Midnight on the Saint-Vermeil records-balcony, with golden lamps, towering shelves, and the dark arena far below.

Esme prepares to research under the restrictions of the Steel Oath.

Esme studies Lucien's first archived match and finds performance instead of instinct.

Repeated records show Lucien shaping his fencing for spectators.

The ledgers pile around Esme and the problem becomes clear.

Esme argues silently with the useless elegance of Lucien's public record.

Lucien arrives before Esme can hide her research.

Lucien steps fully into the lamplight with tea.

Tea makes the encounter socially proper but emotionally unsafe.

Lucien turns the conversation toward Marrante and courage.

Esme feels the Oath's pressure while choosing an answer that is true but dangerous.

Esme answers too honestly, and the truth exposes her understanding of Lucien.

Lucien hears the confession hidden inside Esme's sentence.

They move from the table to the rail above the dark arena.

Lucien tests the boundary by touching Esme's hand with his gloved palm.

The first two seconds of contact stretch under the threat of the Oath.

The Oath judges the contact and does not punish it.

Lucien removes his hand and interprets the result; Esme snaps back.

Sister Maelle bursts onto the balcony with an urgent notice.

Maelle explains Headmaster Orne's audit order in plain terms.

The notice names the Marrante chest as an item to be moved into judicial custody.

Esme learns that withdrawing would trigger the audit sooner, making escape impossible.

Lucien realizes Esme's fear is about protecting Marrante, not only surviving the match.

Esme cannot deny what Lucien has understood, and the chapter ends with him knowing Marrante is someone she will protect.