Chained in Qali Palace, Royo tries to make sense of King Joon congratulating the captured assassins, blaming Bay Chin for betraying them. When Joon steps toward Aeri, Royo thrashes against his chains, ready to attack if Joon harms her.

Joon addresses Aeri as “Daughter” and formally introduces her as Naerium Lin Baejkin, the daughter of Soo Lin. The revelation shocks Royo into replaying past inconsistencies—Aeri’s disappearances, her talk about “her father,” the palace assassin shadowing them, and the killing in Aseyo that now looks like a cover-up of her link to the throne. Royo realizes he trusted and fought for someone who had been lying about her identity.

Royo demands an explanation from Aeri and is punished by a guard, but Joon’s order to send someone to Idle Prison is not for Royo—it is for Tiyung. Sora begs for Ty’s life, calling him Seok’s only son, but Joon calls Ty’s actions high treason. Ty forces himself to leave with dignity while Sora collapses in tears.

Joon turns back to Naerium with a mix of pride and rage, accusing her of betraying him and claiming he anticipated her treachery. Naerium reveals there was a deal: Joon asked her to deliver Sora, Mikail, and Euyn, and she insists she has done her part. She demands that Royo and Tiyung be released, but Joon rejects her demands, declares the deal off, and vows to settle a score with Seok.