The protagonist, Vis, is travelling across the Sea of Quus to the capital city of Deditia, Caten, and is amazed by its size and grandeur.
Vis is accompanied by Ulciscor, who suggests that Vis get some rest and recuperation from a recent injury during the journey.
On arriving in Caten, they board a carriage sent by Sextus Tohrius, a business associate of Ulciscor.
Ulciscor informs Vis that they are heading to Ulciscor's family estate, Sarcinia, where Vis will be tutored for the next two months before being formally admitted to the Academy.
Vis is to be left under the care of Lanistia, a woman in charge of his tutoring during Ulciscor's absence due to senatorial duties in Caten.
During the carriage ride, Vis has been worrying over Sedotia, a woman who knows his true identity and posed him a threat previously, making her a problem he can't ignore.
They reach Sarcinia, and while initially met with a scowl from Lanistia, they manage to break the ice, and Ulciscor assures her of Vis' competencies.
The story closes with Vis starting to settle into his temporary home, Villa Telimus.