Hadrian opens the chapter with retrospective self-reproach, recognizing that a pattern was forming around him but that his youth, pride, and assumptions about his superiority to Crispin kept him from seeing it. Awoken late by a maidservant, Hadrian hurries to the council chamber beneath the Dome of Bright Carvings, passing the ancestral masks of House Marlowe before entering a meeting already underway.

Inside, Lord Alistair discusses Delos’s uranium license, rebellious belt miners, and methods of coercion with Consortium representatives, Chantry officials, family advisors, and Crispin. Adaeze Feng presses the importance of stable exports after Cai Shen’s destruction, while Prior Eusebia and Severn argue that the war against the Cielcin should be paramount and that the vicereine’s legions should receive atomics. Alistair insists the system is already armed and frames the workers’ suffering and concessions as manageable instruments of rule.

The meeting turns to broken enrichment equipment and declining planeted mining output. Gibson and Alcuin confirm that planeted mines provide a large share of the uranium harvest but are underperforming, with miner deaths rising because equipment has not been properly replaced. Feng warns that Delos cannot afford to fail its quotas, but Alistair answers by reminding her that the Consortium came to him because it needs House Marlowe’s uranium infrastructure.

After the meeting breaks up, Alistair orders Hadrian to stay, leaving Hadrian alone with Alistair and Crispin. Alistair reveals that Hadrian’s earlier meeting with the Guild factionarius angered rather than placated her, because Hadrian gave assurances about aiding the miners. Hadrian argues that replacing enrichment crawlers may be necessary, but Alistair stresses the enormous expense, the import complications, and the danger of drawing Chantry suspicion or even an Inquisition over advanced machinery.

Hadrian proposes negotiating with Feng using Gibson’s help, and Crispin unexpectedly supports Hadrian’s ability. Alistair rejects the idea, accuses Hadrian of meddling, and threatens to retire Gibson, calling the old scholiast a fool who has forgotten his place. When Alistair reveals he knows Gibson told Hadrian about the Consortium visit and even knows of Hadrian’s language studies, Hadrian realizes he has likely been watched through servants.

The confrontation ends with Hadrian defending Gibson and insisting he must be involved if he is to rule after Alistair. Alistair responds by saying he has never named Hadrian his successor and will not do so for many years. He then delivers the chapter’s decisive blow: if Hadrian continues on his present course, the heir will not be Hadrian.