Sant1ngel senses when Don Vdctor de Paredes has returned to La Casilla and goes to meet him in his rooms. Vdctor, relaxed and confident after the Inquisition raid, remarks that Teoda Halcn has been branded a heretic and asks what her plan was. Sant1ngel checks after Doa Maria (sent back to the city, shaken) and warns Vdctor there are limits to Sant1ngel’s influence, but Vdctor insists his family and champion remain safe.

Vdctor presses Sant1ngel about the torneo continuing and taunts him about fearing freedom. Sant1ngel nearly draws a dagger, then recalls his long, futile attempts to kill or undermine the De Paredes line: poison that strengthened Jorge, a blade that would not strike true against Isidro, and the brutal punishment of being buried alive until Sant1ngel broke. Even his efforts to sabotage their dealings failed as luck and power bent outcomes back in their favor, leaving him unable to outmatch the very force that binds him.

Trying to protect Luzia, Sant1ngel argues Teoda likely wasn’t responsible for the spectacle at the second trial; Teoda is a heretic, but the timing makes little sense if she sought royal favor. Sant1ngel questions who exposed Teoda and warns that the same accusation could be aimed at Luzia. He suggests Teoda is a convenient villain and points to Fortn Donadei as someone who benefits most from Teoda and Gracia being removed and Luzia nearly killed.

Sant1ngel reports that Pe9rez claims the king is insisting the torneo proceed, which troubles him after how close La Casilla came to catastrophe. Vdctor wonders if Pe9rez is playing a deeper political game, using the trials as advertisement while unrest grows against Philip. He speculates that if Philip won’t seize the torneo’s opportunities, Pe9rez may be open to other offers, even from those who would challenge the king.

Sant1ngel proposes withdrawing as the prudent course: let Luzia train in private and wait to see if Philip remains strong enough to hold power. Vdctor rejects the suggestion and probes whether Sant1ngel’s real motive is attachment to Luzia and fear of what freedom would cost. Vdctor coldly promises that Luzia will win, her power will become his, and Sant1ngel will eventually forget her once he is free.