Chapter Fifty-Seven

After a guarded night’s rest at the Rose Palace, Sora finds time to walk with Mikail through the gardens. They visit the Fountain of Life and discover an impossible ring of giant red roses that appeared overnight. Mikail notes the people see this as the goddess’s favor returning to Gaya, recalling when the palace once overflowed with such blooms.

As they stroll, Sora asks about Mikail’s condition after unleashing the tidal wave. Mikail admits severe pain, escalating seizures, and that remedies only dull the toll, yet he would make the same choice again. On Hana, he reveals he sent her away—likely toward Khitan—because he cannot trust her ties to the western count and Joon, and he wanted her out of Yusan’s danger.

Discussing power, Mikail confesses he is a destroyer, not a ruler, and that someone else must rebuild Gaya after he wins it. They set their plan: at nightfall, when the Weian fleet slips into Tamneki Harbor, they will isolate King Joon’s ship with the scepter, board, and kill him. Sora refuses Mikail’s wish that she and Tiyung remain as potential hostages, insisting they succeed together despite the risks.

Tiyung interrupts with urgent news: Fallador, the exiled Gayan prince, has arrived at the palace. Despite Sora’s fear of a trap, Mikail orders Fallador shown to the throne room and prepares to face him with guards—and, if needed, Aeri and Royo—believing they are the most dangerous force on the island. The audience looms just hours before their attempt on King Joon.