Shuurei, Eigetsu, Seiran, Ensei, and Shou Sai break into Koren and head to Shou Sai's sister's home. They find two letters waiting for them there. Meanwhile, Kokujun confronts his grandfather Chuushou, while Shunki begins to make her way to Koren.
秀麗等人雖然抵達茶州州府,但因為琥璉遭到完全封鎖而無法入城。秀麗和影月若要順利接下茶州州牧一職,必須在期限內進入琥璉才行。最後下定決心突破關所的秀麗一行人,暫時寄住在柴彰的姐姐柴凜的宅邸。宅邸留有一封柴凜留下來的信,以及茶朔洵寄來的茶家宗主選定儀式的邀請函。