipped as they talk more about Inei. Asa nods at Hoen in acknowledgment.

Watching Hoen and Asa’s interaction, Toge huffs, rubbing the back of his head unsurely. “...sorry, I’ve been suspicious of you, Asa,” he apologizes, “If you and Hoen both interacted with Inei and you agree about him then I trust you if Hoen does… I’m sorry for your loss. Hoen couldn’t have wanted things to end the way they did.”

Asa looks at Toge with wide eyes, silent for a moment before she says, “Thank you.”

Then, Wen adds, “You have my condolences, Asa. I’m sorry we had to meet under these circumstances. I wouldn’t have thought things would end up like this when we came here. Hopefully, you can believe that.

“I trust you. You’ve been truthful. I’m sorry you had to lose your friend like this,” Shou follows up with.

Then Jaemi speaks, too, his voice light-hearted yet sincere, “We really didn’t mean any harm coming here! It must be hard knowing how we thought of King Inei and having lost him because we arrived, even if it was all planned by someone else, so I’m sorry for my tone earlier. I hope we can be allies, Asa.”

At all the warm regards, Asa takes a deep breath, suddenly choked up–a rare occurrence for her. She simply nods as they each address her in turn. The men all let the silence stretch on for a moment while Asa takes the time to breathe through her sudden flood of emotions. When she speaks again, her voice is choked. “I…thank you all.”

Hoen nods in understanding and says, “Thank you, Asa, for your understanding. We’ve talked about everything I wanted to, so feel free to go and rest.” Wen nods enthusiastically at Hoen’s suggestion, knowing how shaken she was this morning.

This time, Asa doesn’t protest and stands up with the journal, leaving with a nod. She goes back to her tent and sits down on the cot, running her fingers over the leather of the journal. After a long moment, she feels her exhaustion start to seep in and lays down, holding the journal to her chest as she falls easily into a restful sleep.