Adeimantus

From publisher blurb: Adeimantus is a condescending sophisticate who only wants the best for Beimeni-Ta, and regards other civilizations as mere echoes. Creation’s inhabitants are all citizens-in-waiting, and he delights in meeting those of refinement — such arts are jewels for Beimeni-Ta’s crown, so he obsessively courts sages, courtesans, and martial artists. Adeimantus does not lower himself to fighting unless he must, appealing to reason when defied and expressing pity for those he considers blind to the virtue of his cause. His death would banish Beimeni-Ta for a time — but his heir, chosen by quarreling raksha senators, would be free to claim it for themselves. Beimeni-Ta was dangerous enough when it aspired to perfection; what form might the parasitic dollhouse take when remade in a new devil’s image?