Chapter Fifty-Three

At the Rose Palace, Royo joins Aeri, Mikail, Sora, and Tiyung for dinner following an earlier poisoning attempt. Sora tests every dish while the missing second poisoner is noted. Tiyung’s return and Mikail’s father’s sacrifice weigh on the group as they gauge Mikail’s composure.

Mikail proposes sending an emissary to King Joon to feign alliance, secretly aiming to take the Flaming Sword. The table balks at the risk. Royo suggests using the Water Scepter to isolate Joon’s ship and kill him directly, which Mikail accepts in principle.

Mikail then argues to delay until Seok and Joon devastate each other at Tamneki and Qali, keeping Yusan distracted. Tiyung objects, urging Mikail to prevent mass civilian casualties and break cycles of vengeance. Tension spikes as Mikail rejects pity for soldiers complicit in past atrocities.

Aeri ends the stalemate, stating Mikail wants—not needs—the sword, and a parley would be fatal. She outlines a clear plan: take a trusted crew, strike Joon’s flagship at night upon arrival in Tamneki, kill Joon, pry off the Immortal Crown, seize the Flaming Sword, and return to Gaya before a siege escalates.

Sora and Mikail recognize Aeri’s authority. Aeri refuses the Yusan throne, pledging to defend Gaya and predicting Seok will ultimately overreach. The group toasts “Queen Naerium” and “King Adoros Miat,” even as Royo senses looming disaster despite their resolve.