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Max's first act upon returning to the island is to order the evacuation of the Howaluu sector, impose a tax on the rich households, and disband the Shipping Union. The Howaluu are desperate to know what's going on, but they try to be patient until Fei returns. Fei's adoptive father has his Heitanyui allies spread discontent, until the rich families and shipping families are ready to back the Howaluu in a rebellion against the White Dragon. |
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When Fei comes back a day later, he sneaks into the tree across from Max's bedroom window as usual, but Max holds him at gunpoint. The White Dragon realizes that Fei hasn't yet come to a decision about how to resolve their relationship problems. Until Fei can say flat out why he bothered to return, Max won't listen to him. Fei's emotions are in turmoil and he wishes someone would simply tell him what he should do. |
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Max's best friend (who notices there are no bullets in the gun) is worried that Max has sunk back into the apathy that had been his usual state on the mainland. He's afraid that Max will go as far as committing suicide--or at least letting himself be killed. Max declares that everything from now on is up to Fei to decide. |
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Fei's adoptive father leaks the information that Fei is the Great Dragon's son and rightful heir. As proof, he tells the Howaluu that Fei's mother, the Great Dragon's widow, gave him a tattoo of a yuiran flower as a baby that shows up when his skin is flushed. Fei can't deny it, but he refuses to lead a rebellion to depose Max. His right hand man won't accept that answer and begs him to reconsider. |
