Chapter Seventy-One

In the bloodied palace hall, Royo narrates as Sora doses Aeri, Mikail, and Royo with the last of her antidote, clearing their poison. Grieving but composed, Mikail insists they build a pyre for Euyn so Khitan cannot display his body. They drag the king’s table beneath the dome’s opening, break a massive painting for kindling, anoint the bier with oil, and perform prayers before Mikail lights the fire and releases Euyn’s soul.

As the flames rise, citywide bells erupt alongside the drums. Mikail identifies the signal as Wei’s arrival. Sora refocuses them on survival, ordering everyone to take armor and weapons from the fallen. While they equip themselves, Aeri suggests trying the doors; Mikail retrieves the captain’s keys and tosses them to her. Sora offers brief condolences; Mikail admits he cannot process his grief now. Aeri unlocks the doors, and Royo kisses her before they move.

Braced for an ambush, the group advances into a silent, deserted palace. They move in formation toward the golden entrance, wary of a trap. The emptiness proves purposeful: all forces have gathered outside in Trialga Square.

At the threshold they see thousands of soldiers in the rain, with palace guards arrayed before Queen Quilimar and General Vikal on white horses. Beyond, a vast Wei armada fills the harbor—blue sails surrounding a single red-sailed flagship bearing King Joon’s black snake. As Royo registers the threat and their uncertain future, Vikal notices them and alerts the queen, fixing the foursome in the army’s sights.