As evening falls, Din Kol joins a memorial gathering in the Trifecta, between the Legion, Engineering, and the closed Iudex tower. A symbolic pyre—four painted figures for the Iyalets that lost officers—is blessed by imperial holy men, then lit by an injured Legionnaire. Din publicly thanks the dead, including those killed at the walls and those felled by the twitch within Talagray.

After the crowd leaves, Din finds Captain Miljin alone by the flames. Miljin asks whether Din witnessed Ana Dolabra unmask Immunis Uhad and whether Din ever suspected him; Din admits he did not. Miljin bitterly refuses consolation and reflects that the Empire now needs schemers more than battlers, implying Ana and Din fit that future.

Knowing Din will depart soon, Miljin asks Din to take Miljin’s mechanical sword-scabbard along when he goes. Miljin explains he will not remain with the Iudex, returning instead to the Legion, and says the weapon is better used against those who obstruct the fight against leviathans. Miljin also scoffs at Din’s assumption he will simply return to Daretana, then formally wishes Din luck and walks away.

Din is then met by Captain Kepheus Strovi, still on a crutch from being blasted during the titan-killer’s firing. Kepheus shuts down talk of the leviathan beyond confirming it was killed and held back. As they walk Talagray, Kepheus comments on how the Iudex differs from the Legion: even doing everything right cannot undo harm already done, prompting Din to think of how Uhad’s accumulated memories shaped him.

Kepheus says he will stay in Talagray because there is still work to do, while Din admits he expects to leave soon. Kepheus gives Din a package of shootstraw pipes, and they share a quiet, emotional moment about how little time remains. Kepheus kisses Din, reminding him that in Talagray nothing is certain, and they return to the city together to seek whatever sweetness they can in the days left.