Kaul Shaelinsan arrives at Janloon International Airport after two years in Espenia, exhausted and conflicted. Shae resists calling her brother for a car because Shae wants to return on Shae’s own terms, as an ordinary citizen rather than as the granddaughter of Kaul Sen. While waiting for a taxi, Shae recalls how difficult it was to live abroad without jade, how foreigners treated Kekon as exotic, and how Shae’s attempt to build an independent life ended in loneliness, professional disappointment, and a breakup with Jerald.

Shae takes a taxi to the Kaul estate instead of a hotel, deciding that avoiding the family home would be disrespectful. The taxi driver recognizes Shae only at the gates and tries to use the connection to get help for a Lantern relative, but Shae pays the fare and tells the driver to use proper clan channels because Shae has no clan authority. Kyanla welcomes Shae warmly, and Lan greets Shae with affection, reinforcing that Lan has been Shae’s strongest family tie during Shae’s absence.

Lan takes Shae to see Kaul Sen. Kaul Sen is frail but sharp, criticizes Shae’s foreign appearance and lack of jade, then forgives Shae and insists Shae belongs with the family. Kaul Sen frames Shae’s return as proof that foreigners would never truly accept Shae and immediately assumes Shae will take up clan business, but Shae lies that Shae already has an apartment to avoid moving back into the estate and surrendering independence.

Outside, Shae and Lan speak privately. Lan admits Kaul Sen’s condition has worsened and says their mother is well in Marenia. Shae apologizes for not being present while Lan carried the burden of being Pillar through family and clan troubles, and Lan responds without blame. Shae finds comfort in Lan’s gentleness, but the pull of Lan’s jade also reminds Shae how hard it will be to stay apart from Green Bone life.

Over the next three days, Shae searches Janloon for an apartment without using Kaul influence. Shae limits the search to No Peak territory for safety, endures the city’s heat and inconvenience, and finally signs for a modest loft in North Sotto. The success reassures Shae that some independence is still possible.

When Shae returns to the hotel, Hilo is waiting with a Maik Fist. Hilo embraces Shae and says Shae is forgiven, but quickly presses Shae to put jade back on and help No Peak because Hilo believes the Mountain is preparing to strike and distrusts Doru. Shae refuses to join clan business, asking for time to find Shae’s own way. Hilo restrains his anger but warns that if Shae does not want to be a Kaul, Shae should not have come back, leaving the siblings reconciled only on the surface.