After dinner in Rahway, Mikail reflects on the revelation that Count Rune has hidden an entire “poison maiden” school within Yusan. Mikail judges assassin Sora as uniquely dangerous because her gender makes her overlooked, her poisons can leave little trace, and she can move through guarded spaces as an unthreatening courtesan.

Mikail focuses on the remaining problem: reaching King Joon. Sora and the thief Aeri could plausibly enter as women, but Euyn cannot be smuggled into the palace because every guard would recognize the exiled prince. To avoid eavesdroppers in the villa, Mikail pulls Euyn into a wardrobe and proposes a new target: strike during the millennial celebration in Tamneki in fifteen days, when Joon will leave the palace.

Mikail argues the palace is too difficult to infiltrate and escape, especially with four conspirators and Euyn as the most identifiable. Outside Qali, the group can act with better odds and an exit strategy, because Joon’s public appearance creates access. Euyn hesitates, admitting he is uneasy about relying on “girls,” and Mikail bluntly points out there is no workable alternative.

When Euyn learns the crown’s removal depends on Aeri, he is further unsettled that their plan hinges on a commoner. Mikail insists Euyn meet Aeri in the morning and promises to devise a different plan only if Euyn is not impressed. Mikail sets the timeline: leave by tomorrow evening to reach Tamneki in time.

After Euyn agrees to keep an open mind, Mikail comforts him and privately notes he has his own reasons for killing Joon and his own intentions for the crown, which he is not sharing. Believing he may not survive the coming operation, Mikail embraces pleasure with Euyn, and the two have sex, even inviting the possibility that the count’s servants are watching.