Traveling north in a carriage, Sora cannot sleep, driven by hunger and by the problem of how to kill King Joon. She breaks her long silence with Tiyung by asking whether Count Seok told him why they are going to Tamneki, and Tiyung admits his father likely wants him able to deny knowledge.

Tiyung confirms he is meant to burn Sora’s indenture after King Joon dies, and Sora bitterly summarizes the bargain: her and Daysum’s freedom in exchange for killing a “god king.” Tiyung argues Joon is not a god, claiming Joon has not left Qali Palace since an earlier assassination attempt—an attempt Tiyung says was ordered by Count Bay Chin of Umbria about eleven years ago.

As night falls, the carriage stops at Lord Shan’s estate, where the head of household, Hada, greets them and ushers them inside. Sora notes Tiyung watching her and retreats to her lavish room, remembering the poverty she and Daysum once shared and treating her careful grooming and fine dress like armor.

At dinner, Sora is angered by the abundance laid out, thinking of hungry children like Gli. Tiyung unexpectedly orders the kitchen to stop preparing more dishes and to feed the servants instead, insisting he and Sora will eat lightly. He continues with small courtesies—dismissing servants, offering a toast, and refusing to eat until Sora has taken what she wants first.

Tiyung tries to position himself as something other than an enemy, asking where Sora will go after she succeeds and saying he wants friendship or alliance. Sora rejects the idea, remembers Tiyung’s part in Daysum’s suffering, and privately recommits to killing him when the time comes. She leaves the table in silence, shutting down any further conversation.