Chapter Fifty-Four

After a tense dinner, the group divides night watches: Sora and Tiyung insist on guarding Mikail despite his protests. Aeri and Royo retire to their room, where Aeri hopes for rest while Royo adopts a strict guard stance. The fragile calm underscores how precarious their hold on Jeul is.

Royo refuses sleep, arguing that removing the governor and a few guards cannot secure the city. Aeri dresses for caution and settles in, but Royo’s unease persists. Their banter reveals the strain of recent battles and their uncertain future.

Royo finally names his worry: Mikail’s ambition. Aeri acknowledges Mikail intends to use her power but asserts she alone controls how much he can wield. She warns that Mikail gaining the Flaming Sword—or failing to—would both be perilous, highlighting dire stakes no matter the outcome.

As Aeri tries to elaborate, Royo senses movement outside. Together they scan the night and spot multiple moving flames in the distance. The lights resolve into torch-bearing soldiers advancing toward the palace, confirming Royo’s fears that retaliation is imminent and that sleep will have to wait.