Sora visits the hilltop villa of Count Rune of Rahway, noting its grand sandstone design and turret tower overlooking the Sol. As Rune leads a prolonged tour through his armory, stables, library, and ballroom, Sora reflects on how men with immense privilege still reach for more power.

In the turret, Sora observes Rune’s carefully luxurious clothing and ageless presence, then notices Count Tiyung’s dissatisfaction as Sora walks arm-in-arm with Rune. Outside, the sunset and scented breeze briefly let Sora forget she is effectively a prisoner in enemy territory, until Rune turns the moment into flirtation and Sora distrusts his charm.

The tour ends in a cavernous dining hall set for five, and Sora and Tiyung realize two additional guests are expected. Rune seats Sora to his right despite her damaged hearing on that side, deepening her sense that the evening is a “gilded trap.” Rune offers drinks, boasts about his coju distillery, and exchanges cool, polite words with Tiyung about the surprise company.

When the guests finally arrive, Rune and Tiyung both stand and bow. Their deference signals the same conclusion to Sora: the two men at the doorway can only be royalty.