Chapter Twenty-Six: The King of Khitan Is Dead
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Euyn observes that Mikail is hiding something but decides love can exist without trust—though harmony cannot. En route to Rahway in a luxurious eight‑horse carriage, he reflects on the journey so far: Mikail’s blood‑soaked clothes had to be discarded in Gorya, and Euyn sewed up a reopened wound. When Euyn asked about the boy Kito, Mikail simply said “No.” Euyn admits he holds even larger secrets from Mikail, including one he dare not think about.
The conversation turns to Quilimar. Euyn wonders why his sister wants him to have the crown instead of taking it herself. Mikail explains that the king of Khitan is dead, and Quilimar is now regent for her young son, wearing the Ring of Khitan—an unprecedented power grab. She wants Joon dead and likely sees Euyn as a weak king she can control. Euyn acknowledges that the old him would have been weak, but he has changed. Still, he aches for the love and respect his siblings never gave him.
Mikail reassures him that none of his siblings ever truly knew him. Euyn confesses his deep love for Mikail, and they share an intense, passionate kiss that feels like no time has passed. Euyn kneels before him, whispering “I love you” into his skin, determined to possess Mikail completely.
Key Events
- Euyn notices Mikail hiding something but accepts that love without trust is possible.
- Euyn recalls stitching Mikail’s reopened wound and being stonewalled about the boy Kito.
- Mikail reveals that the king of Khitan is dead and Quilimar is regent wearing the Ring of Khitan.
- Quilimar likely killed her husband; she plans to use Euyn as a puppet king after removing Joon.
- Euyn reflects on his past weakness and his desire for sibling love and respect.
- Mikail argues that none of Euyn’s siblings ever truly knew him.
- Euyn and Mikail share an intimate, passionate kiss and physical reconnection.
Character Development
Euyn confronts his own growth: the man he was before banishment would have been a weak king, easily bought, but now he is different. Yet the old wounds of rejection from his siblings still fester. His love for Mikail is the one constant, grounding him even when the mission is full of riddles. The chapter also shows Euyn’s vulnerability—he admits to hiding a shameful secret he cannot even think about.
Mikail remains enigmatic, deflecting questions about Kito and carrying his own secrets. He is perceptive, seeing Euyn’s insecurities and offering the only genuine acceptance Euyn has ever known. Their physical reunion reveals a deep, longstanding bond that has survived three years of separation.
Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
- Trust vs. Love: Euyn explicitly states that love can exist without trust, but harmony cannot. This sets up a tension in his relationship with Mikail: he loves him wholly, yet knows Mikail keeps secrets.
- Family vs. Chosen Family: Euyn’s biological family (Joon, Omin, Quilimar) never loved or respected him; only Mikail has given him a home. The chapter reinforces that true belonging comes from those who accept you fully.
- Underestimation as Strategy: Quilimar believes Euyn will be a weak king. Euyn realizes being underestimated can be advantageous, though it still stings to be dismissed by family.
- The Ring of Khitan: A relic of the Dragon Lord with alchemical power—can turn a person to gold and protect the king. Its transfer to Quilimar signals a shift in power and a dangerous escalation.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter Twenty-Six delivers a critical geopolitical revelation: the king of Khitan is dead, and Quilimar now wields his ring as regent. This reframes her entire scheme—she is not just a disgruntled sister; she is a ruthless ruler mobilizing Khitan’s resources. The chapter also deepens the emotional core of Euyn’s character, exposing his longing for familial love and his reliance on Mikail as his only true family. The rekindled intimacy between Euyn and Mikail reinforces that their relationship is both a source of strength and a vulnerability that Quilimar could exploit.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Quilimar want Euyn to become king of Yusan instead of taking the throne for herself?
Mikail explains that Quilimar hates Joon and likely believes she can control Euyn as a weaker king, one who could be bought off with Khitan gold. She is consolidating power in Khitan as regent, and installing a puppet in Yusan would prevent a costly war.
2. What is the Ring of Khitan and why is Quilimar’s possession of it significant?
The Ring of Khitan is a relic of the Dragon Lord that can transmute matter into gold and also protect the wearer (e.g., turning an assassin into a gold statue). Quilimar wearing it as regent, which no regent has done before, signals that she has seized the monarchy’s ultimate weapon and intends to rule with absolute authority.
3. How does Euyn’s view of himself change in this chapter?
Euyn admits that the man he was before exile would have been a weak, easily tempted king. But he now feels changed and knows it is good to be underestimated—though the realization still hurts because he craves the love and respect of his siblings. His identity now rests almost entirely on his bond with Mikail.