CHAPTER 13: After the Show

Two weeks after Boat Day, Hilo and Ayt Mada hold a joint press conference at the General Star Hotel to announce a truce. They outline new territorial lines, the reformed Kekon Jade Alliance, and joint action against shine and smuggling. In Q&A, Ayt cites accountability, noting Ree Tura’s resignation, and both Pillars strike a careful, nationalistic tone about foreign tensions.

Onstage, Hilo and Ayt exchange respectful salutes under intense jade scrutiny before departing. Hilo briefly meets Chancellor Son Tomarho, who praises the clans’ peace as a national relief amid political strain.

That evening, over family dinner, Hilo fields criticism about the Uwiwa fallout while Kaul Wan Ria praises his rescue of Teije. Hilo affirms reliance on family and promises to listen, then orders the clan to honor borders and halt raids to sustain the truce while building intelligence networks. He directs the Maik brothers to expand White Rats in Janloon and the Uwiwa Islands to penetrate Zapunyo’s operations and watch for Mountain moves.

Strategic debate follows: Shae warns of Espenian and Ygutan interests and reputational risks; Tar dismisses foreign capacity with examples of Espenian limits. Hilo teases Shae about Woon Papi, then turns grave: the public peace is a facade while No Peak identifies the Mountain’s hidden weaknesses and prepares to strike decisively to kill Ayt Mada and dismantle her clan.

The next morning, Hilo wakes anxious, convinced stalemates fail and planning long-term victory even as threats multiply. In an intimate moment, Wen privately shares public fears about foreign influence and jade, explaining why she speaks to him alone. She then reveals Eyni’s terse letter telling Wen not to write again; Wen presses Hilo to respond and consider visiting Stepenland.