Chapter 11: Waxing Gibbous

Kuiyang takes note of Asa’s tense demeanor before gesturing vaguely with his hand. “Well, you must understand–it’s quite a surprise to see you under these circumstances. The last time I saw you was in the palace with King Inei Clarus, after all. So let’s begin with the circumstances. First, why are you with Sir Mercator?”

Asa is silent for a brief moment, thinking of exactly how much to say while still being truthful. “...We have a common goal and are investigating together.”

He blinks at her, unimpressed. “Investigating something with a merchant?”

She nods.

“...alright. What goal is it that you, a warrior, would share with a merchant and his hands such that you’d investigate it with them?” he says.

She winces, hearing the doubt in his voice. “It is unrelated to his mercantile activity. There were…a series of strange events that occurred in Naiténoza that they were present for, as well. We are all interested in investigating what happened and so we are currently working together.”

Kuiyang’s expression doesn’t change at that but he nods, still gazing at her with the same impassive smile. “I see. And why would you not choose to investigate with someone from Naiténoza given that you previously had no ties with Sehchoh? And in the case that you did, surely it would still make more sense to go to someone in Naiténoza about something that happened there, would it not?”

Asa falters at that, hesitating once more as she thinks of what to say. When Hoen sees this, he steps forward. “If I may take over, Sir Kuiyang? There is no need to scrutinize her so heavily.”

Kuiyang’s gaze shifts to Hoen. “And why is that, Sir…?” His voice trails off, but his tone is telling enough for Hoen’s eyes to widen in surprise.

Hoen lets out a breathy chuckle, shaking his head before he bows. “So you already know. That will make this much easier. I apologize for withholding this previously, but we had our reasons.”

He stands back up and meets Kuiyang’s gaze firmly. “Indeed, I am not a humble merchant’s hand, Sir Kuiyang. I am Hoen Imperia of Sehchoh. Please, feel free to call me Hoen in private.”

Despite Hoen’s humble disclosure, Kuiyang doesn’t react just yet–he simply nods. “Thank you, Hoen. You may call me Kuiyang in return, as may all of you.” Kuiyang’s gaze scans over the group as a whole. “Now, Hoen–why should I not be asking Asa these questions?”

“Because she is not guilty of any offense,” Hoen responds.

“She left Naiténoza without a word after King Inei graciously hosted her. Is that not an offense?” Kuiyang retorts, though his gaze and tone aren’t accusing. Rather, they have the sharpness of a snake cornering a mouse, watching and anticipating its moves.

Asa quickly explains, “That was not my intention! There was no one left in the palace, not even the servants–I deemed my goal worth overlooking the formality.”

“This lofty goal that you’ve yet to tell me which you have in common with an aristocrat and a merchant from Sehchoh, you mean?” Kuiyang points out.

At Asa’s resulting silence, Kuiyang stands up with a sigh, his hands held neatly behind his back. “Sir Mercator, I was hoping to strike a deal with you today, but I must address something else first as a loyal aristocrat of King Inei Clarus’s court. You see, I came across several tragedies myself when I visited Naiténoza and I am eager to find answers to them, as well. And as things currently stand, Asa is quite suspicious to me. So unless she can explain herself, I’m afraid we cannot come to any agreement.”

“You are suspicious yourself, Kuiyang! Why weren’t you nor anyone else at the palace!” Asa exclaims.

Kuiyang looks upon her with wide eyes, studying her for a moment as if assessing whether she’s truly asking or just bluffing. “...oh my. King Inei was rather more tight-lipped around you than I knew.”

She frowns at him, her eyes narrowed. “...what do you mean by that?” Hoen and his aides look between Kuiyang and Asa, sensing something crucial coming.

Kuiyang is quick to wave his hand, however. “I meant no offense, truly–I’m simply surprised. Not I nor were any other nobles present at the palace by none other than King Inei’s behest.”

Shock ripples through the group and Kuiyang is quick to pick up on it. His expression softens into understanding as he nods. “Ah, I see. It seems there is much you all do not know. Coincidentally, there is much I do not know, either. Forgive me for my suspicions, Asa. Let us start again.”

Kuiyang bows. “Please, let us share what we know. I have a feeling that our goals are aligned as yours and Asa’s were, Hoen.”

Hoen is surprised at being addressed and not Jaemi, but bows back, quickly understanding the situation. “Thank you, Kuiyang…but before I introduce us properly, may I have your word on something as our goals are aligned?”

Kuiyang stands again and nods. “Of course, whatever I can help you with.”

Hoen stands as well before he says, “Can you swear to keep our presence here a secret once we reveal our true identities to you? We do not wish to stir up any further suspicion or animosity for Sehchoh in Rita. We are simply here looking for answers, and toward that end it is best that commonfolk do not know why we’re here.”

“Of course,” Kuiyang agrees easily,” I do not wish to increase tension between Sehchoh and Naiténoza, either, especially when we’ve historically been fine allies. It puts a real strain on trade and morale in both places which is good for neither of us.”

Hoen gives a polite smile and nods at him. “I agree. Let me give a proper introduction then. I am the vice-administrator and official envoy of the Aristocratic Coalition of Sehchoh,” Hoen says before gesturing behind him, “and these are my aides.” The group bow politely to Kuiyang before Hoen continues, “Asa joined us after our…unsuccessful trip to Naiténoza. I assume you are aware of what happened?”

Kuiyang bows back and sits down again, waving his hand vaguely as he leans back in his chair. “Somewhat. I know that there was a delegation from Sehchoh that came to the palace, that fires soon broke out throughout the town upon their entrance of the palace, and that after all the damage was assessed, King Inei was gone and so were Asa and the delegation.”

“We were indeed a part of that delegation. Though, part of your account of the events doesn't seem quite right, “Hoen says.

“Which part, sir?” Kuiyang replies curiously.

“The final part–we indeed left after the damage was assessed, but we remained stationed outside of Naiténoza for at least another day before we departed for Sehchoh again after helping Naiténoza assess the fires. We hardly disappeared with no time for anyone to confront us,” Hoen explains, “so why didn’t anyone do so?”

Kuiyang sighs at that, rubbing his forehead in frustration as he leans his elbows forward onto the desk again. “I’m afraid I don’t have an answer that satisfies me and I’m afraid it won’t satisfy your curiosity, either. Apparently, Madam Tolero ordered for all the servants and soldiers to remain in the town. As she was King Inei’s closest aide, they all abided by her orders. Though, I can’t figure out for the life of me why she’d do such a thing...” Kuiyang’s voice dissolves into a grumble at the last sentence.

Toge watches Kuiyang carefully as he reveals critical information before he breaks his silence in a remarkably polite tone to what Asa is used to. “Excuse me, Kuiyang? You mentioned the king was gone. Do you or anyone else know what happened to him?”

Kuiyang’s gaze flits from his desk to Toge. “What is your name, sir?”

“Ah, my apologies. I am Toge Faber, Hoen’s aide,” he replies.

“Thank you, Toge. So, your question was whether I knew what happened to the king, correct? I do and I don’t. We are aware of the burial that took place in the southern gardens of the palace by the earth and the tree marked with one of his furs, but since that isn’t a traditional burial practice in Naiténoza, we suspected Asa had something to do with it, hence my suspicion. However, all of the court knew how close Asa and the king were, so knowing exactly how far she was involved was difficult without her present.”

Asa speaks up hastily at that. “I discovered his body only after it was too late and buried him according to my customs. That is all.”

Kuiyang nods at her with a polite smile. “Thank you for the clarification, but that still leaves the question of who did it. Did you see them, Asa?”

“That person would be me,” Hoen says before Asa can reply, “He challenged me to a duel and would not let me refuse.”

Kuiyang’s polite, calm expression falters and then fades completely as the gravity of Hoen’s explanation sinks in. He folds his hands together and his gaze falls to his desk in somber contemplation . “...I see…”

The group let the silence hang in the air for a moment before Hoen speaks up, slightly hesitant. “...you will not have me detained or punished?”

Toge scowls at that, ready to act, but–surprisingly to everyone–Kuiyang shakes his head almost immediately, his gaze meeting Hoen’s. “No, I will not.” Hoen, however, frowns at his answer, unsatisfied.

“Why not?”

Kuiyang huffs, “If Asa is travelling with you despite knowing this, knowing King Inei as she did, then you clearly aren’t at fault. Besides, King Inei has willed it. I’ve never understood all of his whims and thinking, but I will abide by his will. That is my job as part of his court.”

Asa suddenly steps forward, her expression severe. “Explain, Kuiyang. What do you mean by his will?”

“Naturally, you were not aware of this, Asa, as it was also Inei’s behest that you were not made aware. I knew he did not tell you this, but I was not aware that he also did not tell you something as simple as him holding court at a later date.” Kuiyang sighs, rubbing his forehead again. “His whims cause us many headaches, you see, Hoen, such as this misunderstanding. Asa would not have left with the Sehchoh delegation so urgently and come to search for me here if he’d simply told her this.”

Asa takes a wobbly step back as if losing her strength, blinking at Kuiyang in shock before her gaze drifts down to the floor and she gets lost in thought. How could Inei have kept this much from her? Hoen places a supportive hand on her shoulder as he addresses Kuiyang. Wen stands up from his seat and leans down to note her expression, checking on her.

“How did you learn of King Inei’s will?” Hoen asks as Wen escorts Asa to the chair for her to sit.

Kuiyang explains, “Madam Tolero announced it to me when I visited the castle looking for the king. You see, I went to the palace town a bit early as my work in Rita allowed it, but when I arrived I found my home burned to an uninhabitable state. I noticed the other burned buildings and the walls of the palace burned as well and went inside to check on the king only to find Madam Tolero instead. She led me to the grave and explained to me what the servants and soldiers explained to her before announcing King Inei’s will before me. I was entrusted as a fellow loyalist to return to Rita to inform the nobles who are still here what I learned before they left for court.”

Hoen nods. “I see. So did they report to you who the culprits of the fires were?”

Kuiyang shakes his head. “They did not. I assume you do not know, either?”

Hoen mirrors Kuiyang and shakes his head. “We do not.”

“I see,” Kuiyang says, “Well, I have shared all that I know. What else do you know that I still do not?”

“I am afraid there isn’t much else to share with you, Kuiyang, though I do wish to ask–” Hoen is cut off by Asa’s soft voice.

“Do you have my pendant?” Asa suddenly asks weakly from her seat, glancing up at Kuiyang at his desk. Hoen pauses when he hears her voice and turns to check on her.

Kuiyang looks momentarily surprised by her lack of vigor, but his expression becomes sympathetic when he shakes his head. “I do not, Asa. I apologize to you– I do not personally hold onto it out of a sense of propriety to you. However, I assure you that it is safely stored in the palace. Here, take this.” Kuiyang shuffles through his desk drawer for a set of keys and stands to give them to her. Hoen accepts the keys in her stead with a small bow and gives it to Asa. Kuiyang continues, “This will open the offices and many of the administrative cabinets and drawers in the south wing of the palace. My desk is in the west office.”

Asa nods silently, clutching the keys in her hands.

“You were asking, Hoen?” Kuiyang asks.

Hoen turns back to Kuiyang. “Thank you for the keys. And yes, there is something I wanted to ask you. You mentioned you were a loyalist. Are there others in Naiténoza we should be wary of?”

Kuiyang straightens up, his expression serious as his arms rest on the chair. “Ah, there are, indeed. There is a faction of the nobility that are quite fond of your politics in Sehchoh–your aristocratic coalition– and act out a shoddy emulation of it running rampant doing as they please in Naiténoza. Of course, King Inei remained mostly uninvolved, to my greatest frustration, and I have no doubt that those nobles are only emboldened by the king’s death. Now, I personally do not have any malice toward Sehchoh or anything of the sort, and I hope I’ve proven as much today, and I may be an industrialist and new nobility but I do value the tradition of my father and his father and his forefathers before him. I am a loyalist through and through…though, there is no longer a bloodline to be loyal to.”

Hoen bows. “I am truly sorry things ended in the fashion they did.”

Kuiyang smiles politely. “Well, while I cannot say I feel only positively toward you, Hoen, I also cannot say that King Inei’s actions–or, rather, his stoic inaction– did not lead most of the way to this point. Even his will refuses to make a call to action or delegate anything, only telling us what not to do or to do as we like!” he huffs, “But it is up to us–to loyalists like myself, Madam Tolero, and Sir Silva–to make sure this kingdom doesn’t crumble from within. Though I’m not even sure what Madam Tolero is thinking now…”

“I see. Thank you for the insight,” Hoen says, raising his head and returning to a standing position once more. “Are there no other loyalists you can name? If possible, I’d like to make contact with them, as well.”

“Oh? Well, you have my permission. There are no other loyalists I trust are loyal besides those I’ve named. And Asa?” Kuiyang gazes at her.

Asa lifts her head.

“My deepest condolences,” Kuiyang says.

Asa simply nods, returning her gaze to the floor, before Kuiyang stands and bows slightly to Jaemi, “Well Jaemi, unfortunately I’ve no more time for a business meeting with you, but please do seek me out the next time you are in Rita.”

Jaemi stands and returns the bow, “I certainly will, thank you for helping us.”

“Indeed, you’ve been a great help to us, Kuiyang,” Hoen adds with a bow of his own, the other aides standing, as well, to leave. Shou opens the door, allowing the others to file out.

Kuiyang waves them off. “Take care hunting, gentlemen, lady.”

As the group make their way back to the inn, Hoen falls behind the group to stand next to Asa. The others glance back to check on them before continuing, noting the private air around the two of them.

“...what are you thinking?” Hoen asks her quietly.

She’s silent for a long moment, walking listlessly along as she ruminates. Not only was she unsure if she could trust Bam, her friend since childhood, but now she was unsure if she could truly trust Inei, the monarch she’d grown close to rather quickly but whose bond she had faith in nonetheless. Moreso, however, her trust in herself was wavering. If it turns out she could no longer trust those closest to her, then who was she to have trusted those allies in the first place? Asa’s gut was telling her that whatever she was missing was the most crucial information–that she didn't have the full picture yet and to wait and see before casting new judgment. However, her mind was slowly drifting further and further from her instinct to trust those she considered family implicitly. Would the piece of the puzzle that she was missing prove her instinct wrong or prove it correct? If she turns out to be wrong, she’s not sure she could forgive herself for missing the signs.

“Asa…?” Hoen tries again.

She glances up at him before her gaze falls back down in front of her. She responds softly, “...there is still much we don’t know, yet this feeling of betrayal…”

He nods in understanding, resting a comforting hand on her shoulder as they walk. She takes a breath and continues, “How do I know who I can rely on if I end up being wrong so many times?”

“You still do not know if you are wrong, do you?” He asks.

She contemplates for a moment. “...should I know? There’s so much I’ve learned has been kept from me, first by Bam and now by Inei. Is that not reason enough not to trust them? …or to trust myself?”

“Hmm…” he thinks for a moment, “as soon as you may choose not to trust them, it can be revealed that they were your allies all along. Of course, the converse can also turn out to be true, as well. We cannot predict the future.”

He looks down at her, taking in her faraway expression. “...I like what you said to me. That neither my ideals nor my feelings are wrong.”

At that, Asa looks up at him and Hoen offers her a small smile. “I think you should live by both of yours, as well, even if they sometimes exist in opposition. You aren’t wrong to trust them but if you’re stuck in indecision then the best remedy is information. That is why we are searching for answers, is it not?”

She takes in his words, nodding softly. “...it is.”

He nods back. “You’ll know what to do when the time is right. For now, do you have a reason to doubt Chui?”

Asa gasps and shakes her head vigorously. Hoen chuckles, “Do you have a reason to doubt me?”

“I do not.” She replies.

“Why not? I could be lying to you at any moment. So could Chui.” He retorts.

“...I understand. One doubt isn’t enough to doubt everything,” Asa replies.

Hoen nods. “Though, that’s easy enough to say and hard enough to practice, but you can’t help what you don’t know yet. If anything, just don’t try to make the right decision for things that haven’t happened yet. Trusting your instincts or your logic won’t come down to a plan you made in the past, it’ll come down to what feels right in each moment. Whether your instincts feel right or don’t feel quite right, you have to trust yourself to know yourself. Only you can know how you feel or how you think.”

Asa takes a moment before she responds, “I feel…”

She looks inward. There are still the unwavering trust in Chui and the new connection she feels with Hoen that remain undisturbed despite her doubts toward others. Toward Bam there is a sense of betrayal motivated by her logic. Toward Inei, there is a sense of betrayal motivated by her feelings. Yet, in both cases, she knows her doubts arise in the gaps in her knowledge. She is still missing something crucial in both cases, she knows this in her mind and in her heart despite when the negativity rises to take hold of her. She may have doubts about Bam and Inei now, but her feelings nor her ideals were wrong–Asa simply needs more information. She nods.

“I feel ready. I need to know more,” she says.

Hoen pats her shoulder once more before letting his hand rest at his side once more, walking beside her.

Jaemi looks behind him again, checking on the two and seeing their conversation has resolved as they approach the inn. “I hope you two have fixed whatever problem you had because we’ve got to go as soon as possible to stay on schedule! I’m gonna get our deliveries–we’ll eat and talk on the road.”

Wen falls back a little to talk to them. “Is everything alright?”

Asa nods. “Yes, thank you.”

Hoen smiles. “Indeed, thank you, Wen. Let us gather our things from our rooms. We’ll have to pay a bit extra for the late stay, as well.”

Jaemi nods, already reaching for his coin pouch as he goes to the front desk while the others go to collect their things upstairs. They finish preparations and set off for the next town just after noon.

“Brace yourself, guys. We’ve got to make up time,” Toge warns the group before urging the horses forward.