Taylor of the DTI holds Mister Pennylane and Dez captive as he waits for Rowe to assassinate Noelle on Pennylane's orders. Meanwhile Camille receives information that the sniper Gray F. Stratos has entered the country. On the evening of the coronation, Noelle speaks to the people of Ishtar, telling the story of her heritage, but also how Duke Regent Rand made a secret agreement with DTI to jointly exploit the Ivorystone deposits. Suddenly Rowe rushes forward and shoots, and Noelle falls to the ground.