Contents
Chapter Seventy-Three
Overview
On the brink of battle in Quu, Quilimar unexpectedly offers a truce through Ambassador Zeolin. Mikail rejects Zeolin with violence but accepts the alliance. The group and Quilimar unite against Joon and Wei’s forces, recognizing Aeri as the only viable ring-wielder, while planning to settle their feud later.
Summary
Facing Wei’s navy and gathered armies at Quu, Mikail stands numb with grief over Euyn, determined to act as a weapon. He withholds the news of Daysum’s death from Sora to spare her fresh agony before the looming fight. The group—Mikail, Sora, Aeri, and Royo—vow to strike first.
Ambassador Zeolin, sent by Queen Quilimar, approaches under guard. He announces a proposed truce, citing the immediate threat from Wei and Yusan (and Gaya). Mikail mocks the timing, noting Quilimar’s recent attempt to execute them, and questions Zeolin’s loyalty.
When Zeolin sneers that Euyn deserved his fate, Mikail kicks him down the stairs. Despite this, Mikail publicly accepts Quilimar’s terms, recognizing the necessity of unity against Joon and the priest-king of Wei. Quilimar acknowledges the acceptance.
Mikail judges Quilimar’s move as pragmatic: with Aeri uniquely able to wield the Dragon Lord ring, Quilimar needs her niece alive to retain the relic and the Khitan throne. The alliance is purely tactical; Mikail expects Quilimar to betray Aeri once the external threat passes, and resolves to settle scores after defeating their common enemies.
Who Appears
- MikailPOV; grieving Euyn, withholds Daysum’s death from Sora; rejects Zeolin violently but accepts Quilimar’s truce.
- QuilimarQueen of Khitan; pragmatically offers a truce to face Wei/Yusan; needs Aeri to wield the ring.
- AeriNiece to Quilimar and ring-bearer; silent but central leverage in the truce.
- SoraWatches Mikail’s grief; stands ready for battle and supports accepting the tactical alliance.
- Ambassador ZeolinDelivers Quilimar’s truce offer; insults Euyn; is kicked down the stairs by Mikail.
- JoonOff-page antagonist leading Wei’s allied threat; his collusion drives the truce.