Chapter 45 Summary: Mikail's Confessions and Plans for Vengeance
Spoiler Warning: This summary contains detailed spoilers for Chapter 45 of Five Broken Blades - Verrat ist Pflicht. If you haven't read the chapter, proceed with caution.
Summary
In the early hours of the night, Mikail sits awake with Sora while most of the group sleeps. His wounds still cause him pain, and his withdrawal symptoms have subsided. Euyn feigns sleep but Mikail knows he is listening. To avoid being overheard, Mikail begins whispering. Sora reveals she is hard of hearing in one ear due to Erling-Gift, a potent poison from frogs near Gaya, and that she survived it. Mikail is astonished.
They discuss the experience of being shaped into weapons by powerful men. Sora speaks of love as both balm and a blade at the throat, seemingly reflecting on her own feelings. She tells Mikail that Prince Rune claimed Tiyung's true mission is to kill her, and that Seok wants to control her until the end. She questions whether people like them can ever be truly free. Mikail, asked to be honest, says they are too deadly for powerful men to ever let go; only vengeance awaits them.
Sora guesses Mikail's motivation is family. Mikail finds this perceptive but refuses to discuss his family, revealing internally that his parents, nine-year-old sister, and seven-year-old brother are all dead. He feels he should have followed them to the ten hells long ago. He reflects on killing Kito, a frightened boy he tried to save but ended up killing with his own blade. The memory haunts him.
When Sora suggests he let go, Mikail offers to kill Tiyung for her. Sora initially seems conflicted but declines, saying Tiyung is not the problem. When asked about Seok, she claims Seok belongs to her, with a fierce tone. Mikail notes that the Baejkins underestimate women.
Sora then asks Mikail who he wants dead. He evades, thinking to himself that his real goal is to destroy the Baejkin crown and its immortality, which he holds responsible for his family's death and Gaya's subjugation. He believes no person should be immortal, not even Euyn, as mortality teaches caution, care, and reason; gods are not reasonable. He cannot reveal this even to Sora.
Sora asks if vengeance will bring inner peace. Mikail admits probably not, but he hopes to find out soon. Sora says if not, they will meet in the ten hells. Mikail wishes her a long life, but Sora asks if he does not want one. Mikail shakes his head, stating that plans like theirs require someone ready to make the ultimate sacrifice, and he is that person. Sora looks at Euyn and says she understands, but Mikail thinks it has little to do with Euyn.
Key Events
- Mikail and Sora talk secretly in the night while pretending to rest.
- Sora reveals her deafness from Erling-Gift and that she survived it.
- They discuss their shared history of being turned into weapons.
- Sora discloses that Prince Rune told her Tiyung intends to kill her.
- Mikail offers to kill Tiyung; Sora declines and claims Seok.
- Mikail reflects on his family's murder and his guilt over killing Kito.
- He internally reveals his plan to destroy the Baejkin crown and end their immortality.
- Sora asks if vengeance brings peace; Mikail says no but hopes to find out.
- Mikail admits he is willing to die for his cause.
Character Development
- Mikail: Opens up to Sora about Kito and his family's death, showing vulnerability. He reaffirms his commitment to vengeance and reveals his ultimate goal of destroying Baejkin rule, not just killing Joon. He accepts his own mortality and readiness to sacrifice.
- Sora: Shows her resilience (surviving Erling-Gift), her strategic mind (sharing Rune's claim about Tiyung), and her own desire for revenge against Seok. She demonstrates empathy and the ability to draw out confidences.
- Euyn: Not directly developed, but his feigned sleep and Mikail's awareness of his listening shows the tension in their relationship.
- Tiyung: Referred to as a potential assassin for Seok; his true intentions remain ambiguous.
- Prince Rune: His manipulation is revealed through Sora's report of his claim.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Vengeance vs. Peace: The central question of whether revenge can bring inner peace. Mikail admits it likely won't but is driven anyway.
- Mortality and Immortality: Mikail argues that mortality is necessary for reason and caution; gods are not reasonable. The Baejkin crown's immortality is a target.
- Love as a Double-Edged Sword: Sora's metaphor of love as both balm and blade at the throat reflects her conflicting feelings.
- Freedom from Control: Sora's query about whether they can ever be free, and Mikail's assertion that powerful men will never let them go.
- Sacrifice: Mikail's willingness to be the one to make the final sacrifice.
- Erling-Gift: Symbolizes the poisoning and weaponization of youth, as well as survival against great odds.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter deepens Mikail's backstory and motivation, revealing the personal tragedy that drives him. It also provides crucial insight into Sora's situation and her relationship with Tiyung and Seok. The conversation establishes a bond of mutual understanding between Mikail and Sora, and highlights the theme of choosing one's own path of vengeance. Mikail's secret aim to destroy the Baejkin crown expands the stakes beyond regicide to a systemic overthrow. The chapter also sets up Sora's confrontation with Seok and hints at Mikail's ultimate fate.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What does Mikail reveal about his family, and why does he refuse to talk about it?
Mikail internally reveals that his parents, nine-year-old sister, and seven-year-old brother are all dead. He feels he should have died with them and refuses to discuss it because the pain is too deep, and he knows that revealing it to Euyn would only cause more conflict. He believes some secrets must be kept.
2. What is Mikail's true goal beyond killing Joon?
Mikail's true goal is to destroy the Baejkin crown and the concept of immortality that sustains Baejkin rule over Gaya. He believes the people's belief in the Baejkins' divinity prevented a successful rebellion and was responsible for his family's death. He thinks no person should be immortal, as mortality teaches caution and reason.
3. How does Sora's claim about Tiyung's mission affect the plot?
Sora reveals that Prince Rune told her Tiyung's true mission is to kill her. This plants suspicion about Tiyung's loyalty and suggests Seok's continued control even in death. When Mikail offers to kill Tiyung, Sora declines, indicating she still trusts Tiyung or has her own plans. This adds complexity to the group's dynamics and raises questions about Seok's influence.
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