Chapter 7: The Aristocratic Coalition of Sehchoh

Entering the grand meeting room, Asa wishes–not for the first time– that she could borrow some of Chui’s strength. “Ten, one hundred, or one thousand people are all the same to talk to as one person! Just talk like you talk to me,” Asa can practically hear him counseling her once again. She was more than aware that eloquence was not a strength that she possessed, and now in a foreign land she was more convinced than ever not to speak unless spoken to. Luckily for her, there was not anyone in the room yet but the group she came with. She sits with Hoen to the left of the administrator at his instructions while Hoen’s aides sit to the administrator’s right. Soon, Wen and Shou join the group, sitting by Toge and Jaemi.

“Welcome, you two. Please take your seats,” Administrator Imperia says, his stately yet not unfriendly tone a stark contrast to the jovial aura he exuded at his dinner table. Clearly he does not take his position lightly.

Soon after, Chancellor Zadok enters the room followed by several men Asa did not see yesterday at the Branch of Defense. The men entering the room all sit at the other side of the table from the Administrator. Hoen leans over and whispers to her, “Their names will come up during the meeting but don’t be afraid to ask someone’s name if you need to address them directly.”

Asa nods as the men all take their seats around the large conference table.

Administrator Imperia speaks again. “Thank you all for arriving so promptly. We have a foreign guest Asa joining us today. Vice-Administrator Imperia’s team found her in the palace of Naiténoza where she stayed for several months as an envoy from Ba’atan. She will assist us with her knowledge of both Ba’atan and Naiténoza today.”

Asa stands up and bows to the room before sitting down again.

“Now,” the administrator says, taking a glance around the room, “it seems that no one is missing. Let us begin the meeting–there’s a lot to talk about, so I recommend waiting until the vice-administrator and his team have said their piece before any comments or questions.”

The administrator nods to Hoen and Hoen speaks. “Thank you, Administrator. To begin, when the delegation arrived in Naiténoza, the town was practically deserted. There wasn't nearly as much activity as we expected from a town holding court in its palace that day. I found that this didn’t match up with the records we have of Naiténoza’s population and activity that goes on in the town. Secondly, when my group entered the palace, there were no nobles present at all. There were only a few servants of King Inei Clarus. It seemed too out of the ordinary and too well-timed for what would come next to be coincidental.”

There are a few noises of astonishment throughout the room at the information Hoen reveals, but no one else speaks yet.

Hoen continues, “Then, after my group had entered the palace and met the king, fires broke out outside the palace and spread to the palace walls followed by fighting between Sehchoh and Naiténoza fires. My aides and the king’s servants left the throne room to investigate and, unfortunately…King Inei Clarus challenged me to a duel that he would not escape alive.”

At this, the room erupts into quiet chatter, the nobles speculating amongst themselves. Chancellor Zadok’s expression becomes somber and stern but he remains silent, his arms crossing over his chest as his head slightly bows in silent acknowledgment. The administrator looks at Hoen with wide eyes, clearly shocked and concerned beyond that of his position–but he stays his concerns and simply nods in acknowledgement. “I see. What became of King Inei Clarus after your duel?” the administrator asks.

“After our duel, Sir Faber and Miss Asa found us. After reconvening with all my aides besides Sir Mercator who investigated the fights outside the palace, Miss Asa buried him properly in the palace gardens,” Hoen answers solemnly.

The administrator raises an eyebrow at this. “Alone?” he questions.

“At her request, yes. She buried him alone,” Hoen replies.

The administrator’s gaze flicks to Asa, as if assessing her in a new light, while the nobles become unable to contain their curiosity and concerns.

“The king of Naiténoza is dead? Surely this means a war is about to begin!”

“He died recently so they may not have gathered any armies yet. We need to keep watch on Rita–”

“Who would be the one to gather the armies if the king is dead? We need to keep an eye on the nobles–where have they gone, Captain Vigila?”

Administrator Imperia looks at the group and stands, speaking firmly with an air of authority. “Quiet down everyone…go on, Vice-Administrator.” The nobles respond in kind.

Hoen nods, continuing after the nobles quiet down. “Thank you. My aides investigated the palace for information about Naiténoza’s current unusual state and found something else strange. Aside from the lack of people present, there was also a lack of any documents or evidence present in the palace. They were not able to determine anything from what was present inside the palace.”

The administrator nods and looks at Jaemi.” So, what did you find outside the palace, Sir Mercator?”

“I learned that several buildings around the capital were lit on fire by unknown arsonists and the fire spread to the palace walls when one of the buildings close to the palace collapsed, alerting us to the commotion outside. The fires attracted soldiers from Naiténoza and Sehchoh and fighting broke out when they began to suspect one another.”

“I see. Do you have any last thoughts before we open the discussion, Vice-Administrator?” Administrator Imperia asks.

“Yes. Given how many strange occurrences there were in Naiténoza upon our visit, I suspect that some sort of coercion from Naiténoza–or worse, willing betrayal–has been going on within Sehchoh’s forces. I informed Chancellor Miles of my suspicions when handing over the detained soldiers to him last night.”

Gasps are heard around the room before the administrator raises his hand to silence them and speaks again.

“I understand, but let us not assume the worst just yet. I now open the discussion to our greater coalition and nobles present,” the administrator announces. Immediately, Chancellor Zadok raises his hand and Administrator Imperia nods at him, “You may speak first.”

“Thank you, Administrator. When the delegation arrived back last night, they came with three Sehchoh soldiers in their custody. Vice-Administrator Imperia, Sir Mercator, and Sir Faber briefed me on the situation and their suspicions. After we interrogated the soldiers, we determined that they are not responsible for the fires, but they are responsible for instigating the fights with Naiténoza soldiers. Ultimately, both sides assisted in putting out the fires after their comrades de-escalated the situation.”

“I can attest to that, as well,” Jaemi adds with a raise of his hand, “Many other soldiers were around the suspects and can also provide testimony to the fact that they had no opportunities to set the fires and would not have seen who did it, either. Other soldiers can also testify to the fact that the aggressive behavior of the suspects was highly unusual, motivating our suspicions of coercion.”

Chancellor Zadok continues with a nod, “Indeed, we found that to be true as well, Sir Mercator. However, while we agree that the suspects’ behavior was unusual for them, we unfortunately discovered no evidence of coercion or betrayal from interrogating the soldiers. We are prepared to open the branch as a whole to an investigation if this result dissatisfies you.”

At this, the man sitting next to Chancellor Zadok raises his hand, his appearance gaunt and sickly and his tone unassertive even as states his request politely and with poise.

“Thank you, Sir Mercator,” the man says, “We are happy to hand over the soldiers for interrogation by the vice-administor’s team if they wish. However, I must add that we would need further information or evidence about the suspicions from the vice-administrator and his team that would elicit an investigation of the Branch as a whole, given the gravity and suddenness of the assertion.”

“Of course, Secretary Vultus” Hoen says, “Miss Asa can help add more context to our suspicions.” He gestures to Asa.

Asa nods and takes a moment to think before she speaks. “Ten, one hundred, or one thousand people are all the same to talk to as one person,” she remembers.

“...most people have left Naiténoza for Rita. I’m not sure what your records indicate, but the population left in Naiténoza is likely only a couple hundred–mostly elderly people and those in service to the king. A few Naiténozan aristocrats and their servants remain, as well.”

The nobles in the room explode into hushed exclamations of surprise and disbelief. Asa looks to Hoen, unsure if she should continue. Hoen catches her glance and clears his throat to draw the nobles’ attention back.

“Indeed, the difference from our records is shocking,” Hoen says, “It is the vastness of the discrepancy from our records that I felt was cause for alarm. In addition, the lack of nobles and personnel in the palace despite the fact our records indicate that King Inei Clarus should have been holding court and the fact that there were very little records or documents left in the palace when we investigated after my duel all are cause for our suspicions. Even the fact that the king challenged me to a duel at all is highly unusual given what we know about him.”

Administrator Imperia says, “Please, expound upon this duel.”

Hoen nods and takes a breath to collect himself before he begins. “...he was a formidable adversary. He was, at the very least, as skilled with a sword as I or Sir Faber, yet I suspect moreso–perhaps on the level of Chancellor Miles from what I have seen. Yet, he took no killing blows despite instigating the duel. He would not stand down or listen to reason, either. And before he drew his sword, he looked at the fire outside and said to me, ‘One of us is meant to die here. Draw your sword,’ as if he knew that the fires would happen. The duel considered together with everything else, what occurred in Naiténoza seems too strange to be just a series of coincidences.”

The room fills with murmurs as nobles quietly voice their agreement. However, Administrator Imperia voices his dissatisfaction.

“Why was your guard not with you at this time, Vice-Administrator?"

Toge raises his hand. “May I speak to that?”

The administrator gestures to him with a nod, his expression stern as he awaits Toge’s explanation.

“When we noticed the chaos outside, I first asked to stay with Vice-Administrator Imperia, but was instructed to go with the other aides and servants to assist with and investigate the fires. He was likely going off of the information of King Inei Clarus that we had before any of the madness started, and wanted to show good faith toward the king as none of the king’s servants had stayed. Ultimately, though, it was my decision to follow those instructions to leave and so the fault lies with me. I’m deeply sorry.” Toge stands and bows to the Administrator.

Asa watches Toge closely, surprised at his deference. She thinks back to their first meeting and observes how differently he’s behaving before the administrator–Hoen’s father– than he did before her. Then, she remembers their exchange: “Is the king dead?” “Probably.” Was he simply unsure or was that guilt in his tone? Despite telling the administrator that he was following Hoen’s orders when he left him alone with King Inei, he told Asa that the king was probably dead. Her eyes narrow as she observes his apologetic stance, suppressing the urge to scoff as her fists clench tight underneath the table. There was only one explanation to this. “I figured that’s how it would’ve gone when the chaos started,” he’d said. Asa knows that Inei was not a beloved ruler–she knows that there are those who would have wanted the king’s demise. Still, to know that she is now allied with such a person–someone who would feign ignorance while he left his master to kill the king–makes her furious all over again. She averts her gaze, taking deep breaths so as not to explode in rage and repeat the offense she made in Naiténoza. At least he felt guilty, Asa repeats to herself like a mantra.

The administrator, however, seems appeased by Toge’s apology, taking a breath before he seems to relax. “...I see. I understand what happened. Thank you, Sir Faber.”

Toge nods and sits back down, noticing Asa’s struggle and glancing toward her as he sits. Hoen sees Toge’s eyes and looks over to Asa, seeing her internal battle play out. He leans over and whispers quietly, “Are you alright? Feel free to step out.”

Asa shakes her head firmly, taking a deep breath and whispering back. “I will stay.”

The administrator notices their quiet exchange but chooses not to comment on it, allowing them the moment before continuing the meeting. “...Vice-Admininistrator, you said that the king did not take any killing blows in your duel so we can all safely assume that he had no intent to kill. Am I correct?”

Hoen nods, “This is what I believe, yes.”

“Then whatever coercion may be taking place in Sehchoh by Naiténoza, it would not be under his command. Am I also correct that this is your reasoning?”

Hoen nods again, “Yes, Administrator.”

Administrator Imperia is silent for a moment, his hand gently stroking his beard. “...we can only speculate the reasoning behind King Inei Clarus’s behavior until we get more information, thus we cannot yet say whether there are Naiténozan operatives within Sehchoh. What has been made apparent, however, is that we have a vast gap in knowledge from what we thought we had and from what is necessary to make any decision regarding war. I can only hope it does not come to that, despite what’s transpired.”

There are murmurs throughout the room, some in assent and some tinged with doubt but none speaking out against the administrator.

“My office will take over interrogating the soldiers we have detained again. So,” the administrator continues, “I have a different task for you, Vice-Administrator.”

“Yes, Administrator?” Hoen asks.

“While Chancellor Miles, Secretary Vultus, and Captain Vigila re-evaluate our defensive branch’s department of reconnaissance and the information we have gotten thus far through them, I’d like your team to take over ascertaining the whereabouts of the nobles of Naiténoza. With the king of Naiténoza dead by your hand, you are our best and only option for the task. You understand this, correct?”

Hoen nods solemnly. “...I understand, Administrator Imperia.”

The administrator nods and says, “Good. Are there any other thoughts before we close? We should begin our initiatives as soon as possible.”

One noble stands. “I have thoughts, Administrator Imperia! Why do we not take this opportunity to make another offensive blow against Naiténoza? With their king dead, surely they are at a strategic disadvantage–they must be scrambling to organize themselves!”

“Are you not also scrambling to organize yourselves? Do you truly wish to take the offensive with so much still unknown?” Asa asks sharply, immediately recognizing her tone and bracing herself for the noble’s negative reactions. However, unexpectedly the noble shrinks back into his seat, murmuring lowly to himself.

The administrator hums in acknowledgement and nods. “Indeed, there is still far too much unknown for us to make a move yet. Furthermore, the integrity of our reconnaissance department has been brought into question–and for good reason. I agree with the vice-administrator that too many things co-occurred to be strictly coincidental, leaving us with more questions than we came with. Things that he brought up should’ve been known to us far before our delegation arrived. Asa is not wrong to criticize your hastiness, Sir Pratum.”

The noble grumbling to himself, Sir Pratum, huffs out, “Fine. I have no objections.”

Administrator Imperia stands and says, “Then the meeting is adjourned. Chancellor Miles, you and your cohort know what your task is. Vice-Administrator, you, your aides, and Miss Asa please stay behind.”

The nobles file out, talking amongst themselves as they go.

“Could this be the work of Cadere? Perhaps it's his karma.”

“Sir Cadere was the one to create the department. Now it's falling apart.”

“First he goes and now his work follows…”

The administrator sighs as he hears the nobles gossip, though says nothing as they close the door behind them.

“Are you alright, Warren?” Jaemi asks him, “You and Sir Cadere were close, were you not?”

Everyone stands with Warren, the administrator, and gathers close to begin another more casual discussion. However, before Warren can reply to Jaemi, Asa approaches Toge and grabs him by the shirt collar, shoving him hard against the wall. She snarls in his face, her eyes narrowed at him, “You’re a liar!”

Toge raises his hands in surrender, eyes wide in shock. The others gather around them, Shou reaching out to grab Asa’s shoulder but she shoves him off, eyes trained on Toge. “‘Show good faith’? You told me Inei was dead! Don’t act like you didn’t know what would happen now! You wanted Inei to die!”

Hoen steps forward with Shou and they each take one of Asa’s arms, holding her back and forcing her to release Toge. Asa’s chest heaves in anger as she lets herself be dragged off of him. Wen and Jaemi watch from the side and Warren steps forward and puts a supportive hand on Toge’s shoulder as he checks on him.

Hoen says, his tone both concerned and urgent, “What do you mean, Asa? What happened?”

“He’s a liar!” she yells, “I remember what he said. He wasn’t just listening to orders–he thought a fight might happen between you two and left you alone with Inei. He was hoping you’d kill him. Admit it, you coward!” Asa fights the urge to lunge at him, reminding herself that she saw guilt in his expression even if he knew fully what he was letting happen.

Hoen frowns in confusion and looks to Toge with the rest of the men.

Toge lets out a sigh, hesitating–but his expression shows his resignation. “...I know what she means…part of me did want you to kill him and put an end to Naiténoza’s expansion–to prevent more fires on the mountains and more villages being taken over, we all know what Naiténoza has done!... but I see now that I was being shortsighted. Now he’s dead and none of our problems are solved. If anything we have more problems.”

Hoen stares at him for a moment. “...so that’s what you meant. I didn’t think about your words deeply then, Toge.”

“Do you feel any guilt at all?” Asa questions.

Toge winces at that, replying defensively, “You know what his reputation was like. And I hadn’t had your personal account to refute it–”

“Do you feel guilty or not? My patience is wearing thin.” Asa breaks free from the Hoen and Shou’s holds, knocking them back a bit as she steps toward Toge menacingly.

Toge huffs, throwing his hands up. “I do! Happy? I feel guilty now for what I did, and I would have whether I met you or not. I know it was dangerous but I thought it was right!” His chest heaves after responding to Asa’s frustrated tone in kind, both of them staring one another down.

Warren steps between them, putting his hand up to Asa. “I understand your anger–your grief– but now is not the time nor place for a confrontation like this. I won’t try to excuse his actions or his thinking–I can’t say anyone in Sehchoh saw King Inei Clarus favorably– but I will ask for your understanding. We sent that delegation with good intentions, Asa, even if fate ended up forcing our hand otherwise, and all of us were only doing what we felt we had to.”

Hoen speaks up hesitantly, his voice uncharacteristically soft, catching everyone’s attention. “... I cannot speak for anyone but myself, but the last thing I wanted to do was take a life. At that moment, after persuasion didn’t work, I thought it was either him or me. I chose me–it was an instinctual reaction…but I can’t help but feel I did wrong…I’m sorry, Asa. I truly am. I can never say it enough.”

Hoen bows to Asa, apologizing once again, but this time–hearing the way the emotions make his voice waver, seeing the trembling of his fists closed at his sides–Asa doesn’t just understand his reasoning. Asa feels the anger leave her body as forgiveness takes its place, seeing her own pain reflected in Hoen. Hoen wasn't just guilty, he was grieving. Asa scoffs at herself, averting her gaze from them all, her own body tense as she struggles to keep it together.

“...we are still allies, do not worry. You, I can forgive, but him–” Asa points at Toge, glaring at him with wet eyes, “him, I cannot. Not now. If he had stayed in the room–”

Asa stops herself and takes a long, deep breath.

Toge speaks up hesitantly, “...I meant it when I apologized. To you and to Warren. It’s hard to explain, I just–” Toge huffs in frustration with himself, “...I’ll prove my sincerity to you. I swear that on my life. You’ve helped us and I will help you. But I can’t change the past.”

“Tsk–I know that.” Asa admits.” I will keep my promise, but I will be keeping a close eye on you. My feelings aside, you would endanger your master for your own goals–I cannot trust a man like that.”

Toge opens his mouth, a retort on the tip of his tongue, but he stops himself. Instead, he nods silently. Hoen raises his head, his eyes misty, and Warren claps him gently on the back before grasping his shoulder in silent support.

“Now,” Warren starts, “Let's all sit back down. I want to talk about Ba’atan, Asa.”