In the city, Balsa proves to Chagum and Tanda that the whole town has been telling stories about her, some of which are false. While the three stop by at a shop for some medicinal herbs, Tanda comments on how Balsa treats Chagum as her child. Balsa buys a watermill at a village, so she can settle there with Chagum for the time being in order to remain hidden until next spring. To pass the time and make some money, they must use the watermill to grind grain for the local villagers. Balsa says to Chagum that money should be the least of his worries, since she will be the one providing for him.