The two women discuss the situation. The younger brother of the emperor has fled the empire and is now disguised as a lieutenant general. He has come to the temple to ask for protection from his uncle, but the temple will not send an officer to arrest him. The women are worried that the emperor is undergoing an "upgrade" and that his dragon is not present. They are concerned that the prince has discovered the key to the dragon's lair, but they do not believe him.