Leto summons Hwi to his audience room, where she arrives calmly in her green attire after Moneo brings her. Leto explains that the Ixians are secretly developing a dangerous self-improving weapon designed to seek out and destroy life down to its inorganic matter. To investigate this hidden endeavor, Leto plans to send the Reverend Mother Anteac to Hwi's birthplace under the guise of examining her childhood home. Hwi agrees to assist Anteac by providing every minute detail of her early life to aid the investigation.
Moving beyond the immediate mission, Hwi questions Leto about his motives and the heavy burdens of seeing the future. Leto discusses the nature of his Golden Path, the necessity of his impending deaths, and the ultimate survival of the human species through intense trials. He explains that keeping humanity planetbound creates a deep, enduring hunger for freedom and prepares them for future struggles. They discuss the absence of true growth in the human psyche, the role of his Fish Speakers, and the difficult lessons of survival and principle under his oppressive peace.
Throughout the conversation, Leto marvels at Hwi's unwavering honesty, empathic depth, and lack of deceit. They explore the nature of leadership, human rebellion, and the qualities that distinguish effective administrators who make swift decisions from poor ones who rely on endless bureaucracy. Recognizing her exceptional character and rare independence, Leto abruptly asks Hwi to marry him. She accepts with a faint smile, acknowledging their shared purpose before departing to instruct the Reverend Mother on her forthcoming mission.