Aeri reflects that she must go along with Mikail’s plan even though she wants to stop it. Aeri believes the group will fail without Aeri, and that failure would likely get everyone killed. Aeri also needs the job to regain stability and her father’s approval.

Aeri worries that events are moving too fast and that the safest choice would be to delay and regroup. Aeri does not believe Count Dal’s sudden “heart attack” was natural, and recognizes that Dal was supposed to be their path to getting close to King Joon. Despite shrinking options, Mikail refuses to change course because Mikail wants Euyn on the throne more than Mikail trusts reason.

After dinner, Aeri walks back toward their suites with Royo in silence, aware they are leaving for Tamneki in the morning and might not all survive the night. With less than two days left, Aeri is surprised to feel emotionally conflicted and attached to the team, who have risked themselves for Aeri—and whom Aeri now wants to protect in return.

Aeri admits to herself that completing the job will scatter them, and that Aeri expects to leave theft behind for a “real” home by becoming what Aeri’s father wants. But Aeri also realizes Aeri wants Royo, even though Aeri expects her father would never approve of Royo for being a strongman.

Aeri finally speaks up, telling Royo that Aeri likes him and wishing they could stay in Aseyo forever. When Aeri asks if Royo would spend forever with her, Royo dodges with a small comment about “too many fountains,” but Royo’s expression suggests a heartfelt yes, leaving Aeri both hopeful and uneasy about the approaching end.