At a public event Simon, a low-ranking masseur, is cornered and told to "sign the papers" to step away from Renee, the Scotts' celebrated girl. Mr. Lewis offers five million and a mansion to buy Simon off while onlookers mock him and warn that the Empress—invited by Wesley—will bestow honor on Renee. Pressure escalates as Simon is pushed to sacrifice his place to protect her future. The scene abruptly cuts to a mountain priest moment and a sudden disturbance, then a stunned reunion: "It's been three years, Renee. I didn't expect our reunion to happen like this," leaving their fate unresolved.