Ha-eun begins the rite with perfect form while choosing where to damage it.

The rite reaches the line that includes the king's childhood name, a detail the court treats as sacred and technical.

The first flaw lands. Lady Hwang notices. Something behind the screen reacts.

The court absorbs the downgrade, and the public record begins to stain Ha-eun's perfect reputation.

That night, in the mourning chamber, Ha-eun finds the hidden king's response at the veil-loom.

Ha-eun compares the court's deduction with Yi Hwan's approval and realizes she is being graded twice.

Iseul dresses Ha-eun for the next rite and warns her that recorded speech can become evidence.

Ha-eun tests whether an early tear will move Yi Hwan, even though the Code forbids it before the proper line.

The early tear fails to earn Yi Hwan's response.

Iseul confronts Ha-eun about the growing danger of deductions.

Ha-eun cannot explain Yi Hwan fully in a room where speech can be recorded, but she admits she is testing something.

Ha-eun tests a late bow, choosing a flaw that looks less emotional and more careless.

Yi Hwan rejects the late bow as false, confirming that not every flaw pleases him.

Ha-eun refines the map, separating visible imperfection from pain that appears involuntary.

Iseul begs Ha-eun to stop before the deductions become irreversible.

Before the court, Ha-eun drops the honorific and speaks Yi Hwan's personal name as if it hurts.

The court recoils, but the hidden watcher reacts more strongly than before.

The hidden king sends the first response that feels like approval, confirming Ha-eun's theory.

Ha-eun understands what Yi Hwan mistakes for truth and resolves to use that knowledge.