<aside>

I consider myself to be a man of principle. But, what man does not? Even the cutthroat, I have noticed, considers his actions “moral” after a fashion. Perhaps another person, reading of my life, would name me a religious tyrant. He could call me arrogant. What is to make that man’s opinion any less valid than my own? I guess it all comes down to one fact: In the end, I’m the one with the armies.

</aside>

Ash falls over Luthadel as Vin watches from a hidden watch-hole in the crew’s safe house. She prefers solitude—when you’re alone, no one can betray you. Her brother Reen taught her that lesson before abandoning her himself.

Ulef finds her and tells her Camon is looking for her; an important scam is about to begin. Vin joins the crew in a rented hotel suite where Camon will pose as “Lord Jedue,” a desperate nobleman seeking a Ministry contract. The scheme was the work of another crewleader, Theron, who had spent five years building this moment. Tension between the two leaders is clear—they are allies for profit, nothing more.

Meeting Camon

The scam is complex and risky—especially after news spreads that a provincial lord, Tresting, was recently killed in a skaa uprising, making the nobility more cautious.

Camon, already nervous, strikes Vin for disappearing. She silently endures it. When he raises his hand again, she subtly uses her “Luck” to calm his emotions—an ability she has secretly relied on for years to influence people’s feelings and keep herself valuable. Camon believes she brings him good fortune and keeps her around partly for that reason.

The Adjustment

Vin studies the room and quietly advises Camon that the servants are dressed too richly.

• The Logic: Since Lord Jedue is supposed to be financially ruined, he should surround himself with skaa servants, not well-dressed attendants.
• The Result: Camon reluctantly follows her advice.

The Meeting

Prelan Laird, a high-ranking obligator from the Canton of Finance, arrives with lesser obligators.

1. The Conflict: He announces the Ministry has already rejected Jedue’s proposal for a transportation contract.
2. The Defense: Camon, staying submissive and desperate, argues that his house’s financial collapse makes him the Ministry’s most motivated and accommodating partner.
3. The Offer: He offers an extremely low rate—half the former fee—framing it as a final attempt to keep his boats running.

Laird wavers but remains suspicious.