Shallan concludes two weeks of ethics study by telling Jasnah that the alleyway killings were legal yet immoral, separating legality from morality and intent. Jasnah accepts Shallan’s reasoning as thoughtful and grants her the rest of the day free. Anxious about the stolen Soulcaster being discovered, Shallan rushes to her rooms to practice in secret.

She infuses the gemstones and tries again—this time even humming as a book suggested—but nothing happens. A whisper asks what she is, startling her, but an elderly maid’s arrival provides a distraction. After sending the maid to inform Jasnah she had cleaned the forbidden bedroom, Shallan uses the opportunity to search Jasnah’s room and finds notebooks on Urithiru, the Shattered Plains, and especially the Voidbringers. She is shocked that the skeptical Jasnah is compiling extensive evidence about them.

Kabsal arrives with truthberry jam, and they share a playful, intimate picnic. He hints he might leave the ardentia, prompting Shallan to blurt that Jasnah suspects him of seeking the Soulcaster. Kabsal admits the ardents once wanted it but dropped the scheme, warning of political consequences, and claims Soulcasters are simple to use by tapping a gemstone. He hides from the king of Kharbranth, then takes his leave, and Shallan remains conflicted about their growing attachment.

Back at the Conclave, a letter from Captain Tozbek promises his ship will arrive in a week to take her home, setting a firm deadline. Torn between duty to her family and her love of scholarship, Shallan resolves to depart in one week but returns to Jasnah’s alcove, shares bread and jam, and resumes studying—choosing to pretend a little longer.