Sora nearly kisses Ty but stops, fearing Seok was right that Sora’s bodily fluids may be toxic after years of poison exposure. The looming mission and Sora’s desperation to feel something other than dread make the moment reckless, until a knock from Royo and Aeri forces them apart.

Still panicked about tomorrow, Sora decides to trust Ty and asks for help. Sora admits a new priority: stealing Yusan’s etherum crown from Aeri before it can be placed on Euyn’s head, not to seize power, but because the crown’s rumored immortality could save Sora’s sister, Daysum.

When Ty presses for the reason, Sora confesses she suspects Daysum is dying, based on Daysum’s secret, fragile admission during their last visit. Sora explains Seok’s control has always been Daysum and Sora’s indenture, which keeps Sora compliant.

Ty reveals he already burned Sora’s indenture before they left Gain, because he has loved Sora for years and finally had the chance to destroy it. The news shocks Sora into realizing she is legally free, but the freedom feels hollow because Daysum remains trapped under Seok’s leverage.

Ty argues that stealing the crown would get Sora killed, and Daysum would likely be murdered immediately after the crown was removed from her. Instead, Ty urges Sora to follow the plan: kill King Joon, place Euyn on the throne, and then bring Daysum to the palace in Qali for the country’s best healers. Sora reluctantly accepts taking things one step at a time, and when another knock comes, Sora takes Ty’s offered hand.