Robin, Ramy, Victoire, and Letty return to class as if nothing has happened, then receive abrupt orders to depart for Canton two days early. Letty is thrilled; the others fear the change is tied to the failed Hermes theft. They travel by rail to London, attend a disappointing “Princess Caraboo” show, and board the fast clipper Merope for China. Robin dreads both exile and homecoming.

At sea, tension grows. Letty’s questions collide with Ramy’s irritability, and Robin flees a dinner quarrel to the deck, where Professor Lovell offers a staged apology and a “fresh start,” urging Robin to bury Hermes and Griffin. Tempted by a safe, prestigious future, Robin tries to feel content.

A week later, with Letty below deck, Ramy and Victoire confront Robin. They reveal Anthony is alive; Robin reveals Griffin recruited him, claims Lovell said Griffin killed Eveline Brooke, and asks if Lovell has questioned them (he has not). Ramy accuses Robin of three years of secrecy; Robin insists he was protecting them.

Pressed on what he gave Lovell, Robin admits divulging a Hermes safe room. Ramy calls it betrayal; Robin argues survival and his dependence on Babel, while Ramy highlights privilege and dignity. The fight breaks their trust. The voyage turns miserable: Ramy freezes Robin out, Victoire keeps her distance, and Letty’s clumsy kindness backfires.

Work continues: translation tasks, crash Mandarin lessons, and Lovell’s briefings on Canton trade, during which Lovell advocates force to open China. As land nears, Lovell instructs Letty and Victoire to disguise themselves as young men due to local restrictions. The ship sights Canton at dawn; Robin fixates on the Chinese character for dawn to steady himself.