Darrow and Mustang arrive at Romulus au Raa’s secluded estate on Io. Vela escorts Mustang to speak with Romulus privately, leaving Darrow in a quiet garden enclosed by a pulseBubble. The simple home and ritual of removing boots underscore Rim restraint and intimacy.

Darrow meets Seraphina au Raa, Romulus’s young daughter, who quizzes him about being a Red and marvels at his tale of Ragnar and the Valkyrie. Darrow reveals Ragnar’s recent death and funeral. Romulus appears, fatherly yet severe, and the two men regard each other with wary respect.

Seated beneath citrus trees, they discuss the artificial garden, the torture box rumors, and the Rim’s view of honor versus Core decadence. Romulus condemns normalized cruelty and entitlement; Darrow counters that Rim discipline is not true civilization. Setting philosophy aside, they agree to speak of war.

Romulus asks about his kin slain at Darrow’s Triumph on Mars. Darrow soberly confirms that Antonia crushed Romulus’s daughter’s skull and that the girl suffered but did not beg. Romulus accepts the painful truth, valuing candor over comfort.

Romulus then signals he has another guest. Darrow deduces a Sovereign envoy from the polished ship boots at the door. Romulus explains that, after costly setbacks under Imperator Fabii, he now sees more to gain through peace than war. With Darrow present, he can bargain for stronger terms and intends to weigh his options—“Who do you think?” he asks when pressed about the envoy.