This episode shifts focus to the Grand Toy Workshop, following two new apprentices, Tilda and Barnaby. Tilda, responsible for the eyes on the wooden toys, discovers they lack any conceptual light or vision, appearing dull and lifeless. Barnaby, working with the Joy Springs, finds that the springs have lost all kinetic resilience and bounce, resulting in a dead thunk instead of the expected happy jiggle. The threat appears to be a targeted removal of the concepts of sight and joy in manufactured goods. The discovery of a colorless, inert marble where the Grand Toy Master’s focus crystal should be confirms that the theft is reaching the core purpose of the workshop. Tilda tests the conceptual sealant, which has turned into a useless gray vapor, showing the Gray Fade is actively consuming stabilizing aesthetics. Barnaby and Tilda decide they must act immediately to secure the conceptual energy needed for the upcoming Wish Lantern Launch, fearing the loss of joy in the toys will doom the launch's necessary optimism.