Chapter Thirty-Six Summary: Royo's Oath of Fealty
⚠️ 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
Royo rides in a carriage with the group on the Eastern Road in Yusan, wrestling with doubt about his companions. Ty owns Sora, Aeri nurses a personal grudge against King Joon, and Mikail and Euyn remain inscrutable killers. When Mikail asks if Royo is truly a guardsmith, Aeri intervenes, saying he is not; Mikail then probes whether they are romantically involved. Royo deflects, admitting he is a strongman—a hired muscle. Aeri praises his skill in fighting off pirates, and Euyn asks about their origin. Royo mentions Umbria and notes that the Sol river pirates are a gang King Joon ignores.
Royo presses Euyn on his banishment; Euyn confirms his brother sentenced him to death by exile. Royo then reveals that King Joon has ordered the execution of all prisoners serving sentences longer than ten years. Euyn is shocked and turns to Mikail, who confirms the edict, explaining the executions will begin after the Millennial Championship and proceed gradually over two months. Euyn objects that the prisoners were not originally condemned to death, calling the decree unreasonable. Sensing hope, Royo asks if Euyn would undo the law as king. Euyn gives his word that he would, as death for those not sentenced to die is inherently unjust.
Royo then formally pledges his sword and his life to Euyn, kneeling and placing his dagger on the carriage floor. Aeri watches in stunned silence. Royo resolves that he will run his blade through Joon himself if necessary to put Euyn on the throne and save his brother Hwan from execution.
Key Events
- Royo internally questions the trustworthiness of each member of the team.
- Mikail presses Royo about his true role, and Royo admits to being a strongman.
- Royo reveals that King Joon has ordered the execution of all prisoners serving sentences longer than ten years.
- Euyn expresses dismay at the prison execution edict, noting that it kills people not originally sentenced to death.
- Royo asks for Euyn's word to reverse the law if he becomes king, and Euyn agrees.
- Royo pledges his sword and fealty to Euyn in a formal oath, shocking Aeri.
Character Development
- Royo: At the start of the chapter, Royo is skeptical and distrustful, especially of Mikail and Euyn. However, upon hearing Euyn's humane stance on the executions, his hope grows. He takes a major step by pledging loyalty to Euyn, transitioning from a reluctant hired bodyguard to a committed follower willing to kill the king himself. This shows his growth from passive observer to active participant in the conspiracy.
- Euyn: Reveals a moral compass distinct from his brother's. He is troubled by the unjust executions and willingly gives his word to reverse the decree. His dismissal of titles and down-to-earth attitude impresses Royo, suggesting he may be a better ruler.
- Mikail: Remains inscrutable. He provides confirmation of the prison edict and watches Euyn's reaction closely. His loyalty is still unclear.
- Aeri: Observes Royo's pledge with surprise, indicating she did not expect such commitment from him.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Justice vs. Injustice: The chapter contrasts Joon's cruel cost-cutting executions with Euyn's belief that death should only be for those condemned to die. The prison purge symbolizes the tyranny the group seeks to overthrow.
- Oath and Fealty: Royo's sword pledge is a clear motif of loyalty and transformation. The act of kneeling and placing a weapon at Euyn's feet is a symbolic transfer of allegiance.
- Trust and Skepticism: Royo's internal struggle to assess who is trustworthy reflects the larger theme of whether a rebellion can succeed when built on uneasy alliances.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter marks a turning point for Royo's character and the group's unity. Royo's oath gives Euyn a new ally who is personally motivated to see him succeed. The revelation of Joon's prison executions deepens the stakes, making the rebellion not just about ambition but about saving thousands of innocent lives. The chapter also solidifies Euyn as a potential just ruler, contrasting him sharply with his brother.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Royo decide to pledge his sword to Euyn?
Royo learns that his brother Hwan is imprisoned in Salt and faces execution under Joon's purge. Euyn's promise to reverse that law gives Royo a direct personal stake in placing Euyn on the throne, as it would save Hwan's life. -
What does Euyn's reaction to the prison executions reveal about his character?
Euyn is troubled and calls the executions unreasonable for those not sentenced to death. This shows he has a sense of justice and is not the bloodthirsty ruler his brother is, making him a viable alternative. -
How does Aeri's perspective toward Royo change in this chapter?
Aeri is surprised by Royo's formal oath, seeing a side of him she hadn't expected. It indicates she might now view him as more than just hired muscle, but as a committed ally.