Din Kol finishes testifying in the adjudication chamber, where Commander-Prificto Vashta presses Ana Dolabra to explain whether the case is concluded. Ana confirms Kiz Jolgalgan was the suspected primary poisoner, that Jolgalgan is dead, and that Jolgalgan’s dappleglass laboratory has been destroyed with phalm oil, which should eliminate remaining spores.

Ana argues the outcome still does not explain key questions: why Jolgalgan targeted the ten Engineers, why Kaygi Haza was killed, and why the Haza clan hid the murder and denied knowledge of the Engineers and Commander Blas. Ana adds that Rona Aristan and Suberek were killed by someone else, based on the identical “tiny puncture to the skull” injuries, implying a highly augmented killer and deepening suspicion toward the Hazas.

Ana raises a final inconsistency involving the blackperch mushrooms used at the Haza halls: because they flare immediately when exposed to flame (per Nusis’s testimony), Jolgalgan could not have used them as a safe distraction without drawing attention to herself. Ana proposes a third collaborator inside the party threw the mushrooms to create the distraction, and suggests this also explains how Jolgalgan tracked Commander Blas’s movements. Ana requests a week to re-check evidence and re-interview everyone Jolgalgan, Ditelus, and Blas encountered to determine whether a “third poisoner” exists.

Vashta, constrained by the wet season, a recent breach, and an approaching leviathan, reluctantly agrees to give Ana a week if conditions allow. As they speak, a stronger quake hits, underscoring the worsening threat at the sea walls. Vashta urges Ana and her signum to attend a morale-boosting Banquet of Blessings, noting Captain Strovi has volunteered for the giant bombard’s firing crew and could use their support.

Afterward, crossing the tower, Ana explains the Banquet of Blessings is a rare rite performed before facing a titan, blessing all who will handle the massive bombard meant to kill the leviathan and plug the breach. Din admits the outcome feels unjust for Aristan, Suberek, and the Engineers, and Ana agrees—insisting the work is not over. Ana voices her belief Jolgalgan’s killings of Blas and Kaygi Haza were personal, doubts Jolgalgan’s death was a simple accident, and suspects a third party sabotaged the lab to create a convenient ending; she also connects this to Fayazi Haza’s earlier mention of seeking “a third.” Ana retreats to think while ordering Din to attend the banquet to keep Vashta allied and to remember what the Empire is meant to preserve.