Sobon found herself unsurprised when the "best food available in this city" was as much a matter of quantity as quality. In truth, she had been a little bit surprised that Commander Rai Su Anin had eaten only a regular-sized meal, despite her advancement; generally, aether warriors consumed fantastic quantities of food, especially if they were still advancing or had recently used large amounts of their personal aether. It was exactly the kind of thing that Sobon, both as an android, and as a user of dynamos rather than personal aether, generally was able to avoid.

But seeing a Prince and Princess, both in the Flame phase of qi, devour a veritable mountain of food over the course of an hour, while keeping a passing semblance of dignity, was somehow... familiar.

Fairy Marines, to be clear, would largely eat highly specialized meals aboard ship which had all of the calories and digestible aether of a larger meal, but it was bland and unappealing, even to watch someone else eat. Whenever they had shore leave, they would generally take it and stuff themselves with a variety of tastes and flavors, and if Sobon was being honest, the way in which these two Imperials ate was very much the same, suggesting that they were forced, in their daily lives, to eat similarly bland but packed foods. In fact, now that she was thinking of it, Rai Su Anin had also preferred variety over quantity--perhaps she was combining the bland food with added tastes in her daily life.

The table that they were taken to was a reserved table on the highest level of a multi-floor restaurant, one that hung out over open space, connected only by one highly reinforced walkway to the rest of the dining area, plus one smaller walkway that led to a service door. From below, Sobon hadn't even been sure that it even had a table, as it supported an ornate but oddly shaped chandelier, one which spread outwards more than it hung down. The Imperial swordsman who had guarded them, and the two from house Lai, were given a separate table closest to the walkway, and they all accepted the disinvitation gracrefully.

As they approached, Sobon could sense several dozen privacy and defense wards, and some invasive scanning, including one that tried to pry its way through Sobon's ward against name broadcasts. It might have worked, even, if it had been allowed to ramp up its efforts, but a gesture from the Imperial Prince silenced it.

"I've ordered our usual, and the rest of you can feel free to eat whatever you desire from it," was all the warning that Djang Ban Dai gave them. The table had a rotating center, on which several platters of food were quickly deposited--large and whole roasted meats, neatly cut and plated large, cooked fish, piles of rice, a pot of molten cheese with several ladles and various types of bread sections and sticks, and stacks of cooked vegetables and prepared fruits, some even sugar coated.

But more than that, every item on the menu had some form of aether supplement in it, and none of it forced. The meats and fish were clearly from animals with high personal qi, and most of the grown things as well, but there were also glazes, spices, and cooking methods that had been applied to each of them, each of which left their own particular flavors to the meal. And Sobon didn't see anything particularly wrong with them, either; some aethers would leave lasting, impure residues, some of which wouldn't be easily detected, but all of these were fairly basic and safe cooking methods, just ones masterfully used. There would still be some residues, but nothing she saw would be sticky or difficult to remove.

Not that anyone was waiting for her analysis.

The Prince took an entire tray of fowl, and the Princess an entire tray of fish, for their opening acts, and in between bites, they spoke cheerfully with Lai Shi Po about her progress in understanding spatial qi. Lai Shi Po, for her part, took a large helping of vegetables and coated them with cheese, speaking comfortably when not downing relatively large chunks of her meal at a time, and piled large amounts of fried rice on a side plate. Fau Mide ate fewer things and more delicately, and throughout the meal Sobon got the impression that she might be vegetarian, or perhaps simply disliked the meat and fish presented.

Sobon had to encourage the others to eat, quietly, but they did, finding the nerve to take food out from under the grasp of the Imperial Prince and Princess, if only occasionally and in small amounts. For Sobon, she contented herself with a few things that seemed relatively straightforward, but wasn't overwhelmingly interested in the delicacies or extravagancies--although Alassi's body didn't share her opinion. Sobon didn't have to fight hard to control her body's urges to reach for every morsel of smoked meat or sugar glazed fruit, she did have to fight, and she did so successfully, knowing what her own opinions were of the sorts of foods laid out before her.

It didn't help that after each serving was consumed, it was replaced, often with very different foods with their own delicious smells, but Sobon restrained herself well, trying to pay more attention to the talking than the eating.

Lai Shi Po didn't quite explain to the Djang Ban family what she had just learned about spatial manipulation or from where she learned it, but she did say that she'd discovered a fascinating new approach and explaining how she expected it would alter her understanding of space. Djang Ban Fen seemed more interested in the topic than her brother, who eventually shifted the topic to Lai Shi Po's inscription foundary set, a topic which seemed to annoy her.

"My mastery on that topic is more than lacking," she said, and Sobon could tell that she was deliberately not looking in her direction. "Recently I have made certain discoveries, but even those will take time and substantial effort to adapt and master. Our honored guest and her proficiency on the topic has more than simply wounded my pride; I feel ashamed of my ignorance and despondant on just how much there still is to learn."

"Indeed," Djang Ban Fen shifted her attention to Sobon. "We have avoided making any requests out of politeness, but my brother and I share everyone else's wonder at your masterful technique. And yet... to my eyes, the construction is in a way very simple, is it not? You use a profound technique for the forging, but the materials used are purified."

"Princess Djang Ban Fen is correct," Sobon said, slowly, trying to speak as respectfully as she could, although she didn't quite understand the patterns behind Djang formal speech, and neither did Alassi. "In truth, I could not match Lai Shi Po's intense attention to detail as displayed in her Space Rings." Sobon quashed the part of her own pride that wanted to take that back, and say that she only needed time. It was an easy impulse to resist, but it was still there.

"Attention to detail..." Djang Ban Fen had a very large piece of fish halfway covering her face as she appraised Sobon. "That is to suggest that it is your knowledge, and not your technique, that is your primary advantage?"

"It's not my place to say too much," Sobon said, tiredly. "But indeed, my greatest advantage lies in the work of others who came before me. While my techniques are by no means easy to teach or perform, knowledge has always been the greatest treasure of all."

"Of that there is no question." Prince Djang Ban Dai, carefully, set down a large bone that he had been carefully eating the flesh off of, though Sobon noted he wiped the residue off his face with a qi technique within moments. "We trust you understand that even with our favor, lady Expert, there will be those more jealous of that treasure than us. And even Our favor--that is, err..."

"Hah! You did screw up." Djang Ban Fen nudged her brother with a wide and almost innocent smile. "I told you that royal 'we' crap gets in the way."

Djang Bai Dai shook his head. "...Even my sister and I cannot stop other members of the family who may hear tales of you and your knowledge. We respect your anonymity, but... "

"I am sure you are as aware of the danger as we could possibly make you," Djang Ban Fen interrupted her brother. "But tell me, if you would--can you give us your [Intent impression] of Primordial Qi? I cannot imagine that even one who masters the [Crestan Crown] will understand it the way you must."

Sobon let her eyes flick from the Princess, to the Prince, to Lai Shi Po, and then to Ki'el. "I can, but in truth, I am not sure it's the Intent that is the truly..." she glanced at Lai Shi Po. "...profound knowledge. Primordial Qi is simply... [Qi.]" She layered into that single word a brief form of the structure, untouched by intent, and without any of the specific knowledge she had--only that it was a framework for tying multiple aethers of different layers together. She had to deliberately hold back things she wanted to say--as she'd said to her students, but dared not speak in front of people who might do who knows what to change the world, and give the knowledge to who knows whom.

Even though her voice couldn't reach further than the table, and even though everyone in Sobon's own group had heard her speak on it before, somehow the spiritual pressure from Lai Shi Po and the two Djangs hearing the word was incredibly intense; it was a palpable vibration, as though all three of them were tasting something more intricate and flavorful than the master cooking that was before them. All three of them stopped in their tracks, closed their eyes, and meditated on the concept, trying to lock in what they heard as though it was the last drop of water in a desert, and they were parched.

"We were shown enough to know that we won't be shown everything," Djang Ban Dai said, sounding disappointed, but not upset. "Layers--we have seen pieces of this, and we have understood that we are touching on something greater. But we do not yet understand what lays behind us, much less what lays before us."

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"Our dear guest is noble in not giving away too much," Lai Shi Po said, though she had naked disgust in her voice--disgust Sobon thought was at least partially in jest. "It would be insulting, in a way, if after coming all this way, every answer was simply laid at our feet, and all our struggle was for nothing, would it not?"

"Perhaps, and perhaps not," Djang Ban Fen said, stepping on something her brother was about to say. She glared at him, and favored Lai Shi Po with a kinder look. "The heavens always have a way of ensuring that a generation in need of power gets what they require. It is that which created the Diamond Lord, and that which has sustained the Djang Imperial Family ever since."

Sobon didn't miss how Lai Shi Po's eyes flickered over to her, and she locked eyes with the Princess. "Do you study prophecy, Princess Djang Ban Fen?"

"The prophecies related to the Djang Imperial Family are taught to all of us," she said, and glanced at her brother. "Some take them to heart, while others prefer to understand what was said, rather than simply assuming that prophets speak with a tongue of flesh."

Sobon had to ignore that last phrase, which seemed like an allegory not meant to be taken literally. "In truth--"

But Lai Shi Po spoke up, and Sobon stopped to let her negotiate instead. "There is one prophecy which I heard about lately but never got to hear any of the details. Or rather, I had always interpreted it differently, and had an argument about it recently. You know, the one about the doom of the empire, being nameless."

"That's a terrible summary," Djang Ban Dai said with a scowl, and from the look on her face, Djang Ban Fen was about to say the same.

"The intent with which Grandfather spoke was odd," the Princess said after a moment, and Sobon noted the relationship with interest. "[[That thing], or another like it, will be the death of our empire. We must be forever on guard, for it can be [of any name] and [of any face]. I have already seen it; [such a thing] will preside over the fall of the Empire.]"

Sobon almost let out a breath in relief, or maybe in terror, as either way, she didn't need any help understanding the prophecy, and it had nothing to do with her. The intent, especially [of any face], spoke of aether powers great enough to rewrite reality itself, and there was only one race Sobon knew of capable of that. Still, she memorized the academic intent, hoping that at the very least, the Ri'lef could tell her whether the prophecy was referring to a Founder invasion force--or a single Founder working to put the world back on course.

She did steady out her breathing and look around, noting that Lai Shi Po looked a bit dizzy, but was already speaking. "Is that really it? It's not quite how I recall the intent."

"Hum," Djang Ban Fen said after a moment. "There was another version of it, I suppose. That was Grandfather's version, but supposedly, the Great Teacher said that [when the time comes that [their Way] is betrayed, it will only take [one insignificant life] to conquer all that we have created]. It's that one bit of intent that's most divisive--[one insignificant life]. Life without name, without achievement. People take from it whatever their own life suggests. Soldiers think the intent speaks of a soldier; assassins think the intent speaks of an assassin. People who have risen to power from poverty think it speaks of a revolutionary; third sons and daughters of powerful families think it means estranged nobles. Each argues against every other interpretation."

And of course, I think it means a single Founder, though it could almost, technically refer to me, Sobon thought, though she kept her face masked even under her veil. She did her best to memorize the intent of that prophecy, as well. "And what about [their Way]?"

"Ah, I suppose I should have been more discreet," said the Princess, although she didn't sound sorry. "The Great Teacher gave the Diamond Lord much wisdom, but also put him under great restrictions, most of which he has never shared with anyone. In time, he rebelled against their Way, and he has maintained ever since that it was necessary to protect our world from a great disaster."

"Thus we maintain guard against all enemies," Djang Ban Dai said, having demolished a pile of rice and several largish fruits while his sister was talking. "We dare not overlook even the most insignificant life, as the most insignificant life could be the end of the Empire itself."

It was those words, in the end, that stopped Sobon. The most insignificant life. Not one insignificant life. The most.

What life could be less significant than a slum boy without qi, doomed to be cut to pieces and served to cannibals in a Bilg slum? What life could be less significant than a common tree squirrel on an island, with only one human being within dozens of miles? What life could be less significant than an old, crippled, suicidal woman, whose family was barely able to scrape by and who whose only heir would almost certainly someday be stolen away, raped, and killed by the criminals her son-in-law grudgingly worked with, refusing to believe that he would be betrayed, even as he saw the look in their eyes, even as he saw the slaves in their carts?

But Sobon stilled herself, her Cyborg instincts letting her regulate her outward expression as her mind caught up. She was sure she had given a sign, and knew that the Prince and Princess noticed, but she reviewed the intent again. [One insignificant life.] Although what Djang Ban Dai had said sounded very much like Sobon, the prophecy did not. Not only the word, but the intent spoke of a single person's life--and Sobon had lived many, now. Unless it were a deliberate misdirection, it wasn't in reference to her.

"Lady Expert seems to have some trouble," Djang Ban Dai said, humorously, though Sobon could see the intelligent look in his eye. "Something about the prophecy strikes you as odd?"

"In fact it isn't the prophecy that I had trouble with," Sobon said, truthfully. "It was your phrase, 'the most insignificant life'. That called to mind some lives I have known, and... things might have gone very different. But none of those lives matches with the intent of [One insignificant life]." Here Sobon paused, and lowered her intent defenses fully, allowing her honesty to be read. "And no matter how I examine it, I do not think that intent matches anything I have seen in my life."

The Prince didn't react to that, but the Princess did, visibly relaxing. Sobon noted the two shared a look, and several very subtle qi pulses, before the Prince also let himself relax. "We take it that this matter was, in truth, one of the questions you wished answered, Lady Expert?"

"I had been troubled by the thought since I heard of the prophecy," Sobon admitted, regaining her guard, but also being careful to speak only true things, though often deceptively. "Most of those insignificant lives I have known died terrible, sorrowful, short lives. One other is an unknown, and I hope that they can remain such. If it were to turn out that they were a danger to the empire... I would not wish to be part of that if it can be avoided, but likewise I could not ignore it if I discovered such a thing was true."

"To be clear," Djang Ban Dai's voice had an edge, although he still seemed friendly, "you wish to preserve the Empire? Even as a non-Djang, one who has, I imagine, seen much hardship because of us?"

"It has never been my intent to cause the Empire any harm," affirmed Sobon. "I hope that no danger comes to it, certainly during my own lifetime."

"Then all of that is settled." Djang Ban Fen clapped her hands, a qi pulse disrupting the sour mood that had settled over the table. "You had another desire, though? A smaller request, perhaps?"

"Only this," Sobon said, her heart suddenly pounding in her chest. "Although I know it may sound conceited... I only wish for the Diamond Lord himself to hear of the Crestan Crown. I know that its materials cannot stand his presence, but I... believe that perhaps it would be of interest to him."

Sobon could feel the two Djang imperials staring at her, as though in disbelief, but after a moment, the Princess broke out into a huge smile.

"Our dear Lady Expert has a crush on grandpa!" She giggled madly, and the Prince rolled his eyes and grabbed another healthy serving of rice. "Well, you don't need to worry, dear Lady Expert. Even though he's been in a bad mood lately, he always is willing to come and speak with us, and we were planning to go see him after this shopping trip anyway. We speak with him of the outside world, and he speaks to us about qi, and the future, and the past. The sort of things that he has always wished to pass on, but can only do so one small piece at a time."

This time, Sobon did let out a deep breath, aware of how it made her look. "Many thanks."

But Lai Shi Po had turned and was glaring at her. "Are... are you not going to ask? About...?" She gestured away, and Sobon knew she was gesturing generally towards Emerald Valley. Or rather... towards what Sobon needed to protect.

Towards the Mofu Army that would be coming.

"Ah," Sobon said, though now she felt like her voice was smoother than it had been; less stressed, or at least, more certain of what she was doing. "Have you decided who you will be using your Crown to raise up? Some prodigy, perhaps?"

"It is a bit early for that," mused Prince Djang Ban Dai, momentarily forgetting to wipe the rice from around his mouth--but only for a moment. "But we are excited to see it in action. We imagine that we will allow our Djang Do Min--our bodyguard--to make an attempt, as he is only in [Star Ruby Qi]."

"He won't do very well, I think," the Princess replied, looking at her brother with an open look on her face. "He dislikes external influences on his qi. But perhaps, since what is returned is purer, it will be better?"

Sobon glanced at Ki'el, but only for a moment.

"It's him or one of our younger siblings," Djang Ban Dai said, sighing. "Any prodigy of our generation is too advanced. And most of the prodigies of the next generation are not loyal enough to our family to entrust with such an artifact... at least, not yet. There is our cousin... but no," he laughed, as his sister immediately made a face. "I agree, not him. So if we wish to see the Crown used, for now, it will be him. And when he can no longer use it, we will find a younger sibling worthy of the advantage."

"At [Star Ruby Qi], he won't be able to use it long," Djang Ban Fen said, glancing at Sobon. "Star Ruby is the lowest of the Heavenly Gem Phase. I was being generous when I appraised the artifact as not working above that stage; perhaps even mid-Heaveny Gem will be too much for it. I trust him to be careful, but..."

"Princess Djang Ban Dai knows these matters better than I," Sobon said, trying again to sound formal, since she had nothing actually useful to say.

"Perhaps we will only let him use it for a few days," Djang Ban Fen mused, then suddenly brightened. "While my brother and I go deliver your love letter to our Grandfather, he can attend that stupid meeting in our place! He can make use of it until that's finished."

The Prince had a complex set of emotions cross his face, as he took her words seriously, then as a joke, then considered them seriously again. But Sobon simply did her best to keep a neutral face, feeling stress building up again.

Was this what it was like to toy with fate? To see everything seeming to go in the direction you expected it to go, while still feeling like everything is out of your grasp? To be terrified at every turn and every step that you were making a terrible mistake, only for the other shoe to never drop?

Was this set of circumstances all coming to fruition her manipulating fate, or was someone or something else tampering with what she'd seen? Or had she always been mistaken, and she was being led down this path, but for the wrong reasons?

Sobon covered her expression by drinking tea, having barely noticed the cup among all the food spread on the table, and did her best not to overthink it all.