Chapter 9: Rita

“There’s more tracks here,” Chui says.

“Heading north?” Bam asks.

“Mhm,” Chui confirms.

“Hmm…” Asa trails off in thought. “The herd just moved south a few weeks ago. Could this be a solitary male?”

“The report only mentions one boar. Are they big tracks, Chui?” Bam asks.

Chui stands up, turning to face Asa and Bam again with a grin. “Yep–huge, just like our complaint. We’ll be relying on you, Asa.” Chui playfully salutes her. Asa nods and takes the lead, inspecting the forest floor for more evidence of the boar they’re tracking. Chui and Bam trail behind her, Bam glancing at Chui curiously.

“You don’t want to do the tracking?” Bam asks him.

Chui scratches the back of his head with a sheepish grin. “It feels weird taking the lead when I just got back.”

Bam watches him silently for a moment. “Hmm…which do you like better? Sehchoh or Ba’atan?”

Chui pouts at her indignantly, as if offended she’d even ask. “Ba’atan, of course! I just feel a little rusty–there’s no boars around Sehchoh.”

Bam chuckles and pulls him into a hug, patting his head the same way one would calm a pouting child. “I know, I know. I’m glad you’re back.”

Chui huffs but hugs her back. “I’m glad to be back. The year went by so slowly without you guys.”

“You’re the one who asked to go, Chui,” Asa points out, her gaze still trained forward, focused on the task.

Chui and Bam follow after Asa again and Chui mutters, “Yea, well Bam went to Naiténoza two years ago so I wanted to go to the lowlands too…”

Bam grins at Chui, mischief hidden beneath her fondness. “Aww, so you were copying me? That’s so sweet.”

Chui just laughs at her provocation, however, shaking his head with genuine amusement. “Yea, I like you a lot, no surprise there.”

He pulls her into another hug, squeezing her tightly in an attack of his own. Bam ruffles his hair as a counter before Asa stands up straight and turns around, staring at them silently. Chui notices her stare and lets go of Bam, going to Asa and wrapping his arms around her in a gentler hug. “Sorry, we’ll stay focused.”

Asa hugs him back, clapping his back firmly. “I wasn’t upset. The evidence matches up with the timing of the report. The boar is probably less than a day north. We’ll be in the forest for a couple days at most.”

Chui smiles widely at her, grasping her shoulders proudly. “Good job! Let’s go back and get our things.”

He wraps an arm around Asa’s shoulders and leads them back toward the Saishu quarters in the town center. Bam sighs and straightens up, poised with her hands held neatly behind her back. “A hunting trip right after your return, huh? Do you remember how to use a bow and arrow, Chui, or should I do it?”

“...let’s both have one. I’m rusty, remember?” Chui replies hesitantly, glancing back at Bam as he speaks.

There’s a comfortable silence after that, the trio more than used to one another without always needing to talk. Then, Asa voices her thoughts.

“You’re amazing, Chui. You can still hunt after your trip–and your report was really good,” she says. Bam nods, humming her agreement before Asa continues, “You’ve always been good at talking.”

Chui grins fondly at Asa, moving in front of her and grasping her shoulders once more. “Are you finally thinking of descending the mountain, Asa?”

She quickly shakes her head. “I’d never learn anything out there like you two did. And even if I did, my report would be terrible.”

“Aww, Asa, don’t say that–you just need practice! Why don’t you give the report after this mission?” Chui suggests.

“Yours would be better, though. I’m not as good with people as you or Bam,” Asa counters.

“Everyone loves you, though! Besides, ten, one hundred, or one thousand people are all the same to talk to as one person! Just talk like you talk to me, okay? I promise it’ll be fine,” Chui assures her. Bam appears at Asa’s side, leaning down to peer at her face before turning to Chui.

“Don’t force her. She’ll be handling the boar so the least we could do is the report for her. We’re a team, remember?” Bam says.

Chui heaves a long-suffering sigh before letting Asa go and turning to keep walking toward the town center. “Fine, but I’ll convince her someday!”

Bam shakes her head at Chui’s declaration but turns to Asa with a smile before following after him. Asa trails behind them both, deep in thought with her gaze trained on the forest floor.

Then, everything slowly fades to black as she enters a state of awareness. A knock at the door resonates through the dark, quiet room. Asa blinks awake from another dream of the past, the likes of which have been occurring more often lately. She sits up in her bed and gets up quickly.

Before the sun has fully risen, Asa, Hoen, and his aides finish preparing for their departure outside of the Imperia manor, loading their supplies neatly into the wagon. As they work, Jaemi goes over the plan, supplies, and itinerary. Toge sits on the driver’s bench, having already tended to the horses before they leave.

“We’ll leave the wagon in Boden with my associate before we go up the mountain,” Jaemi finishes, “Is everyone ready?”

When the group all confirm, Jaemi boards the wagon and Warren waves them off as Toge urges the horses to depart.

“Good luck, you all, and safe travels,” Warren says as he sends them off before he returns inside the manor.

They follow Jaemi’s plan to the letter, making good time and resting for the night at an inn in a village about two-thirds of the way to Rita from Sehchoh. The next morning, they leave before the sun fully rises and arrive at another inn outside Rita just before noon, lodging their wagon in the carriage house and tipping the staff generously to take good care of their horses, as well. After settling into their rooms, they go downstairs to have a proper meal. Once they sit down a server comes over to assist them quickly, word of their generous tip already making its way though the staff of the inn.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen, madam– how can I serve you?” The server asks cheerily.

Jaemi speaks up for the group, “We’ll all have the standard meal, please. Though, may I borrow some of your time, ma’am?”

The older woman, flattered by his politeness, lets out a proud huff with her hands on her hips. “Why, of course you can, sir. Whatever you need, just let me know!”

Jaemi smiles at her, his chin propped up on his hand as he gives her his full attention. “Thank you. I just wonder, have you seen many merchants coming through these parts? You see, I’m a merchant in Sehchoh myself, and products between Sehchoh and Rita have been few and far between lately! My business may just collapse, so I’ve come to see the market for myself.”

“Oh, no, sir. Hardly anyone from Sehchoh’s come through these parts on business lately.” The woman leans down and lowers her volume. “But, you know, Sehchoh merchants haven’t been able to turn much of a profit here in Rita for a while. They always come back to the inn grumbling about something or other. I’ve been around long enough to tell–a bubble is about to burst. The tension is thick! Just warning you, sir.”

Jaemi leans in, too, matching her tone. “Is that so? Why do you say that?”

The lady laughs a hardy guffaw. “It’s because Rita is becoming big, you know! Taking over production around here where it used to be a deadzone. Sehchoh isn’t the only big name anymore! And some people like to go and stir up trouble about it.”

“Ah,” he says, “don’t I know it. So I’m not likely to get a good deal even if I’m not looking for trouble?”

“That’s right, sir. Merchants around here are looking to gain something big nowadays! And being from Sehchoh, you're gonna have to work three times as hard,” the server replies.

Jaemi sighs and shakes his head, rubbing his temples with his elbows propped on the table. “I see. Tell me, what kind of trouble exactly has gone on here that an innocent party has to suffer for it?”

The woman huffs, clearly getting worked up. “You don’t know?”

“No, ma’am,” He sighs, “I’m not usually one for gossip and say-so, it’s bad business–I just buy what sells! But now that my business is suffering I need to know, don’t I?”

“Hmm..” The woman hesitates for a moment, thinking hard before she leans in once more, her expression more serious as she weighs the weight of her whispers. “Well, I’m no gossipmonger myself, but you gotta stay in the know these days, you know? I hear that people from Sehchoh are pinning those fires–the ones in the mountains–on Naiténoza. Isn’t that just silly? With no proof or anything like wildfires can’t happen!”

Jaemi’s eyes widen, whispering back, “You don’t say? I’ve heard that conspiracy once or twice but I never thought so many of my own people would be so paranoid!”

The woman’s eyes glint at that and she nods vigorously, whispering excitedly. “I know! There haven’t been soldiers going anywhere near the mountains for months now! And what good would that do us, starting fights? Growth isn’t a bad thing and yet some people make us out like we’re looking for a war! Just because we’re getting bigger! And not to mention what happened in the capital, ah–” The server stops herself, leaning back up and shaking her head with a dismissive wave of her hand, her other hand planted firmly on her hip. “But enough about all of that. You aren’t like that. I’ve got a sharp eye for these kinds of things. You just tell me how I can lead you and your group in the right direction.”

Jaemi smiles widely at her. “Why, thank you very much, ma’am. If I may just make sure my information is right, Sir Silva is no longer the biggest supplier in the city, correct?”

The server gapes at him with wide eyes. “Now why are you asking about Sir Silva? Don’t try and bite off more than you can chew, sir.”

Jaemi simply waves his hand dismissively. “Oh, it won’t be a problem. As a merchant with the Mercators, I have my own web of manufacturers and smiths and am looking for new suppliers. I wouldn’t want to connect with a supply that couldn't meet the demands of my clientele.”

The server gasps and slightly bows her head to him. “Ah–my apologies, sir..?” She glances up at him upon realizing she never got his name.

“Sir Jaemi is fine,” Jaemi replies.

The server clears her throat and nods, her demeanor more formal than before. “...so, Sir Jaemi, you’re looking for a large supplier, correct? Sir Silva is still important in the city but Sir Kuiyang owns the mine and the quarry.”

“Sir Kuiyang?” Jaemi asks, “As far as I’m aware, that new industrialist isn’t noble by blood nor has he dealt with Sehchoh before. Would he give me a hard time?”

“No, sir! He isn’t noble by blood but he’s made a name for himself big enough to be a part of, uhm…King Inei Clarus’s court, so us locals around here give his name deference.” The woman glances around the table nervously.

Jaemi smiles at her kindly. “I see. Where could I find Kuiyang?”

“I hear he’s only in the city for a few days finishing up business–his mine to the southwest, you can’t miss the temple–but I’m not sure he’d make time for a sudden business meeting even for you, sir. He’s always doing something or other while he’s here, you know. His main residence is still in the palace town,” the woman explains warily.

“Hmm...” Jaemi pauses, pretending to think for a moment, “...then do you know where the high-end shops are in this city? Surely they’re connected with Kuiyang in the supply chain.”

The woman brightens up, sounding more sure of her answer this time. “Of course! You want to go to the city center. That’s where most of the wealth and main commerce are in Rita.”

“Thank you so much, ma’am. I’ll look there. You’ve been a great help,” Jaemi assures her.

The woman grins in return to Jaemi’s easy politeness, her nerves soothed. “Oh, nonsense, I’ve hardly helped at all! How about this–I’ll get you all some extra bread and cheese on the house for being such an open-minded sort.”

“That would be lovely.” Jaemi nods and the group give their thanks to the server before she goes off to the back to grab their food.

“You made that look easy, as usual. How’d you become such a sweet-talker, huh?” Toge asks with an eyebrow raised, clearly not praising him.

Jaemi just smiles. “It’s my natural charisma. It just can’t be contained.”

“She mentioned the capital. And the way she hesitated when talking about King Inei…” Hoen brings up, changing the topic. “So word has spread to Rita already. I wonder just how much people here know.”

“And how they know,” Shou adds, “Sounds like Kuiyang was in Naiténoza from what that woman said, and he’ll be going back in a couple days. Somehow, information must have leaked and spread quickly. In any case, we won’t be able to avoid him in the palace town so let’s use our cover here while we still can and confront him later,” Shou clarifies.

Hoen nods at this. “We don’t want to blow our cover yet, so let’s not head to the southwest. If Kuiyang is there, he’s sure to recognize Asa,” he says. The group nod in agreement and soon the server comes back with their meals.

After their meal, they embark on foot into the city proper of Rita. The view of the city on the horizon already gives a completely different impression than the grand, majestic walls of Sehchoh but up close the truth becomes more than apparent–Rita is not the traditional setting where the wealthy and affluent came to play. Many of the buildings are crude and short as if hastily built. The streets teem with activity but the roads are narrow and hard to travel with people cramming together as they bustle from shops to residences all lined up haphazardly in a row without discretion. The air was heavy and oppressive, vastly different from the ocean breezes in Sehchoh and even from the palace town of Naiténoza.

The group makes their way to the city center and find it to be much like the palace town, the difference between the greater part of Rita and its center like night and day.

“Alright, so which shop should we enter?” Toge asks, looking around.

“First, we should make sure we can have some food sent from here to the inn. Then we can try and get some more information,” Jaemi explains.

When no one else has any input, Toge huffs, his arms crossing over his chest as he side-eyes Jaemi. “...I’m not used to you taking the lead. You’re too in character. Hey, Hoen, why so quiet?” The group all look back at Hoen.

Hoen just smiles at them. “Well, Jaemi is our leader now, right?”

Jaemi flusters at that. “Wha–just for now! You can still say something!”

“You already said everything, Sir Jaemi,” Hoen says politely, a hint of teasing in his expression.

Jaemi frowns and turns away, looking around and heading toward a butcher’s shop with a huff. “Fine. Let’s get the food.”

The group follow Jaemi to the butcher’s shop and the bakery to order more food for their journey, gathering as much information from their conversations with the shopkeepers as they can. After, they go back out to the square and survey the shops. Jaemi looks silently to Hoen, his arms crossed stubbornly over his chest. Hoen sighs and says, “Alright, I’m sorry for teasing you. I’ll take over.” Jaemi smiles at him, pleased, and relaxes once more.

“It seems like people in Rita all have about the same impressions of Sehchoh and the mountain fires,” Hoen recounts.

Shou nods. “And the public generally doesn’t seem to know much about the aristocracy.”

“Yea, but neither the butcher or the baker really talked much about the palace town like that server at the inn,” Toge adds.

“It makes sense that information would spread to an inn before it spreads throughout a city as big as this,” Wen points out, “Though, that’s assuming she really did know something and there isn’t a different reason for her behavior when talking about the king.”

“...working in the city center around affluent people is a good reason to be more tight-lipped than someone like an inn server,” Shou posits.

Hoen turns to Asa. “You haven’t spoken much, Asa. Do you have anything to add?”

Asa simply shakes her head, remaining silent. Jaemi comes behind her and grabs her shoulder, peering over her at Hoen. “Don’t force her to speak! She’s a warrior, remember? She’s probably not used to doing things like this like we are!”

Asa nods at his assessment, thinking back to the way Chui would encourage her to act outside of her comfort zone. She hesitates a bit before speaking up, her tone unsure and quieter than usual. “...it’s possible she just wasn’t sure how to address Inei in front of us. She seemed to be watching her speech carefully for a bit after Jaemi revealed his connections. I think she was correcting herself, given the way people usually talk about Inei.”

At that, Toge grimaces as if the last comment were directed toward him. Hoen blinks at Asa before he hums in thought. “That could be true…perhaps the information hasn’t spread like we thought it might have. It’s under wraps in Sehchoh, so it’s likely the same situation in Naiténoza.”

The others nod along with Hoen’s reassessment. Asa lets out a breath as they seriously consider her thoughts. Hoen notices and smiles at her softly. “Thank you, Asa. Everyone’s input is valued.”

“...so what’s our next step? Are we back at square one or what…” Toge speaks up hesitantly, glancing at Asa to gauge her reaction. Asa doesn’t react.

“Not necessarily. While there’s a lot we already knew, we’ve learned there were no soldiers around the mountains coinciding with the fires–or at least that there were none sighted in Naiténoza territory by Naiténozans. From what we know, soldiers march past Rita back to the palace town so someone would’ve been bound to see them. Sehchoh hadn’t seen any in the foothills from our territory either,” Hoen clarifies.

“Could they have changed their path…?” Shou thinks to himself.

“Maybe, but we still have no new information about what happened at the palace,” Jaemi reminds them.

“...no, it’s likely that people really just don’t know what happened at the palace yet. That’s good information. We’ve probably gotten as much information as we can with this cover, however. We’d need to connect with aristocrats to get a fuller picture,” Hoen says, addressing the group. Jaemi chuckles at this.

“I’ll miss having so many servants, but it’s for the best. I understand. I need to go to one more shop, though. We need to see a smith,” Jaemi says.

“A smith? What for, we’ve already got weapons,” Toge complains.

Jaemi rolls his eyes fondly, smirking at Toge. “Nothing is wrong with your weapons, you just don’t make bows or arrows. They’re more common here closer to the forests than in Sehchoh, so I thought I’d get one for Asa to hunt with in the mountains to supplement some of our meals.”

Asa freezes at that. Hoen turns to Asa and notices her stiffness. “Asa? Is something wrong?”

“...I’m not the best marksman,” she admits.

Jaemi looks at her with wide eyes before smiling sheepishly. “Oh. Sorry, I just assumed you could do it.”

Asa shakes her head. “I can do it, but not very well. I’m better with a spear.”

“Then, shall we get one for you or not? It’s up to you, Asa,” Hoen says.

Asa hesitates but eventually nods. The group walks through the city center until they spot a weaponsmith with a customer already there. They approach the open air shop, but upon getting closer Asa freezes when she recognizes the back of the customer in front of them. Seeing the group, the smith peers past the customer and says, “Just one moment, folks,” and the customer turns around to see who’s approaching. He locks eyes with Asa and for a second they both just stand there–and then the customer smiles at them.

“Good afternoon, sirs, miss,” the man says. Asa tenses, her fist clenching at her side, but Jaemi speaks up for everyone.

“Good afternoon, sir. What brings you to the smith today?” Jaemi asks, exuding that charismatic friendliness that gets people talking.

“Oh, I’m only trying to get something restored. What is your name, sir?” The customer extends his hand and Jaemi grasps it firmly in a handshake.

“You can call me Sir Jaemi. And what is yours?” Jaemi asks.

“Ah, Jaemi Mercator, you mean? I have high regards for your family. I am Kuiyang. Sir Kuiyang or simply Kuiyang is acceptable.” Kuiyang turns to look at the group, his eyes landing on Asa again for a moment. “Are you all associates of Sir Mercator?”

Asa watches Kuiyang carefully, mind drifting back to her time in Naiténoza and her pendant that is still in his possession. Her hands twitch with the urge to do something–anything– but she remains silent, waiting tensely to see how Jaemi or Hoen responds to their cover being blown.