Contents
Chapter 5: Keeping Up Appearances
Overview
Wen forces herself to host No Peak’s New Year’s banquet to project strength amid recent setbacks, exposing her and Hilo’s widening marital rift. Mid-celebration, Juen reports an Espenian shootdown of a Ygutanian spy plane near Euman Island, threatening war. Hilo withholds the news from guests, quietly prepares security, and returns to the party, leaving Wen isolated.
Summary
New Year’s week finds Wen determined to stage a flawless No Peak banquet to counter recent signs of weakness. Despite Hilo’s offer for her to skip the event, Wen insists on attending to uphold appearances, acutely aware of clan gossip and Mountain’s show of strength. Their clipped exchanges reveal lingering hurt over Wen’s past secrecy and Hilo’s withdrawal.
They enter to raucous acclaim. Hilo anchors Wen at the head table as leaders pay respects. Wen navigates small talk carefully, conscious of her speech and memory lapses, while Hilo showcases their children to signal continuity. Wen reflects on image versus reality, scanning security and recognizing the clan’s financial strain despite the lavish display.
Anden joins Wen, and she bolsters his wavering confidence in medical school and self-worth beyond jade, easing her own tension by speaking fluidly with him. Around them, food and drink flow; Fists revel, and Shae, Tar, and others circulate. As midnight nears, Wen grows exhausted.
Juen arrives with urgent news: Espenian fighters have shot down a Ygutanian spy plane over Euman Island; the pilot is dead, and both powers are trading threats. Hilo, anger contained, decides not to disturb the celebration, instructing Juen to quietly prepare senior Fists to maintain order while the Royal Council convenes tomorrow.
Wen tries to press Hilo to coordinate with Shae but spills tea instead, and fatigue silences her. Hilo escorts her inside, undresses her gently yet distantly, and returns to the party. Wen mourns their lost intimacy, suspects his visits to charm girls, and recalls her youthful resolve to shape fate. Fireworks crackle over Janloon as Hilo leaves, and Wen lies alone, their estrangement underscored.
Who Appears
- Kaul WenPillar’s wife; insists on hosting the New Year banquet to project strength despite impairment; feels Hilo’s distance and isolation.
- Kaul HiloPillar; supports Wen publicly, manages appearances, withholds war news from guests, quietly alerts Fists; emotionally distant from Wen.
- Juen NuHorn; brings urgent report of the Ygutanian spy plane incident and coordinates discreet readiness among senior Fists.
- Kaul ShaeWeather Man; attends the banquet, a visible pillar of leadership amid tensions and looming political response.
- Anden EmmotMedical student; sits with Wen, shares doubts about his path; Wen reassures him, reinforcing familial acceptance.
- LinaWen’s sister-in-law; helps Wen prepare for the event, reflecting continued family support after Kehn’s death.
- Woon PapiSenior Luckbringer; present at the banquet, his wife’s small talk underscores perceptions of succession and stability.
- KiyaWoon Papi’s wife; offers pleasantries to Wen, prompting Wen’s reminder that the clan’s future extends beyond family heirs.
- Maik TarNo Peak captain; returns from Espenia and attends the party, visibly in high spirits with Iyn Ro.
- Iyn RoTar’s lover; accompanies Tar at the banquet, part of the leadership’s social front.