On the third morning of mediation, Hilo and Shae meet Chancellor Son Tomarho, an important No Peak-aligned politician who has been irritated by Hilo's weeks of avoidance. Son presses for peace and raises concern that increased wartime tribute is burdening No Peak's Lantern Men, especially those who supported Lan's KJA reform efforts.

Shae explains that No Peak needs the higher tribute because the war has damaged businesses, killed and injured Green Bones, and left the clan financially disadvantaged by the Mountain's illegal jade and SN1 dealings. Hilo then rejects the idea that KJA reform can matter while the clans are at war, arguing that if the Mountain wins, Ayt will control the council, the city, and the jade supply regardless of legislation.

Hilo bluntly tells Son that mediation is a farce and that No Peak's Lantern Men must act like wartime allies rather than peacetime beneficiaries. By pointing out that Son's family and political future are inseparable from No Peak's survival, Hilo turns Son's fear into reluctant commitment. Son salutes Hilo and accepts that they have a mutual understanding, though with bitterness.

As Hilo and Shae go to the mediation room, Shae realizes Hilo is angry and hiding something. In the session, Ayt begins demanding reparations from No Peak, and Hilo responds by publicly accusing Ayt and the Mountain of stealing jade above quota from the KJA. Shae is furious because Hilo has used their audit leverage prematurely, without waiting for official results or building council support.

Hilo escalates further, declaring the mediation meaningless because the Mountain only wants one-clan control over jade and shine. He reveals that Tem Ben and Mudt were Mountain agents using stolen jade to support untrained criminals in No Peak territory, then throws a cassette tape onto the table as evidence. Hilo tells Ayt that he found two of her planted informers and will find the rest, then walks out; Shae follows silently.

Two days later, Ree Tura calls Shae and says Ayt wants to meet Hilo alone in a neutral, private place. Speaking as Weather Man to Weather Man, Ree lets Shae choose the location, and Shae sets the meeting for the Temple of Divine Return.