Chapter Nine

Tiyung and Hana finally emerge from the Khakatan Mountains after days of darkness, taking relief in the gray daylight and pushing toward the border town of Orlo. The sight and smell of the rain signal safety and forward momentum.

They stop at a bread house but find the shelves bare. The elderly baker explains the king’s guard took everything as it marched through and mentions they are returning to a “new king.” Hana tips the woman and notes how readily the townsfolk accept the news, hinting the realm already believes King Joon is dead.

Weighing the risks of shadowing the army on the Northern Road, Hana decides they must go to Pont, which has a messenger house and lies on the safer Coastal Road. The goal shifts from travel to verification: determine whether Joon is truly dead and what that means for Seok’s claim.

At the stables, only two donkeys remain. Hana rents them with a cart, and Tiyung takes the reins as they depart Orlo. As they ride, Hana argues that widespread acceptance of a “new king” likely confirms Joon’s death, while Tiyung wrestles with the contradiction of the Immortal Crown’s protection and what this upheaval means for Sora and their cause.

They commit to reaching Pont to seek news and send messages, avoiding the army’s path while preparing to confront the consequences of a changed succession.