At General Gilmore's home a banquet marks Zachary's promotion to Major. Officers praise his martial talent and groom him as Northbank's successor. Governor Lloyd arrives unexpectedly, prompting whispers that a man of his rank shouldn't attend a junior's feast and casting doubt on the promotion. Mr. Wagner, a younger relative from a Martial Saint lineage, flatters Gilmore for sending his son to battle. He then shifts focus and asks, "May I ask where your son is now?" The question hangs in the room, leaving Gilmore to answer and the banquet unresolved.