Gont’s car drops Anden at the Temple District, where Hilo is waiting with No Peak men. Hilo first reacts with anger at Anden’s carelessness in Summer Park, then checks whether Gont’s people harmed Anden and embraces him in relief. Hilo brings Anden to the Weather Man’s office, where Lan asks to hear Anden’s report privately.

Anden tells Lan that Ayt Mada used him to deliver a proposal: the Mountain wants to produce and sell SN1, or shine, in Ygutan and wants No Peak either involved or at least cooperative. Lan reassures Anden that he handled the situation bravely, sends Maik Tar to take him back to the Academy, and prepares to discuss the matter with Hilo and Doru.

Lan explains Ayt’s proposal to Hilo and Doru. Hilo sees the offer as an insult and a trap, arguing that the Mountain has been steadily taking from No Peak while avoiding open war. Doru argues the opposite: the shine operation could be profitable, strengthen Green Bone control, and perhaps use Anden’s future position in Ygutan to create mutual trust. Hilo rejects this as treating Anden like a hostage.

Lan decides that No Peak will not partner with the Mountain on shine, though it will not obstruct the Mountain unless No Peak’s interests are threatened. Lan’s reasons are moral, political, and strategic: shine encourages unsanctioned jade use, could increase foreign demand for jade, might undermine the Kekon Jade Alliance, and could entangle No Peak in foreign conflict. When Doru suggests consulting Kaul Sen, Lan firmly asserts his authority as Pillar.

After settling the decision, Lan orders caution rather than retaliation. Doru must send the formal reply and arrange a meeting with Chancellor Son, while Hilo must strengthen border defenses without bloodshed unless the family approves. Lan also orders Hilo to have people watch Shae because she is not wearing jade and could be vulnerable if the Mountain targets Kaul family members.