Lea Mayer storms the manor staff, insisting gifts be brought and demanding to see Clayton despite warnings that Neal Manor is heavily guarded. Servants mock her, call her a beggar, and warn it's risky, but Lea insists her time abroad and sincerity will reach Comm. Neal. She readies a marked token to deliver to Clayton — "He'll know it's me." The staff exchange a rumor: the Lady General's pure gold coin supposedly compels any invite, even from Comm. Neal. Lea leaves with the token, and the household braces, unsure whether she'll force an audience with Comm. Neal.