Shae attends a Kaul Du Academy relayball match and sees Anden playing first guard. Anden’s strength, composure, and aggression make Shae imagine him as a future No Peak Fist, and spectators behind Shae openly identify Anden as the Kauls’ ward and a promising future Green Bone. The Academy wins narrowly, and Anden warmly greets Shae afterward.

Shae and Anden walk through Old Town to a night market and eat at a barbecue restaurant. Their conversation is polite but slightly awkward, reflecting the distance that has grown between them during Shae’s years away. Shae apologizes for not visiting sooner, but Anden quickly shifts the subject to Lan.

Anden asks when Shae will see Lan and suggests Shae should talk to him because Lan has seemed different and stressed since the duel at the Factory. When Anden hints that Lan may be making poor decisions and that Anden wants to help, Shae tells Anden that Hilo would be right to keep him focused on school. Shae warns Anden not to rush into clan life and says he does not have to become a Green Bone, but Anden rejects that idea, believing Kaul Sen and the family raised him for exactly that purpose.

Shae explains that she left because the clan demands all-or-nothing loyalty and did not allow her to live by her own choices. When Shae mentions a new international business job that will take her back to Espenia for training, Anden is visibly disappointed and asks if Shae is leaving again. Anden apologizes and tries to be supportive, but Shae realizes he had hoped Shae would remain close enough to influence Lan and support the family during the conflict.

Shae asks what Anden wanted her to say to Lan, but Anden withdraws the request and insists it is not his place. After they part at the subway station, Shae feels she may have failed Anden by missing an important chance to help him. Instead of going home, Shae visits the Temple of Divine Return, where she reflects on jade, faith, clan rituals, Kaul Sen’s public virtue, her mother’s discipline, and her own uncertain independence. Feeling lonely and unsettled despite having the life she chose, Shae prays for guidance and asks for a sign.