Chapter 8-9 Summary

Milamber finds a place to build a house and spends much time and money having it built. He makes himself a recluse confining himself to his studying. His house is a type of architect that is born from Milamber's home world. He hasn't yet decided whether or not he will go fetch his wife. When the bell rings announcing a visitor to his home on his way to greet Hochopepa he decides he will go to retrieve his wife. He and Hochopepa discuss an Imperial Festival that is coming. Milamber doesn't wish to go but Hochopepa urges him to attend.

Milamber has decided the culture is stale and unhealthy. He reassures Hochopepa that he is a man that has a strong sense of duty but that he is possibly a very threatening thing to the Empire because he will serve justice...