Contents
Chapter Eleven
Overview
Tiyung, imprisoned in Idle, is confronted by Hana, alive and operating under the name Zahara. She confirms enduring love for Sora, rejects helping Tiyung, and reveals he must remain alive by the king’s order. Before leaving, Hana drops an envelope, hinting at future leverage or communication.
Summary
Tiyung languishes in Idle Prison, doubting his sanity when a lantern-lit woman appears who looks and sounds exactly like Hana, believed dead for two years. She identifies herself publicly as Zahara but silently confirms she is Hana.
Hana coolly notes Tiyung’s relatively privileged cell and implies knowledge of past prisoners, establishing her access and authority. She toys with the idea of poisoning him, then dismisses it, saying Seok would not know it was her and that the king wants Tiyung alive.
Tiyung acknowledges benefiting from the suffering of the poison maidens, including Hana and Sora. When Tiyung speaks Sora’s name, Hana nearly attacks but restrains herself. She admits she remains in love with Sora, stating that death does not end true love.
Maintaining her distance, Hana ends the visit. As she departs, she tosses an envelope onto Tiyung’s cell floor, leaving him with a message and the realization that she serves interests tied to the king while harboring deep personal loyalties.
Who Appears
- TiyungPrisoner in Idle; shocked by Hana’s return, faces guilt over the poison maidens, left with a mysterious envelope.
- Hana (Zahara)Alive under the name Zahara; visits Tiyung, professes enduring love for Sora, says the king wants Tiyung alive, leaves an envelope.