Chapter Sixty-One Summary: Aeri's Heart vs. Her Father's Approval
⚠️ 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
Aeri walks back to the suites with Royo after dinner, a silent march that mirrors her inner turmoil. She has tried repeatedly to convince the others to abandon the mission, but Mikail refuses to change course—he wants Euyn on the throne, and his will overrides reason. The eastern count’s convenient heart attack has cut off their planned route to the king, but they still press on. With only two days left, Aeri regrets how quickly everything is changing. She is surprised that this ring of killers and liars has come to care for her, and she for them. Yet she knows that completing the job means returning to her father’s approval, a home, and a life without stealing—a life that will require her to become what he wants. That future cannot include Royo, because her father would never accept a strongman. Despite knowing she should not like him, Aeri confesses her feelings, asking if he would spend forever with her. Royo deflects with a joke about fountains, but his gaze holds a silent yes that makes her heart pound.
Key Events
- Aeri admits she wants to abort the mission but feels she has no choice; the others would die without her.
- The eastern count’s sudden heart attack is revealed as suspicious, closing off a key avenue to the king.
- Mikail presses on toward Tamneki, ignoring the growing dangers.
- Over dinner, Aeri and Royo share a silent walk back to their room.
- Aeri confesses “I like you” to Royo; he warns her she shouldn’t.
- Aeri asks if Royo would “spend forever” with him; he deflects but his expression conveys a yes.
Character Development
- Aeri: Her internal conflict deepens. She values the bond she has built with the group but still clings to the hope of winning back her father’s approval. Her confession to Royo shows her willingness to be vulnerable, yet she also acknowledges she will have to leave him behind.
- Royo: He remains guarded and haunted, urging Aeri not to like him. Despite his deflection, his eyes betray a longing that matches hers. The chapter hints at his own painful past without revealing details.
- Mikail: Though not present on the page, his stubbornness drives the plot. Aeri’s frustration with him underscores the tension between personal desire and mission necessity.
Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
- Internal Conflict vs. External Duty: Aeri’s mind is torn between her growing affection for Royo and the mission, and her desire for her father’s approval. She feels she has no choice but to go along with the plan, even as she wishes for a different outcome.
- Found Family vs. Blood Family: The group of killers has become a kind of family that accepts Aeri for who she is. She contrasts that with the conditional love she expects from her father.
- Rushing Destiny: The countdown of “two days left” creates urgency and forces Aeri to confront what she truly wants.
- Haunted Past: Royo’s response (“You shouldn’t”) and his haunted demeanor hint at a backstory that prevents him from embracing love.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter crystallizes Aeri’s central dilemma: she must choose between the father who will only love her if she changes and the man who accepts her as she is. It also raises the stakes by confirming that their path to the king is narrowing. The emotional confession between Aeri and Royo deepens the romantic subplot and sets up a painful farewell if the mission succeeds. The chapter’s quiet moments contrast with the high-pressure countdown, giving readers insight into Aeri’s heart just before the final confrontation.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Aeri feel she has no choice but to continue the mission?
She believes that without her, the rest of the group will fail and die. She also needs the job to win back her father’s approval and secure a real home.
2. What does Aeri reveal about her feelings for Royo, and how does he respond?
She admits “I like you” and asks if he would spend forever with her. Royo first says she shouldn’t like him, then deflects with a joke about fountains, but his gaze conveys a silent yes.
3. Why is the eastern count’s heart attack significant?
The eastern count was their planned way to get close to the king. His sudden death (which Aeri suspects is not natural) cuts off that avenue and forces the group to proceed under even greater danger.