The three proposal pages remained on the Warden Council table when Hajin returned, though their separate headings had gathered arguing hands from every side of the free district.
Warden Ilyra stood behind the witness table with one palm pressed over the first page, while Sava kept fresh ink flowing beneath the public record's final line.
The chamber doors had been opened to the street, so bakers, route workers, wounded citizens, foreign guests, and curious children could hear every argument without trusting a private summary.
Hajin stopped beneath the council arch while Juna took position beside his injured shoulder, keeping her fingers close enough to help without making his pain into a public signal.
Didi entered behind them with six silver Shards dimmed around her shoulders, then chose a place below the council platform instead of accepting the raised seat someone had prepared.
