Chapter XXXVIII

Summary

• In a surprising turn of events, Sedotia (whose real name is Relucia) is revealed to be Ulciscor's wife.
• Relucia greets the protagonist, Vis, over-enthusiastically, but there's a warning in her eyes suggesting she's intending to protect their shared secret.
• Ulciscor introduces Vis to his parents, Lerius and Milena. Lerius is warm and jovial, while Milena is stern and seems doubtful about Vis's presence.
• Relucia leads the conversation and asks Vis countless questions, keeping him off balance.
• The family holds a solemn ceremony in memory of their late relatives. Vis, affected by the melancholic environment, reflects on the loss of his own family.
• After the ceremony, they share memories of their deceased loved ones over a meal. The conversation is mostly centered around Caeror, Ulciscor's deceased brother and Relucia's brother-in-law.
• Afterwards, Vis and Relucia step out for a walk where she reveals her intention to use him for her cause. She expects him to continue his path at the Academy and occasionally act on her instructions.
• Relucia also reveals that she has been tracking Vis for over a year. She manipulated circumstances to bring him to Ulciscor's attention and ultimately get him into the Academy.
• Relucia believes the Hierarchy of Caten is nearing collapse and wants to use Vis's influence, once he becomes a champion of the system, to ensure its eventual downfall.
• Vis questions senior Anguis member Relucia about whether she plans to destroy the Aurora Columnae, protective barriers around Caten. In response, she says that they only plan to destroy the Hierarchy when it is on the brink of collapse and hence become the new ruling entity.