Chapter LVIII

Summary

• The chapter opens with the character Diago reminiscing about a conversation he had with his father when he was twelve years old. His father asked him about what makes a good rule and led him to the realization that no ruler is perfect enough to rightfully lead.
• Diago also learns about his father's disdain for the Catenan Republic's governing body, the Hierarchy, which his father believes is fundamentally flawed because it is based on greed.
• In the present, Diago is still grappling with these lessons, and has spent the night awake following a conversation with a character named Fadrique. He's also dealing with conflicted feelings about the situation in his homeland, Suus.
• Diago exchanges information with Emissa and confronts Indol, who points out that Diago seems to know more about the palace and Suus than an outsider should. Diago admits that he's familiar with Suus but convinces Indol that he's an outsider.
• The following weeks pass in relative peace as Diago trains with Indol, Belli, and Emissa. He grows closer to Emissa.
• On a personal trip to a local tavern, Diago finds he is treated with a surprising level of respect from the locals. He feels nostalgic and more comfortable being among his people, leaving him with a determination to prove his merit back at the Academy and finding a way to draw attention to his skills.