Chapter 66

Carl awakens in Orren's office after being healed from blood magic injuries, with only Donut beside him. Orren reveals he is leaving his position after the floor collapses and warns Carl obliquely about other liaisons who may have questionable motivations, comparing them to sheriffs in the wild west—some good, some bad. Orren then arranges for Carl's attorney Quasar to appear with a mysterious woman wearing Donut merchandise, who becomes emotional upon seeing Donut in person.

Carl regains consciousness in Orren's office, having been unconscious for forty-five minutes. Donut is present and has been enjoying food from the kitchen. Orren explains that the two changelings have been ejected from the club for their actions, though one took responsibility for blocking the door and cracking the sink. Orren then discloses that he is leaving his position after this floor collapses and will not return until the ninth floor begins, as his job's responsibilities have been rendered moot by recent decisions from his superiors, though he disagrees with the choice. Orren emphasizes the importance of liaisons being fundamentally opposed to their home nation's goals and philosophies, a requirement that keeps him in his position despite the Valtay's control. He cryptically warns Carl that not all liaisons share his integrity, describing them as sheriffs in a wild west—some good, some bad, some going too far in their duties. Carl and Donut deduce he is warning them about potential threats from other liaisons. Orren then addresses a practical matter: court cases have been frozen during the floor transition, preventing Carl's attorney from sending messages. Orren arranges a one-time circumvention of this rule, appearing Quasar the attorney in a cloud of smoke. Quasar arrives with a woman wearing merchandise featuring Donut's face, complete with the phrase "Goddamnit, Donut!" in scrolling letters. The woman has a flesh-colored tentacle sprouting from her head with a jagged mouth and bow. Both the woman and the tentacle become tearful upon seeing Donut in person.