Chapter Twenty: Assassins and Unspoken Truths
⚠️ 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
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, Royo checks that Aeri is unharmed but is furious about the attempt on her life. Mikail identifies the intruders as upper-level assassins Rose and Avalon and speculates that the attack may be a setup orchestrated by Count Rune, Gambria, or even Fallador. He suggests that Aeri might need to marry Rune to ensure her safety, a prospect Royo vehemently rejects. Sora displays nervous body language—squeezing her belt and avoiding eye contact—which raises Royo's suspicions. The group debates whether the assassins were targeting Aeri or Sora, noting that Tiyung mentioned Seok wants Sora dead, but the timing seems impossible. Royo reflects on his terror when Aeri was frozen, realizing that in that moment he forgave everything and that only pride kept him from fully expressing his love. He gives Aeri water, tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, but then steps away to think. They decide not to confront anyone immediately, switch rooms for safety, and throw the bodies out the window. Royo carries Aeri in his arms to a separate room, still in his underwear, signaling a shift in his commitment.
Key Events
- The two assassins Rose and Avalon attack Aeri with a time-freezing spell.
- Mikail suggests the attack could be a setup by Rune, Gambria, or Fallador, and hints at a political marriage.
- Royo internally battles his pride and acknowledges his love for Aeri.
- Sora's unusual demeanor—squeezing her belt and shifting eyes—makes Royo and Mikail uneasy.
- The group decides to stay quiet and observe who reacts to the failed attack.
- They dispose of the bodies out the window and switch rooms for better security.
- Royo physically carries Aeri to a separate room, demonstrating his protective turn.
Character Development
Royo moves from vengeful rage to vulnerable honesty. His internal monologue reveals that the near-loss of Aeri forces him to set aside pride; he admits love is “a fucking fool’s game” but also the only thing that matters. By carrying her to safety, he acts on his feelings despite earlier hesitation. Mikail continues as the strategic thinker: he assesses threats, considers alliances, and reads Sora’s body language. His suggestion of a marriage arrangement shows he prioritizes the group’s survival over personal bonds. Aeri remains largely passive but hopeful; her silent gratitude when Royo tucks her hair back hints at her own longing. Sora becomes a source of mystery—her nervous gestures and confrontational stare at Mikail suggest she may be hiding something or working for another faction.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Trust versus Betrayal: The chapter opens with multiple possible traitors (Rune, Gambria, Fallador, servants) and closes with Sora’s suspicious behavior, reinforcing the theme that no one can be fully trusted.
- Love and Pride: Royo’s internal conflict epitomizes the tension between pride and genuine emotion. His decision to carry Aeri symbolizes the triumph of love over ego.
- Political Alliances as Sacrifice: Mikail’s suggestion of marriage highlights how personal relationships are leveraged for political gain, a recurring motif in the story.
- Time as a Weapon: The time-freezing spell used on Aeri represents paralysis and powerlessness, contrasting with Royo’s later active choice to commit.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter marks a turning point in Royo’s emotional arc, where he finally admits his love for Aeri and acts on it. It also introduces a new magical threat (time-freezing) and deepens the mystery around Sora’s allegiance. The decision not to confront the attackers immediately raises the stakes for the next chapter, as the group must wait for the perpetrator’s next move. Politically, Mikail’s marriage suggestion foreshadows a possible conflict between personal desire and survival strategy.
Study Questions
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Why does Royo decide to carry Aeri despite his earlier distance?
Answer: Royo overcomes his pride after realizing that when he thought Aeri was dead, he forgave everything. He understands that love matters more than ego, so he chooses to protect her physically, even in his vulnerable state (underwear). -
What does Mikail’s suggestion about Aeri marrying Count Rune reveal about his priorities?
Answer: Mikail prioritizes the group’s safety over personal relationships. He sees a political marriage as a way to keep Aeri alive and gain an ally, even though it would sacrifice her freedom and Royo’s feelings. -
How does Sora’s behavior in this chapter foreshadow potential conflict?
Answer: Sora repeatedly squeezes her belt, avoids eye contact, and stares back at Mikail with challenge. These nervous cues, combined with Royo noting she’s been “off” since the powder room, suggest she may be hiding information or working against the group, setting up future tension.