In the Palace conservatory, Emperor Salvador tells Roderick that Manford Torondo has forced him to allow the destruction of the old Suk School building in Zimia. Salvador needs a public excuse that will sound legitimate, even though both brothers know the Butlerians will destroy the building regardless of evidence.

Roderick worries that accusing the Suk doctors of wrongdoing, or inventing a hidden computer, would damage relations with the Suk School. Salvador argues that the Butlerians are the more immediate threat because they could turn their mobs against the Corrino throne. To balance appeasement with damage control, Salvador decides to request a personal physician from the Suk School on Parmentier as a sign of private support.

The next morning, Salvador thinks about his lack of heirs and tries to renew intimacy with Empress Tabrina after a rare pleasant dinner. Tabrina rebuffs him sharply, making clear that she wants real political authority rather than a ceremonial marital reconciliation. Humiliated, Salvador retreats and broods over his failed marriage.

At breakfast, Roderick finds Salvador anxious and reminds him that he needs a stable, trustworthy doctor. Salvador admits he trusted Elo Bando and has not felt healthy since Bando died. Roderick proposes that Dr. Zhoma, the new head of the Suk School, become Salvador’s personal physician, using the appointment to reassure the Suks while the old Zimia building is sacrificed to the Butlerians.

Later, Nablik Odessa and a delegation from the Royal Printing Guild present Salvador with the new Emperor Salvador Edition of the Orange Catholic Bible. Salvador approves the printing of the first hundred million copies but worries about errors and unrest. At Roderick’s urging, Salvador signs special copies for dignitaries, including Manford Torondo, because excluding Manford would provoke him further.