Contents
Chapter Forty
Overview
Tiyung receives a new cellmate, Ailor, a former king’s guard, and fears an assassination attempt arranged by Seok. Despite suspicion, Tiyung warns Ailor about the poisoned food and shares his own rations. Their guarded exchange builds tentative trust, but Ailor’s true purpose remains uncertain, heightening Tiyung’s peril.
Summary
In Idle Prison, Tiyung’s new cellmate arrives unchained. The stranger, a hardened middle-aged fighter, studies Tiyung as Tiyung tries to gauge whether the man is an assassin sent by King Seok. Tiyung notes the man’s cleanliness and composure, suspecting a recent arrival and a deliberate placement.
They exchange wary questions. The man states he is there “at the king’s request,” offering no specifics, and Tiyung’s ingrained noblesse shows despite himself. The stranger’s bearing suggests a soldier, which he confirms: he served in the king’s guard. Tiyung keeps the lantern lit to watch him, thinking the timing—on a day Hana did not visit—could mask a planned “accident.”
When food arrives, Tiyung stops Ailor from eating the bibimbap and reveals maggots under the lantern light, confirming the danger of prison rations. Remembering his own sickness from earlier meals, Tiyung shares cheese and sausage from Hana’s stash. The gesture surprises Ailor, softening the tension while highlighting Tiyung’s choice to act contrary to his father’s ruthlessness.
They finally exchange names: the man is Ailor. Tiyung, still unsure of Ailor’s orders, appeals to his mercy and asks to be killed while awake if death is intended. Ailor agrees to the request without confirming any plot. The chapter ends with precarious civility between them—food shared, names given—but Ailor’s true mission unknown.
Who Appears
- TiyungImprisoned noble; suspects a setup, warns about tainted food, shares rations, and seeks mercy if assassination comes.
- AilorNew cellmate; former king’s guard, cautious and observant; accepts Tiyung’s aid while concealing his purpose.