On Salusa Secundus, Zimia holds one of its monthly rampage festivals, public spectacles created by Roderick Corrino to let citizens vent lingering hatred of the thinking machines. Machine relics, including a robotic scout ship and an Omnius plague capsule, are set out for destruction while citizens gather in a festive but violent mood.

Roderick escorts Princess Anna Corrino to the event, but Anna is distraught over Hirondo Nef, the palace chef she loves. Roderick privately recalls that he saved Hirondo from Salvador’s anger by having him reassigned to a noble estate instead of killed, but Anna believes her brothers have ruined her life. Roderick urges Anna to accept Corrino responsibilities and forget Hirondo.

At the festival, Anna performs her ceremonial role by invoking humanity’s victory over the thinking machines and unleashing the crowd. The citizens smash the machine relics into shapeless wreckage. The people interpret Anna’s tears as patriotic emotion, but Roderick knows Anna is weeping for Hirondo.

Later, Hirondo smuggles a note to Anna through Lady Orenna, and Orenna helps Anna slip away for a secret farewell at the estate where Hirondo has been sent. Anna and Hirondo reunite and discuss running away together, but Hirondo doubts they could survive without money, contacts, or freedom from the Imperial family’s reach. Anna resolves to make plans herself, frustrated by Hirondo’s fear.

Imperial guards burst into the servants’ quarters, and Roderick reveals that Anna’s movements were easy to track. Anna is brought before Emperor Salvador, begs to renounce her title and leave with Hirondo, and pleads for Hirondo’s life. Salvador refuses, saying Anna’s reckless behavior is the true problem, and announces that she will be sent to the Sisterhood on Rossak to gain purpose and discipline. Roderick supports the decision, telling Anna it is for the best.