CHAPTER 5: Every Advantage

Shae awards a major development contract to a lower-cost, faster competitor over Mr. Enke’s established firm, prompting Enke to accuse No Peak of forsaking loyal Lantern Men. As tempers rise, Master Luckbringer Hami Tumashon intervenes, offering Enke a reduced tribute to retain his allegiance. Enke grudgingly accepts but leaves distrustful of Shae.

Afterward, Hami rebukes Shae for mishandling the situation, warning that political support from Lantern Men can outweigh cost savings. Woon Papidonwa adds that Lan would have let Enke match the bid and offered help to modernize his firm. Shae acknowledges her learning curve, insisting No Peak needs every advantage, while Woon stresses that trust is an advantage she is eroding.

Alone, Shae reflects on No Peak’s precarious position against the financially stronger Mountain and the need to expand smartly. She continues working late until a call arrives from Ree Turahuo, the Mountain’s Weather Man, who presses for No Peak’s vote to restart national jade mining at the upcoming KJA board meeting.

Shae deflects, citing unresolved safeguards after the Mountain’s quota theft scandal, which led to the mines’ long suspension and economic pain. Ree argues the country cannot endure another season of shutdown, hinting No Peak is selling jade reserves to Espenia. Shae counters by threatening exposure of the Mountain’s covert sales to Ygutan, a potential flashpoint if Espenia fights Ygutan-backed rebels in Shotar.

Conceding the mutual damage of prolonged disruption—smuggling, crime, and public fear—Ree proposes a meeting between the clans with proper assurances. Shae does not relent on accountability but agrees to the meeting, recognizing both the leverage and risks shaping No Peak’s next move.