Contents
Chapter Five
Overview
Euyn agonizes over Mikail’s unexplained absence while tensions simmer among the group in a shabby Quu inn. He privately considers betraying Sora’s plan by giving the ring to King Joon to secure status and safety. As Euyn resolves to feign cooperation to reach Quilimar, Mikail returns suddenly, clothes drenched in blood.
Summary
In a cramped Quu inn, Euyn paces and frets over Mikail’s disappearance, recalling a sense they were followed and regretting their unresolved silence since Mikail destroyed the decoy crown. Royo stands guard, skeptical of Mikail, while Euyn trusts Royo despite rumors about his past.
Naerium (Aeri) anxiously circles the room, and Sora avoids Euyn, still raw over the truth about Chul. Euyn nearly explains that Sora’s father searched for her and that Seok forged the sale, but he holds back, judging the moment too volatile.
Euyn weighs their conflicting aims: Sora wants to warn Queen Quilimar and ignite war against Yusan, but Euyn considers delivering the ring to King Joon to regain his title, secure Aeri’s recognition, elevate Mikail, and avoid exposure to the Immortal Crown. He resolves to pretend to follow Sora’s plan since both paths require access to Quilimar.
A coded knock sounds. Royo opens the door, still wary. Mikail strides in with practiced ease—but his clothes are soaked in blood—upending the room’s simmering tensions and raising urgent questions about where he was and what violence he encountered.
Who Appears
- EuynPOV; worries over Mikail, considers giving Joon the ring while feigning Sora’s plan.
- MikailReturns after vanishing, clothes soaked in blood; source of Euyn’s concern and distrust.
- SoraCold toward Euyn; aims to warn Quilimar to start war against Yusan.
- RoyoLoyal to Euyn; stands guard and distrusts Mikail; ready to fight.
- Aeri (alias Naerium)Paces anxiously; Euyn reflects on her lineage and ruthless Baejkin nature.