Lady Tané of Clan Miduchi visits the Imperial Palace in the Empire of the Twelve Lakes, serving as an unofficial ambassador between Seiiki and the Lacustrine court while she recovers and prepares to rejoin the High Sea Guard. The Unceasing Emperor gives her a letter for Ginura, and they discuss world affairs. Though peace has largely returned, the Great Edict still stands, the red sickness persists, and the Golden Empress remains at large—Tané is determined to fulfill her vow to end the dragonflesh trade.

Tané reflects on her rewards: a mansion in Nanta and her restored life. Yet the loss of Susa haunts her daily. After delivering the Emperor's letter in Ginura, she traces the scar on her cheek—the mark that set her on her journey—and decides it is time to return to Komoridu. She asks Nayimathun, who agrees without hesitation.

Before this trip, Tané had revisited the ruined village of Ampiki and consulted Elder Vara on Feather Island to learn about Neporo of Komoridu, her ancestor. Vara shared what little he knew—records of Neporo's marriage, letters, and drawings—but the real answers could only be found on the island itself. Nayimathun flies Tané to Komoridu, where Tané enters the forest alone with a lantern.

Walking for hours through the silent woods, Tané discovers remnants of an ancient settlement—foundations, pottery shards, an axe blade. She finds a cave containing a stone statue of a woman whose face mirrors her own: Neporo, the Firstblood. Kneeling before the statue, Tané offers a simple "Thank you" and stays until her lantern burns out. She then climbs to the dead mulberry tree above and falls asleep beside it. In the morning, she wakes with a white butterfly cupped in her hand and blood seeping from her side, suggesting a mystical encounter or transformation.