Chapter Twelve

Late at night in Rune’s ornate study, Mikail’s group waits through layers of guards and formality. They arrived dressed for an audience after Aeri insisted on proper tailoring. Remembering Rune once poisoned even a dog, they avoid the provided coju. Rune finally appears, surprisingly without his noble collar, and quickly shows deference once he recognizes Fallador and Gambria.

When asked about Prince Euyn, Mikail states Euyn is dead. Rune then confirms what the group feared: Seok of Gain has taken the throne amid the power vacuum left by Joon’s intrigues. The room falls silent as their suspicion becomes certainty, sharpening their urgency and stakes.

Rune notices Aeri and Royo and is introduced to Aeri as Joon’s daughter, Naerium. Skeptical at first, Rune is stunned when Aeri’s sleeve slips to reveal the Golden Ring of Khitan. His composure cracks, signaling how much the relic and Aeri’s lineage alter the balance of power.

Seeking to move talks, Rune invites them to the dining hall for dessert and wine. The party quietly debates the risk of a trap, conscious that weapons were taken at the door. Mikail dismisses the danger, revealing his contingency: the river is at high tide, implying an escape or tactical advantage if Rune betrays them.