Quote Originally Posted by Theodric View Post
The Empire itself was unaware of his deception, though. Varis wasn't pleased when he was given the news that Asahi's presence was but another Ascian scheme at play. Sure, the Domans could have orchestrated his demise and passed it off as an 'accident' but then they'd have no high ground to stand on in the future if someone played the same trick on them in the future. Their hands were tied. I'd also note that there was the additional complication of the prisoner exchange to deal with. If Asahi was slain right then and there, it very likely would not have gone through.
Why would Doma need the high ground if the Empire tries another false-flag operation to start another war? If Asahi was fed to the beasts right then and there, then the Ascian plot would have been thwarted. Asahi couldn't even be bothered to keep up the ruse, so why should we cooperate with that ruse any further?