Synopsis

The chapter begins with a flashback to the protagonist's mother's final, cynical words about avoiding expectations and living without seeking reward, setting a somber tone. The scene shifts to a tense political discussion where the princess, Silver Lily, is being manipulated into taking responsibility for the actions of her subordinates. A butler suggests a disturbing solution: dividing the punishment amongst those involved in the conflict, resulting in Silver Lily, the Prince, and the butler each taking it upon themselves to punish the servants, thereby turning them into accomplices in the violence.