Vanitas and Noé are in a bind until an invitation arrives. At their benefactor's, they find they must prove the "Book of Vanitas" can restore a vampire's true name. They try to secure the necessary proof, only to encounter someone else after the book.

Vanitas comes to the rescue and helps Noé and company battle Charlatan's curse-bearers. Noé questions Vanitas's methods. Some unexpected help arrives when they face another threat. Noé confronts Vanitas, but will it bring them together or tear them apart?

Noé learns Naenia took Chloé's true name. Chloé's past and the d'Apchiers' history come to light, including her friendship with Jeanne, the Alteration Engine, and Ruthven's friendship with Chloé, which he shattered by trying to take the engine research.