Five Broken Blades Chapter 7: Aeri’s Proposition
⚠️ 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
At midnight in Umbria’s Black Shoe Inn, Aeri Soo nervously awaits the strongman Royo, having planted a card on him earlier to arrange a meeting. When a young boy delivers the message that her guest is in the lobby, Aeri descends and finds Royo holding a ceramic figurine with unexpected gentleness. They move to a private parlor for tea. Aeri introduces herself and explains she needs Royo as a bodyguard for a month‑long journey to Tamneki. He initially refuses, stating he only hurts people, not protects them, and that he won’t harm women. Aeri then reveals she wants to “hurt the king” – King Joon. Royo warns her this is treason punishable by lingchi (a slow, public execution). He stands to leave, but Aeri produces a plum‑sized diamond worth fifty thousand gold muns and offers it as payment, plus a fifty‑thousand bonus if she succeeds. When he questions the job’s nature, she explains she only needs to remove the king’s crown, which is an etherum relic that grants him immortality. Royo recalls seeing Joon survive a crossbow bolt to the neck years ago. Aeri mentions the royal spymaster Mikail gave her this information. She leaves the diamond on the table, tells Royo to decide by noon, and returns to her room, confident he will accept.
Key Events
- Aeri paces in her room, nervous about meeting Royo.
- A boy delivers word that Royo is waiting in the lobby; Aeri tips him a silver mun.
- In the parlor, Aeri and Royo sit at a cramped table; their knees touch and he pats her leg before pulling back.
- Royo states he will not take a job that involves hurting a girl; Aeri clarifies she needs protection, not harm.
- Aeri blurts out that she wants to go to Tamneki to “hurt the king.”
- Royo explains the danger of treason and lingchi, then tries to leave.
- Aeri offers a diamond as payment; Royo stops and sits back down.
- She reveals the king’s crown is made of etherum and that removing it will make Joon mortal.
- Royo recounts seeing King Joon survive an assassination years ago, which made him believe the king was a god.
- Aeri mentions the spymaster Mikail as her source of information.
- She leaves the diamond on the table and gives Royo until noon to decide, then goes upstairs.
Character Development
Aeri Soo – This is the first POV chapter from Aeri. She is revealed as a skilled thief (she planted the card on Royo and stole the diamond). She is eager, talkative, and somewhat clumsy in social situations (awkward handshake, burning her tongue). She is desperate to win her father’s approval and believes this job will finally give her a secure life. Despite her nervousness, she is bold enough to propose treason and confident in her ability to steal from anyone.
Royo – Seen through Aeri’s eyes as gentle and principled. He refuses jobs that hurt women and is hesitant about travel as a protector. He is physically imposing but shy (touching her leg then pulling away). He is practical and aware of the consequences of treason. The diamond visibly tempts him, and he asks pointed questions about the crown’s magic. His past is hinted: broken fingers, scars, and witnessing an assassination attempt on the king.
Huang (innkeeper) – Minor role; watches the pair suspiciously and provides tea.
Mikail (mentioned) – The royal spymaster is the one who approached Aeri with the job, suggesting a larger conspiracy.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Trust vs. Transaction – Aeri tries to build rapport through tea and a smile, but the core of her proposal is a financial transaction. The diamond becomes a symbol of both her desperation and her power to obtain loyalty.
- Appearances vs. Reality – Aeri expects a “brute” but finds Royo gentle; Royo believes the king is a god until Aeri reveals the crown is merely a magical relic. The theme of hidden truths runs throughout the chapter.
- Mortality and Power – The crown’s etherum makes King Joon seem divine, but Aeri’s knowledge strips away that illusion. The chapter contrasts mortal danger (lingchi) with immortal protection (the crown).
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 7 introduces a second central character, Royo, and deepens the world‑building by revealing the existence of the Dragon Lord’s relics, particularly the crown. It establishes Aeri’s mission—to steal the crown from King Joon—and sets up the partnership that will drive the plot forward. The chapter also plants seeds about the spymaster Mikail’s involvement and hints at a larger rebellion against the king. Aeri’s personal motivation (winning her father’s approval) adds emotional stakes to her dangerous plan.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Aeri specifically choose Royo as her protector?
Aeri has heard that “no one messes” with Royo, and she fears that other guards could betray or assault her. His reputation as a strongman who will hurt anyone makes him seem dangerous enough to deter threats. She also observes his gentle nature (holding the ceramic bird) and takes it as a sign that he is trustworthy.
2. What is the significance of the diamond Aeri offers?
The diamond—worth fifty thousand gold muns—is both a bribe and a gesture of trust. Aeri stole it, so it costs her nothing, but Royo’s reaction shows he needs the money. She leaves it on the table before he agrees, forcing him to either accept the job or steal from her. The size of the diamond also indicates how much she values the mission.
3. How does Royo’s past experience with King Joon shape his reaction to Aeri’s proposal?
Royo saw King Joon survive a crossbow bolt to the neck, which convinced him the king was truly a god. When Aeri explains the crown is an etherum relic that grants immortality, Royo must reassess his beliefs. His memory makes him cautious about treason, but the discovery that the king is not divine lowers his fear of divine retribution.