Returning to The Blushed Pala, Umeko and Lilac meet up with the mysterious black Lapi; Gibson. The faux-mercenary tells them a bit about Vandringar and his group, and what their aims are. He also explains how his own group, the Sinai Museum, is opposed to them.

Going through the documents he snatched from Vandringar and Hakuu the night before, the three begin to piece together that Vandringar and his Society of Cinders are looking for some special artifacts that will allow them to access or control an ancient power. Lilac recognizes maps of Sylvania and the stories that are referred to. Umeko points out the region of the former Nagai Empire that is marked on another map as well. Lilac also notes that the mercenaries are heading to Rephidim next, and Gibson recognizes some of the names on a list of scholars that was among the documents.

Umeko decides to do something to try and stop Vandringar, whatever his plans may be, and Lilac agrees to follow her. Gibson offers the women membership in the Curators; the agents of the Museum. He also can provide them with a place to stay on Rephidim.

While Umeko goes to pack for the clandestine journey, Lilac spends some more time with Gibson, who she finds charming and kind – not the sort of man she usually encounters.