Shae travels from Janloon into Kekon’s mountainous southern interior to inspect a No Peak jade mine at Lan’s request. The difficult journey and the beauty of the forest remind Shae why she returned to Kekon, even as she reflects on the contradictions of Janloon and the burdens of being a Kaul.

At the mine office, Shae finds the supervisor watching relayball and presents Lan’s signed authorization. The supervisor grudgingly takes Shae to the work site, where Shae sees the vast open pit, the machinery, the Abukei workers, and the exposed raw jade. The proximity to so much jade affects Shae physically, creating a powerful craving, but Shae stops near the warning sign and reminds herself that she is there only to help Lan.

Shae observes the operation, notes the equipment and workforce, and sees nothing immediately suspicious. Back in the office, Shae demands access to two years of financial records despite the supervisor’s reluctance. Shae begins copying production reports, personnel manifests, and financial summaries so Shae can compare the mine’s records against the KJA’s annual statements.

While reviewing files, Shae reflects on jade as both sacred myth and ordinary business commodity. The records also prompt Shae to remember being tutored by Yun Doru, discovering degrading photographs of Shae’s friend Wan Paya in Doru’s desk, and losing respect for Kaul Sen when Kaul Sen dismissed Shae’s disgust with Doru.

Shae eventually identifies a major irregularity in equipment purchase orders for new mining investments: several are signed by Gont Aschentu, the Horn of the Mountain. Because the mines are state-operated under KJA oversight, such paperwork should have been signed by board representatives or their subordinates, not the Mountain’s military leader. Shae copies the evidence, abandons her plan to stay in Pula, and prepares to return quickly to Janloon with the troubling discovery.