So, as of the time of this post anybody who has been donating every week to the reconstruction efforts will have reached the conclusion of the story arc. The final scene involves reestablishing a Doman tradition involving setting loose lanterns in honour of the fallen.

It's a pretty major festival and the first of its kind since Garlemald's occupation forbid such practices. Given how much Hien has been shown to care for his people his appearance seemed certain.

Yet he doesn't show up. Instead, the NPC leading the event refers to the 'unfortunate absence' of Lord Hien. I forget the exact wording used, though it was along those lines.

To me, it seems a little ominous. Could this be a sign that Hien is going to be killed off in the future? The reconstruction efforts can be done at any time, technically, so they're by no means mandatory. The story itself is also outlined in advance.

It just strikes me as very odd that Hien didn't show up for the scene in question. Even if he were 'busy' it wouldn't exactly be a huge burden for him to show up and say a few words. He wouldn't, realistically, be unaware of such an event taking place nor does he seem the type to ignore the opportunity to thank the Warrior of Light yet again for their generosity towards Doma.

It's going to rub me the wrong way if he ends up being axed, especially if someone as bland as Lyse ends up surviving indefinitely.