Chapter Thirty

Royo dreads being paired with Aeri to retrieve an amarth egg, fearing renewed heartbreak if they travel alone. Seeking to switch partners, Royo approaches Mikail and Euyn mid-conversation and overhears Euyn pressing to kill Luhk to prevent capture and betrayal. Mikail firmly refuses, citing his promise of safety, and angrily tells Euyn to be more than his family.

Euyn asserts his royal status, and Mikail cuts him down, escalating tensions before the group returns to preparations. Aeri gathers route details from Luhk, while Sora closes research on local poisons. Mikail presses Luhk to flee, warning Vikal may return, but Luhk elects to remain and die protecting the temple if needed, challenging the group with his devotion.

Questioned about the ambassador’s key, Luhk explains all temples share keys usable only by keeper blood. The group realizes Royo opened the door earlier, revealing hidden lineage; Luhk affirms the key now answers to Royo. The revelation unsettles Royo, who recalls his unknown father and late mother, while Aeri reacts with warm encouragement.

Outside under moonlight, Aeri and Sora reveal they came by winter horses. Mikail sets a rendezvous in Vashney in ten days. The teams split: Royo and Aeri depart to hunt an amarth egg, while Mikail, Sora, and Euyn head their own way. As they leave, Royo’s awkward comment about Aeri’s ball gown underscores their strained intimacy and the emotional stakes of their mission.