Contents
Chapter Nine
Overview
Royo steadies himself after Aeri flees, and Mikail reveals Zeolin tipped the spies but plans to meet the ambassador regardless. Pressed about Bay Chin, Royo recounts Lora’s death and Hwan’s imprisonment. Mikail and Euyn connect Bay Chin to Umbria’s gangs, reframing the past as a calculated setup and hardening Royo’s resolve.
Summary
In Quu, Royo watches Aeri rush out after Mikail’s mention of a dead prince who preyed on children. Shaken, Royo realizes he is clenching a steak knife and forces himself to drop it. Seeking distraction, he asks how Sora and Aeri will reach General Vikal, and Mikail notes Vikal once met petitioners at dawn in Trialga Square, promising to learn more after meeting the ambassador.
When Euyn questions why Mikail won’t invite Zeolin, Mikail states that Zeolin tipped off the spies who attacked earlier. Despite the danger, Mikail shrugs it off and decides to see Zeolin after the ambassador, saying he cannot let everything bother him. He then pivots, asking Royo why Bay Chin targeted him.
Euyn brings up the girl King Joon mentioned, forcing Royo to relive Lora’s murder. Royo explains he killed a gang member on a bad job, and two gang members retaliated but killed Lora instead; her father, Hwan—who had treated Royo like a son—was arrested and jailed. Royo has spent years trying to free Hwan and has been blamed for Lora’s death.
Mikail and Euyn reveal Bay Chin is the head of Umbria’s gangs, making Royo a marked man after his first kill. They suggest Hwan threatened Bay Chin’s interests. Royo recalls Hwan’s gambling houses being seized and city sanctions that Bay Chin maneuvered to lift for profit, concluding money likely drove the setup.
Fueled by this clarity, Royo vows brutal revenge on Bay Chin. Mikail, seeing Royo’s resolve as a sign of their broader momentum, departs to visit the ambassador despite Euyn’s plea not to kill him, and leaves before Euyn can explain why.
Who Appears
- RoyoPOV; struggles with grief and anger, recounts Lora’s death and Hwan’s jailing, vows revenge on Bay Chin.
- MikailConfirms Zeolin tipped spies, plans to see the ambassador and Zeolin anyway, links Bay Chin to Umbria’s gangs.
- EuynSupports the inquiry into Bay Chin, warns Mikail not to kill the ambassador, learns Royo’s past.
- Bay ChinRevealed as Umbria’s ganglord; likely orchestrated Hwan’s arrest and targeted Royo after gang killings.
- LoraRoyo’s lost love; killed by gang retaliation meant for Royo, central to Royo’s grief and motive.
- HwanLora’s father; arrested and jailed, his businesses seized, longstanding focus of Royo’s rescue efforts.
- AeriFlees the room after Mikail mentions the dead prince; her reaction triggers Royo’s spiral.
- ZeolinNamed as the source who tipped the spies; Mikail still intends to meet him.
- General VikalTarget of Sora and Aeri’s petition; formerly met petitioners at dawn in Trialga Square.
- AmbassadorMikail’s immediate destination in Quu; potential diplomatic leverage despite risks.