The group arrives at the Royal Capital, Sevenwall, and are accosted by guards, but Alicia arrives and dismisses the guards, then lets them into an inn she owns. As they eat, Horn says she wants to be stronger. Rose presents a slave collar and says if Horn wears it and makes a Master-Servant contract with Diablo, his power will flow into her, but Rem and Shera warn that if Diablo dies, she will die, plus other demerits of wearing a collar. After explaining to Alicia what is going on, she agrees to investigate the Head Cardinal, Vishos, but warns that the Law cannot touch the Church. That night, Rose asks Diablo to recharge her magical energy, and he is embarrassed when this involves touching her intimately. The next day, Alicia presents evidence that Vishos and his followers have embezzled funds from the Church and have murdered several people. Later, the group arrives at the city's holy ground. When Vishos appears, Lumachina denounces his crimes and orders him excommunicated, but he counters by accusing her of lying and of neglecting her duties.