Years after their marriage, Paedyn and Kai walk a nearly deserted brick road in Tando to conclude trade agreements. They tease about their dislike for the quiet countryside and exchange affectionate banter, including Paedyn deftly stealing Kai’s wedding band as a playful reminder of their past.

Their daughter, Kit, emerges from a cornfield proudly presenting an ear of corn to Kai. With gray hair and muted blue eyes that blend Paedyn’s and Kai’s features, Kit plays a family game of counting kisses, underscoring the tenderness among them. The family enters Tando’s subdued market, where Paedyn contrasts its calm with her vibrant home in Loot.

Paedyn reflects on Ilya’s progress since the reforms: open borders, growing harmony between Elites and Ordinaries, and active restoration of the slums with frequent castle feasts to welcome citizens. She feels pride in a kingdom that is healing and inclusive, even if Tando’s quiet is not her preference.

While watching Kit play in the sunlight, Paedyn spots Blair in a shadowed corner, alive but disfigured by scars and lilac hair. Remembering the moment she forced Blair into a fire, Paedyn expects rage but feels none. She silently acknowledges Blair, choosing to let her go in peace; Blair nods in return before disappearing.

Kai, aware of Blair’s presence, gently checks on Paedyn, calling her his “not-so-vicious little thing.” Paedyn reasserts her edge with a light retort, but the moment affirms her decision to let the past rest for Adena’s sake. The family resumes their walk together, hand in hand.

The chapter closes with Paedyn savoring the sun, her bond with Kai, and Kit’s playful mimicry, honoring those they have lost while embracing a sweet, enduring life built on love and reconciliation.