The Villain leads Evie out onto the parapet walk to speak privately, away from prying ears. Mortified that he may have overheard her talking about her dream, Evie launches into an elaborate and increasingly awkward explanation that the dream was about mud and a carriage—insisting nobody was naked. The Villain is visibly unnerved but insists he wasn't referring to her dreams at all. Before he can explain the real topic, Evie's attention wanders, and The Villain catches her off guard with a joke about marrying her off to river gremlins, which panics her before she realizes he's teasing. She's stunned to discover he has a dimple and is capable of humor.

Their banter shifts to more serious matters. Evie playfully pushes back about his treatment of interns, including the regular "Scatter Day" events where he chases or tests them with weapons and beasts. She reminds him he pushed an intern named Joshua Lightenston off the parapet the previous week. Their exchange also touches on Evie's rivalry with Becky, whom Evie jokingly asks permission to throw off the parapet. The Villain cryptically advises her to keep enemies close.

The Villain then reveals the true reason he brought her outside: another shipment of stolen goods from King Benedict has been compromised. Only two of the four expected crates of weapons were recovered by the Malevolent Guards. This marks the third compromised shipment in two months, and The Villain concludes there is a traitor within their ranks. Evie immediately asks how she can help.

Two days later, Evie is at her desk compiling a list of employees in her journal, noting any signs of suspicion or disloyalty. She is interrupted by Becky, who demands to know what she's doing. Evie deflects by pointing out the office pixies making ink self-portraits of their backsides, which sends Becky rushing away. As Evie reflects on their rivalry, she wonders whether Becky's animosity—possibly rooted in jealousy over the assistant position—could be a sign of something more sinister, even treason.