Contents
Chapter Three
Overview
The group reaches rain-soaked Quu and takes rooms at the Gray Shore Inn. Royo wrestles with Aeri’s deception and his bloody past, redoubling his resolve to free Hwan and kill Bay Chin. When Sora convenes a planning check, Aeri picks Mikail’s door and they discover he is missing, endangering their access to Queen Quilimar.
Summary
Royo narrates the group’s arrival in Quu, Khitan’s capital carved beneath a mountain crowned by a golden palace. They secure rooms at the Gray Shore Inn near the harbor. While the storm pounds, Royo broods over Aeri’s concealed identity as Princess Naerium and the confiscation of the gold and diamond he earned to free Hwan.
Haunted by memories of past killings done for coin, Royo forces himself to believe his violence can still serve a purpose: freeing Hwan and helping kill King Joon. He channelizes his anger toward Bay Chin, whom he blames for manipulating Aeri and framing Hwan, vowing revenge.
Sora, weary but focused, gathers the group to review their plan in Khitan. Aeri emerges, tense and cautious; Euyn, thinner and wary, confirms Mikail should be in the next room. After repeated knocks go unanswered, concern rises because Mikail is their key to navigating Khitan and reaching Queen Quilimar.
Aeri proposes picking the lock. Using Sora’s hairpins, she checks for traps, then opens the door while Royo pulls her aside for safety, stirring unresolved feelings. Inside, they find the tidy room empty and Mikail’s bag on the bed. His disappearance leaves the group without their guide and jeopardizes their path to the throne.
Who Appears
- RoyoPOV. Torn over Aeri’s deception, haunted by past killings, vows to free Hwan and kill Bay Chin; helps check Mikail’s room.
- Aeri (Princess Naerium)Concerned and proactive; uses thief skills to pick Mikail’s lock, revealing his disappearance; tense dynamic with Royo.
- SoraInitiates planning in Khitan; steady and honest presence; pushes to locate Mikail and provides hairpins for the lock.
- EuynParanoid and gaunt after the voyage; wary of Sora; confirms Mikail should be present but offers little help.
- MikailSpymaster and guide to the queen; missing from his locked room, imperiling the group’s plan.