Hilo arrives at Wisdom Hall for mediated negotiations between No Peak and the Mountain. He surrenders his weapons but recognizes the gesture as symbolic because the Green Bones present carry enough jade to kill bare-handed. Three penitents are stationed in the room to forbid violence on religious grounds, a restraint Hilo resents after previously suggesting to Shae that killing Ayt Mada there might be worth the spiritual risk.

Hilo sits before a Royal Council mediation committee split among No Peak allies, Mountain allies, and independents. Ayt Mada arrives with her Weather Man, Ree Tura, and the intensity of Ayt’s jade aura makes the confrontation feel settled before anyone speaks. Councilwoman Onde Pattanya opens the proceedings under the authority of the Royal Council and the symbolic blessing of the prince, while Hilo reflects that true power in Kekon lies with the clans and their Pillars.

Ayt gives the Mountain’s opening statement, presenting the war as a response to No Peak aggression and listing older grievances. Hilo, irritated but restrained by Shae’s preparation, reads from a speech demanding the Mountain withdraw from the Docks, surrender the Armpit, stop SN1 production, and submit to inspection of finances and jade inventories. After hours, the two sides make only hollow concessions about districts neither side can meaningfully take, while the decisive conflicts in the Armpit and Sogen remain untouched.

On the second day, Hilo complains to Shae that the negotiations are a waste of time. Shae insists No Peak must appear committed to peace so the Royal Council, Lantern Men, and public will support them when she reveals early audit results from the Kekon Jade Alliance on the final day. Hilo understands the strategy but sees the process as theater, especially because Ayt’s polished manner makes him look like a young thug while concealing her own brutality.

After another fruitless day, Hilo leaves anxious for news of Goun Jeru, a No Peak Fist who was badly injured in an ambush. Maik Tar meets Hilo instead of the usual driver and, through his aura, reveals before speaking that Goun has died. Hilo erupts in grief and rage over losing a classmate while he was trapped in negotiations, then calms enough to hear Tar’s other, undisclosed news.

Tar explains something offstage that changes Hilo’s outlook. Hilo orders Tar to drive while he thinks, then decides the third day of negotiations will be very different. Hilo praises Tar, whose satisfaction shows his eagerness to prove himself in his redesigned role as Pillarman.