In frigid Umbria, Aeri Soo waits nervously at the Black Shoe Inn for Royo, the strongman she secretly targeted with an invitation card. Near midnight, a young errand boy tells Aeri that a man is waiting in the lobby. Aeri steels herself, hoping this meeting will finally lead to a job that can change her life and earn long-denied approval.

Aeri finds Royo in the lobby and is struck by the contrast between his brutal appearance and his careful handling of a small ceramic bird figurine. To avoid being overheard, Aeri moves him into a private parlor and tries to act refined over tea. Royo immediately asks how Aeri learned his name, and he warns that he refuses any work involving harm to a girl, implying he has been asked to do so before.

Aeri explains she does not need anyone hurt; instead, she needs an escort and protection to travel south to Tamneki and remain safe there for about a month. Royo resists, insisting he is hired to hurt people, not guard them, and he questions why Aeri came to him rather than to guardsmiths. Aeri argues she needs someone truly feared and reliable, not a lazy or corrupt guard-for-hire.

When pressed, Aeri admits the real target: she wants to hurt King Joon. Royo recoils from the treason and describes the brutal punishment of lingchi, making clear he will not help. Seeing hesitation beneath his refusal, Aeri offers a large diamond and promises immense payment if she succeeds—plus the diamond regardless—on the condition that Royo will do whatever is necessary, including murder, to keep her safe.

Royo demands reassurance that he is not directly agreeing to kill the king, and Aeri clarifies her goal is to remove King Joon’s crown, which she says makes him immortal because it is made of etherum. Royo, who once saw King Joon survive a crossbow bolt to the neck, struggles to accept the explanation; Aeri cites the royal spymaster Mikail as her source. Aeri leaves the diamond on the table, tells Royo to decide by noon, and departs confident that his need for money will bring him back.