In , titled "Scars from an Assassin's Blade," the story shifts from the immediate chaos of battle to the heavy moral and political consequences of the war. The Duel of Friends
: King Hodr reveals a painful truth to Rygart—his marriage to Queen Sigyn is failing. Hodr admits he has lost romantic interest and that Sigyn previously requested a divorce. He berates Rygart for hiding his own feelings for Sigyn, knowing they have long loved each other.
: Rygart learns a harsh lesson: his earlier attempts to spare enemies nearly cost the lives of his own comrades.
: Cleo is held in Sigyn's personal chambers rather than a dungeon. In a desperate escape attempt, she takes Sigyn hostage but is recaptured after encountering Rygart and realizing her gun is empty. A New Threat Looming
: Rygart manages to damage Zess’s Golem significantly. While Zess is rescued by his subordinate Erekt, the retreat comes at a high cost: their teammate Cleo Sabraf is left behind and captured by the Krisna forces. Political & Personal Stakes