Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Velin returns to the Ilia Kingdom's Royal Capital after seven years.
• The group is stopped by a group of knights who suspect them of being part of the Famine Cult.
• Kyle, using his power, incapacitates all the knights without killing them.
• Velin decides to wait for the main culprit, the knights' commander, to seek compensation.

Character Developments

• Velin: Shows a sense of ease upon returning to the kingdom, but remains calm and composed in the face of the knights' aggression.
• Kyle: Demonstrates his power and ruthlessness, showing no mercy to the knights who disrespect his group.
• Kaos Makushis: The deputy commander of the City Defense Army, he is portrayed as somewhat carefree and relieved that the Crown Prince wasn't harmed in the recent cultist attack.

Significant Themes

• Hierarchy and power dynamics: The clear hierarchy among nobles, merchants, and commoners is evident in the city's roads. Kyle's actions also highlight the power dynamics at play.
• Respect and disrespect: The knights' disrespectful behavior towards Kyle and his group leads to severe consequences, emphasizing the importance of respect in this society.

Character Interactions

• Velin and Xuemiyya: Xuemiyya comforts Velin when the carriage suddenly stops, showing care and affection.
• Kyle and the knights: Kyle's cold and ruthless interaction with the knights results in their incapacitation.
• Kaos and Siprian: Kaos and Siprian's chess game and conversation reveal their personalities and the current state of the City Defense Army.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kaos, a high-tier warrior and City Defense Army general, learns that his grandson Kaban has been captured by cultists.
• Kaos and his friend Cyprian rush to the scene, finding Velin and his group.
• Velin, Xuemiyya, and Kyle are revealed to be returning from the Holy Third Dawn Kingdom, and Velin is now a God-Bestowed Count.

Character Developments

• Kaos: Realizes his grandson's mistake and apologizes to Velin.
• Cyprian: Recognizes Velin's status and acts respectfully towards him.
• Velin: Shows magnanimity and understanding, accepting Kaos's apology.
• Xuemiyya: Maintains a reserved demeanor, allowing Velin to handle the situation.

Significant Themes

• Status and respect: Velin's new status demands respect from those around him.
• Family dynamics: Xuemiyya and Cyprian's relationship is strained due to years apart and Velin's new status.
• Apology and forgiveness: Kaos apologizes for his grandson's actions, and Velin forgives him.

Character Interactions

• Kaos and Velin: Kaos apologizes to Velin, who accepts it gracefully.
• Cyprian and Velin: Cyprian acknowledges Velin's status and treats him with respect.
• Xuemiyya and Velin: Xuemiyya allows Velin to handle the situation with his father and father-in-law.
• Velin and Kyle: Velin orders Kyle to release the knights, showing his authority.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kaos and his family leave the God-Bestowed Count's manor, relieved that a potential conflict was avoided.
• Velin and his group arrive at the Asterix Manor to seek information about Krell from Babula.
• Velin learns from Babula that Krell has left the Royal Capital and is likely at a specific location. He gives Babula a Key to the Sanctuary as a token of gratitude, but Babula declines, maintaining his friendship with Krell.
• Velin invites Babula to visit him in Qixing Territory.

Character Developments

• Kaos shows concern for his position and his father's wishes, indicating his respect for his father's authority.
• Kaban feels regret for his actions, suggesting he might learn from his mistakes.
• Babula demonstrates his loyalty to his friend Krell by refusing a valuable gift to maintain their friendship.
• Velin shows respect for Babula's decision and maintains their friendship.

Significant Themes

• Friendship: The chapter emphasizes the importance of friendship, with Babula prioritizing his friendship with Krell over personal gain.
• Loyalty: Kaos shows loyalty to his father, while Babula shows loyalty to Krell.
• Respect: Velin respects Babula's decision and maintains their friendship.

Character Interactions

• Kaos and Cyprian interact as father and son, with Kaos expressing his gratitude and Cyprian giving advice.
• Velin and the Guard Officer interact as equals, with Velin showing interest in the Guard Officer's life.
• Velin and Babula interact as old friends, with Velin seeking information and Babula providing it while maintaining his friendship with Krell.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Velin and his group leave the Royal Capital and travel towards Duopas County in Kason Province using the Star Moon floating airship.
• They discover that Krell is likely hiding in a manor called "Flower of the Sea Ring" within Duopas County, caring for his wife Italia.
• Velin decides to visit Krell the next morning.

Character Developments

• Velin: Shows determination to help Krell and his wife, indicating his loyalty to friends.
• Krell: Struggles with guilt for not being able to fully protect his family and help Velin, but remains devoted to Italia's care.

Significant Themes

• Friendship: Velin's actions highlight the theme of loyalty and support among friends, even in the face of adversity.
• Responsibility: Krell feels responsible for his wife's condition and is determined to find a way to help her, even if it means letting down others.

Character Interactions

• Velin and Xuemiyya: Share a tender moment, revealing their close relationship and mutual understanding.
• Velin and Kyle: Display a comfortable, trusting dynamic, with Kyle understanding Velin's unspoken thoughts.
• Krell and Italia: Krell's devotion to Italia is evident in his bedside care and determination to find a cure for her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Velin Ex, a distinguished Count, arrives at Krell's manor with his companions, Kyle and Xuemiyya.
• Krell, the manor's master, is initially hesitant to receive them, suspecting they might be lying about their identity.
• Velin reveals he knows about Krell's secret, namely, that Italia, Krell's wife, is still alive and hidden in the manor.

Character Developments

• Velin: Shows cunning and resourcefulness in uncovering Krell's secret.
• Krell: Initially tries to hide the truth about Italia but eventually gives in when confronted by Velin.

Significant Themes

• Friendship: Velin's persistence in finding Krell highlights the depth of their friendship.
• Trust and Deception: Krell's attempt to hide Italia's presence and Velin's subsequent discovery explore the theme of trust between friends.

Character Interactions

• Velin and Krell: Their interaction shows the tension between Krell's desire to keep his secret and Velin's determination to uncover it.
• Velin and Xuemiyya/Kyle: They work together to gather information and support Velin's plan to reveal Krell's secret.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Krell and Velin discuss Krell's struggle to awaken Italia and his refusal to accept merit points for his brothers' deaths.
• Velin gives Krell a Frozen Tear Crystal to help Italia awaken.
• Krell enters Italia's Mind World to break through her mental barrier, risking his own consciousness.

Character Developments

• Krell: Shows determination to save Italia, accepts Velin's help, and demonstrates his resolve to repay Velin's kindness.
• Velin: Shows kindness and understanding towards Krell, respects Krell's decisions, and expresses concern for Krell's safety.
• Xuemiyya: Expresses her commitment to Velin, stating she would stand before him in difficult times.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Oaths: Krell's promise to serve Velin for a hundred years highlights the theme of loyalty and keeping one's oath.
• Sacrifice: Krell's willingness to risk his consciousness to save Italia underscores the theme of sacrifice for loved ones.
• Acceptance of Help: Krell's initial refusal and eventual acceptance of Velin's help explores the theme of pride and the importance of accepting aid when needed.

Character Interactions

• Krell and Velin: Their interaction showcases mutual respect and understanding, with Velin offering help and Krell accepting it with a promise to repay.
• Xuemiyya and Velin: Xuemiyya's declaration of support for Velin reveals their strong bond and her commitment to him.
• Krell and Italia (in Krell's memory): Krell's protective instincts towards young Italia highlight their deep connection and his love for her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Krell, an observer, witnesses the life of a youth who resembles his younger self, from becoming a knight to a lord, marrying a silver-haired girl, and having children.
• Krell realizes he's in an illusion created by the Mind Barrier. He decides to break it by killing the external manifestation of happiness and accumulating pain to wake up the true self.
• Krell repeatedly assassinates the youth in the illusion, facing increasing resistance from the Mind Barrier. In the final attempt, the silver-haired girl, now a powerful being, confronts Krell.

Character Developments

• Krell: Realizes he's trapped in an illusion, decides to break it by causing pain, and faces the consequences of his actions.
• Silver-haired Girl (later revealed to be Italia): Transforms into a powerful being driven by hatred and malice after Krell's repeated assassinations.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between reality and illusion.
• The consequences of one's actions.
• The power of pain and emotion in breaking illusions.

Character Interactions

• Krell interacts with the youth in the illusion, ultimately leading to a confrontation with the silver-haired girl, who becomes a formidable opponent.
• Krell's internal struggle with his decision to cause pain to wake up the true self is implied but not explicitly shown.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Krell and Italia, his lover, confront each other after Italia attacks Krell, believing him to be an imposter.
• Krell reveals his true identity as Italia's husband, recalling their past together to convince her.
• Italia, convinced, asks Krell to find her younger self in her Sea of Consciousness and bring her out.
• Krell successfully retrieves Italia's younger self, and they return to reality together.

Character Developments

• Italia: Realizes her love for Krell and accepts his true identity, showing vulnerability and trust.
• Krell: Proves his love and loyalty to Italia, demonstrating patience and understanding.

Significant Themes

• Love and Trust: Italia and Krell's relationship revolves around love and trust, which are tested and ultimately strengthened.
• Identity: Krell's true identity is revealed, challenging Italia's perceptions.

Character Interactions

• Krell and Italia: Their interaction is intense and emotional, marked by revelations, acceptance, and love.
• Krell and Italia's younger self: Krell shows kindness and protectiveness towards Italia's younger self, promising to care for her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Krell successfully awakens Italia using the Illusory Domain.
• The Frozen Tear Crystal loses its original function upon Italia's awakening.
• Krell and Italia reunite after many years, with a subdued but loving atmosphere.
• Velin and his companions leave the Manor after a feast, with Krell promising to join Velin in Qixing Territory after a month.

Character Developments

• Italia awakens and is initially filled with love and guilt towards Krell.
• Krell remains composed and caring towards Italia, prioritizing her feelings.
• Velin shows respect for Krell and Italia's privacy despite his curiosity.
• Xuemiyya's skin has thickened, and she no longer blushes easily.

Significant Themes

• Reunion and Love: Krell and Italia's reunion highlights the theme of love and longing after separation.
• Respect and Privacy: Velin respects Krell and Italia's privacy, showing the importance of boundaries in relationships.
• Change and Maturity: Krell's and Italia's changes over time are noted, emphasizing the passage of time and personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Krell and Italia's interaction is tender and loving, with Krell comforting Italia and Italia expressing her thoughts to Krell privately.
• Velin teases Krell about his changes and acts as a catalyst for conversation among the group.
• Krell and Velin's interaction shows their long-standing friendship and mutual respect, with Krell promising to join Velin in Qixing Territory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Velin returns to West River Province instead of going to the Provincial Capital.
• A Mid-Gold Knight reports a floating airship with Qixing Count's banner to Ilisis.
• Velin's airship lands near Windsor Castle, and Ilisis greets them.
• Velin, Ilisis, and the group walk back to Windsor Castle, reminiscing about the past.

Character Developments

• Velin shows nostalgia and appreciation for his childhood home.
• Ilisis demonstrates affection and concern for Velin, reminiscent of their childhood bond.
• Lyanna is acknowledged as Velin's sister by Ilisis.

Significant Themes

• Nostalgia and Homecoming: Velin's return to Windsor Castle evokes memories of his childhood and the family's past.
• Brotherly Bond: The warm reunion between Velin and Ilisis highlights their strong sibling bond.
• Family and Heritage: The castle and its surroundings represent the family's history and legacy.

Character Interactions

• Velin and Ilisis greet each other warmly, showing their close relationship.
• Velin introduces Lyanna to Ilisis, acknowledging her as their sister.
• Velin and Ilisis walk back to the castle together, sharing memories and catching up.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Velin and Ilisis (Elder Brother) reminisce about their childhood at Windsor Castle.
• Velin learns that Ilisis has a son and is expecting another child.
• Velin meets his nephew for the first time.
• The nephew correctly guesses Velin's identity, impressing him.

Character Developments

• Velin: Realizes that he and his siblings have grown up and taken different paths. Feels a sense of nostalgia and longing for their shared past.
• Ilisis: Reveals that he has a son and is expecting another child, showing his desire to continue the family line.
• Nephew (Ilisis's son): Demonstrates intelligence and courage by correctly guessing Velin's identity and expressing his desire to be brave.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and change: The siblings' return to Windsor Castle highlights how much they've changed and grown apart.
• Family and inheritance: The focus on Ilisis's children and the potential continuation of the family line emphasizes the importance of legacy.

Character Interactions

• Velin and Ilisis: Their shared history and brotherly bond are evident in their conversation and affection towards each other.
• Velin and his nephew: Their initial interaction shows Velin's playful and teasing nature, while the nephew displays intelligence and eagerness to please.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Velin interacts with Kavell, expressing hope that Kavell's name will leave a deep mark in the family history.
• Ilisis, Velin, Kyle, and Ignis discuss and plan a trial for Kavell to test his courage.
• Velin and Kyle set up the trial in Velin's demiplane, while Ilisis and Ignis discuss topics at Windsor Castle.

Character Developments

• Kavell displays ambition and determination, wanting to surpass his father.
• Ilisis shows understanding and support for Kavell's ambition.
• Velin demonstrates his favor with destiny, acquiring multiple demiplanes.
• Ignis shows hesitation in addressing Ilisis, revealing his awareness of Ilisis's power and status.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination (Kavell's desire to surpass his father).
• Power dynamics and status (Ignis's hesitation in addressing Ilisis).
• Destiny and favor (Velin's acquisition of multiple demiplanes).

Character Interactions

• Velin interacts with Kavell, expressing hope for his future.
• Ilisis interacts with Velin, Kyle, and Ignis, discussing Kavell's trial and sharing knowledge with Ignis.
• Velin interacts with Star, the leader of the Snow Wind clan Griffons, displaying amusement and authority.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Velin plans to use a human cub (his nephew, Kavell) in a trial for his Snow Wind clan's Griffons.
• The Griffons misunderstand Velin's intentions, thinking he wants them to scare Kavell into crying.
• Velin clarifies his intentions and offers a reward of Glowing Wine for the Griffons if they successfully complete the trial.
• Velin asks Star, a trusted Griffon, to look after Kavell during the trial.
• Velin and Isis have a private conversation about Kavell's upcoming trial, with Aisilia trying to pry information from them.

Character Developments

• Velin: Shows his care for his nephew, Kavell, and his desire to test Kavell's courage and leadership potential.
• Star: Demonstrates loyalty and concern for Velin's well-being and the well-being of his offspring.
• Aisilia: Reveals her manipulative and spoiled nature, trying to force information out of her husband about Kavell's trial.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics and relationships (Velin's care for Kavell, Aisilia's manipulation of her husband)
• Trust and loyalty (Star's loyalty to Velin)
• Communication and honesty (Velin's clarification of his intentions to the Griffons, Aisilia's attempts to extract information)

Character Interactions

• Velin and Star: Velin entrusts Star with looking after Kavell during the trial, showing his trust in Star.
• Velin and Isis: They have a private conversation about Kavell's trial, with Aisilia trying to eavesdrop and manipulate Isis.
• Aisilia and Isis: Aisilia tries to manipulate her husband into revealing information about Kavell's trial, showing her spoiled and demanding nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Velin and Xuemiyya discuss their future plans, including having children and entrusting their education to Kyle.
• Kavell wakes up in an unfamiliar, snowy wilderness with Griffons, suggesting he's part of Velin's Trial.
• Kyle, disguised as a Haggs Family member, interacts with Xing, a Snow Wind clan member, discussing a potential wine exchange involving Kavell.

Character Developments

• Velin: Shows satisfaction with Kavell's handling of unexpected situations and plans to use Kyle to educate his future children.
• Xuemiyya: Demonstrates her analytical skills and understanding of Kyle's character.
• Kavell: Shows maturity and caution in a new environment, suggesting he's ready for challenges.
• Kyle: Initially calm, but grows concerned when he overhears a potential threat involving wine exchange and the Haggs Family.

Significant Themes

• Trust and reliance on Kyle's character and judgment.
• The consequences of past enmities (Haggs vs. Ex Family).
• Preparation for future responsibilities (Velin and Xuemiyya's plans for children).

Character Interactions

• Velin and Xuemiyya: Share a tender moment discussing their future and their hopes for their children's education.
• Kyle and Xing: Engage in a conversation that hints at a potential danger involving Kavell and a wine exchange.
• Kavell and the Griffons: Kavell's cautious observation of his surroundings and the Griffons, showing his maturity and adaptability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kavell attempts to escape but is caught by the Griffons.
• Xing, the Griffon chief, reveals that his master is Velin · Ex, revealing Velin's identity to Kavell.
• Kavell negotiates with Xing, promising a thousand barrels of wine if he's released, which Xing agrees to after some hesitation.

Character Developments

• Kavell demonstrates courage, resourcefulness, and quick thinking in his negotiation with Xing, showing growth from his initial fear.
• Xing shows a softer side, revealing his love for wine and his loyalty to Velin.
• Velin watches the events unfold and acknowledges Kavell's passing of his trial.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty: Xing's loyalty to Velin is highlighted, as he initially refuses to let Kavell go despite the promise of wine.
• Courage and Resourcefulness: Kavell shows these qualities in his negotiation with Xing, proving he's learned from his parents.

Character Interactions

• Kavell and Xing: Kavell uses his knowledge of Velin to negotiate with Xing, showing he's learned from his parents' political acumen.
• Velin and Ilisis: Velin and Ilisis watch the events unfold, with Velin acknowledging Kavell's growth and Ilisis showing pride in his son's accomplishment.
• Kavell and Star: Kavell comforts Star, showing empathy and understanding towards the Griffons.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Velin and Ilisis return to the Snow Wind Clan's camp.
• Velin announces rewards and punishments for Star and the griffons for their actions.
• Kavell intercedes to help Star, ultimately choosing to share his punishment.

Character Developments

• Kavell: Shows maturity and responsibility by keeping his promise to Star, accepting the consequences of his actions, and understanding the importance of honoring one's word.
• Star: Demonstrates gratitude and emotional depth, appreciating Kavell's help despite their initial conflict.

Significant Themes

• Consequences of Actions: Characters must face the repercussions of their choices, whether they be rewards or punishments.
• Honor and Responsibility: Kavell upholds his promise to Star, showing integrity and understanding of his responsibilities.
• Family and Tradition: The Snow Wind Clan's principles are passed down through generations, influencing Kavell's decision.

Character Interactions

• Kavell and Star: Despite their initial animosity, they form a bond as Kavell helps Star, showing empathy and understanding.
• Kavell and Ilisis: Ilisis allows Kavell to make his own decision, trusting his son to understand the consequences and act responsibly.
• Velin and Kavell: Velin tests Kavell's understanding of responsibility and consequences, ultimately respecting his nephew's decision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Velin praises Kavell's bravery and uprightness after Kavell accepts responsibility for his actions.
• Star and Kavell are punished: Star is suspended from a tree and fed Glowing Wine through a hollow grass straw; Kavell is sent to the Wind Listening Tower for five days with minimal provisions.
• Velin leaves Windsor Castle with Kavell's parents for five days, leaving Kavell to fend for himself.

Character Developments

• Kavell demonstrates maturity and responsibility, earning praise from Velin and Isis.
• Velin shows his caring and nurturing side, providing guidance and gifts to Kavell, while also enforcing discipline.
• Star shows resilience and acceptance of his punishment.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and consequences: Kavell accepts responsibility for his actions and faces the consequences, learning from the experience.
• Nurturing and guidance: Velin provides guidance and support to Kavell, helping him grow and learn.
• Discipline and punishment: Velin enforces discipline and punishes Kavell and Star, teaching them valuable lessons.

Character Interactions

• Velin interacts positively with Kavell, showing affection and guidance, while also enforcing discipline.
• Isis and Velin work together to punish and guide Kavell.
• Velin interacts with Star, showing understanding and care, while also enforcing punishment.
• Kavell interacts with the unhatched Griffon egg, showing excitement and responsibility.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kavell stays behind with the griffon egg while the rest of the group travels to Moon Shadow County.
• The group arrives at Moon Shadow County, where Governor Vituss is blocked by a Low-Gold Knight.
• Ilisis considers reinstating the Administrator Slave System for Vituss, a punitive measure for corrupt governors.

Character Developments

• Kavell shows affection and responsibility towards the griffon egg.
• Ilisis demonstrates his leadership and commitment to justice, considering harsh measures for corruption.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against corruption and the consequences of it.
• The balance between leadership and subordination, and the importance of trust.

Character Interactions

• Kavell and the griffon egg: Kavell shows care and affection towards the egg.
• Ilisis and Vituss: Ilisis considers punishing Vituss for corruption.
• Ilisis and Velin: Ilisis shares his thoughts on the Administrator Slave System with Velin.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Velin, now Count Qixing, arrives at Moonwater Manor to inspect its Glowing Wine production.
• Vitus, the former governor, is forced to step down and follow Velin, awaiting his fate.
• Velin meets Tikas, the steward of Moonwater Manor, and learns about the manor's Glowing Wine production and history.

Character Developments

• Velin: Shows his leadership and interest in the manor's production, displaying a mix of authority and approachability.
• Vitus: Realizes the consequences of his actions and is now submissive, awaiting Velin's judgment.
• Tikas: Proves to be competent and loyal, sharing detailed information about the manor's operations.

Significant Themes

• Power and Consequences: Vitus's actions have led to his demotion, illustrating the theme of actions having consequences.
• Production and Growth: The increase in Glowing Wine production over the years highlights the theme of growth and development.

Character Interactions

• Velin and Tikas: Velin shows respect and appreciation for Tikas's service, while Tikas remains loyal and forthcoming with information.
• Velin and Vitus: Velin's arrival signals a shift in power, with Vitus now subservient to him.
• Velin and Kyle: Velin delegates the task of exploring the possibility of growing Glowing Grapes in the Silver Dragon Burke Kingdom to Kyle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Velin visits Moonwater Manor and praises Tikas for his management, promising a promotion in a few years.
• Velin returns to Moon Shadow County and finds Ilisis dealing with a cult-related issue within the county.
• Ilisis plans to send troops and Life Priests to investigate and purge cult-connected settlements, potentially leading to mass casualties.

Character Developments

• Velin shows appreciation for Tikas' work, indicating his fairness and consideration for his subordinates.
• Ilisis demonstrates his ruthlessness and decisiveness in dealing with cult-related threats, prioritizing the family's safety over civilian lives.

Significant Themes

• Cruelty vs. Kindness: Ilisis' actions highlight the theme of cruelty being his true nature, while kindness is merely a mask he wears.
• Power and Responsibility: Ilisis' decisions showcase the harsh responsibilities that come with power, where tough choices must be made to protect the greater good.

Character Interactions

• Velin and Tikas: Velin shows approval and encouragement towards Tikas, fostering a positive superior-subordinate relationship.
• Ilisis and Velin: Velin respects Ilisis' authority and does not interfere with his internal affairs, maintaining a clear division of power.
• Ilisis and his subordinates: Ilisis' subordinates show fear and obedience towards him, reflecting his authority and intimidation.