Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ce is assigned a mission to investigate a suspected Black Mage in Fossbarrow, a town named after the Crownguard family.
• Raum, the demon of secrets, reveals that there's a secret involving another demon in Fossbarrow and offers to grant power to Chen Ce if he investigates.
• Chen Ce decides to visit Lux to gather information about Fossbarrow and its history with demons.

Character Developments

• Chen Ce shows curiosity and determination in exploring the demonic secret in Fossbarrow.
• Lux is depicted as a typical adolescent girl, yearning for freedom and love, while also being studious.

Significant Themes

• The theme of secrets and hidden truths is emphasized, with Raum's revelation about the demon in Fossbarrow.
• The theme of curiosity and exploration is highlighted as Chen Ce seeks to uncover the mystery.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ce and Lux's interaction shows a friendly and comfortable dynamic, with Chen Ce teasing Lux and Lux responding with playful exasperation.
• Chen Ce's decision to visit Lux shows his willingness to seek information and help from others, rather than relying solely on his own knowledge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ce takes Lux out for a secret night adventure.
• Chen Ce reveals he's leaving for a mage-hunting mission in Fossbarrow.
• Lux shares her traumatic experience with demons in Fossbarrow.
• Chen Ce decides to bring Sona along for the mission.

Character Developments

• Lux: Struggles with fear and anxiety from her past encounter with demons.
• Chen Ce: Shows concern for Lux's well-being and decides to bring Sona for her experience and support.
• Sona: Offers to help Chen Ce, displaying confidence and courage.

Significant Themes

• Fear and anxiety: Lux's fear of demons and her past experience.
• Trust and support: Chen Ce's trust in Sona's abilities and her desire to help.
• Past trauma: Lux's memories of the demonic incident in Fossbarrow.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ce and Lux: Chen Ce comforts Lux and reassures her, while Lux expresses her fear and concern for Chen Ce's safety.
• Lux and Sona: Lux seeks comfort from Sona, who remains unaware of the situation's gravity.
• Chen Ce and Sona: Chen Ce decides to bring Sona along, acknowledging her experience and willingness to help.

Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ce and Sona join a group of Mageseekers to investigate the "Black Mage" in Fossbarrow.
• They reach Fossbarrow, feeling the heavy presence of dark magic and the town's despair.
• Chen Ce plans to find a way to deal with Nocturne's nightmares and seeks help from someone who can enter dreams.

Character Developments

• Chen Ce shows concern for Sona's well-being and safety, demonstrating his protective side.
• Sona displays courage and resilience, facing her fears in Fossbarrow.
• Chen Ce's determination to protect Sona and deal with Nocturne grows stronger.

Significant Themes

• Fear and its impact on people (Fossbarrow's residents' despair and Sona's discomfort).
• The struggle against inevitable fate (Aatrox and the deathless beings in the Howling Abyss).

Character Interactions

• Chen Ce and Sona maintain their "boyfriend and girlfriend" act, with Chen Ce showing affection towards Sona.
• Chen Ce interacts with the Mageseekers, keeping his guard up while appearing friendly.
• Chen Ce's past interactions with Morgana are hinted at, suggesting a potential alliance against Nocturne.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aatrox, imprisoned in the Taiwan Server System, encounters Chen Ce, who mocks him, further fueling Aatrox's rage and hatred.
• Lissandra, now with free time at night, reflects on her past and remembers Chen Ce fondly.
• Sona waits for Chen Ce to return in Fossbarrow, feeling anxious and uneasy due to the town's strange atmosphere. Chen Ce returns and assures her she won't have nightmares.

Character Developments

• Aatrox's hatred and desire for freedom grow stronger after encountering Chen Ce.
• Lissandra, despite her cold demeanor, shows warmth and nostalgia when thinking about Chen Ce.
• Sona displays her dependence on Chen Ce for comfort and protection.

Significant Themes

• Solitude and isolation (Aatrox, Lissandra)
• Memory and the passage of time (Lissandra)
• Trust and protection (Sona, Chen Ce)

Character Interactions

• Aatrox and Chen Ce: Enemies with a history; Chen Ce's mocking words fuel Aatrox's rage.
• Lissandra and Chen Ce: Lissandra remembers Chen Ce fondly, showing a rare warmth towards him.
• Sona and Chen Ce: Sona relies on Chen Ce for comfort and protection, while Chen Ce reassures and cares for her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sona and Chen Ce are in Chen Ce's apartment. Sona is cooking breakfast, and Chen Ce is still asleep. Sona playfully tries to wake him up, but a nightmare suddenly attacks Chen Ce in his dream.
• The nightmare, Nocturne, is a shadow creature born from the fears and sufferings of the Rune Wars. It feeds on mortal fears and nightmares.
• Lissandra, the Ice Witch, appears in Chen Ce's dream and confronts Nocturne. She freezes it with her ice magic.

Character Developments

• Sona shows more affection and comfort towards Chen Ce, even playfully teasing him. She also demonstrates concern and courage when she tries to save him from the nightmare.
• Chen Ce remains calm and reassuring even in the midst of the nightmare, telling Sona, "This is only a dream."

Significant Themes

• Fear and its manifestations (nightmares, Nocturne).
• Courage and resilience in the face of fear (Sona, Chen Ce).
• The power of magic and its uses (Lissandra's ice magic).

Character Interactions

• Sona and Chen Ce's relationship becomes more playful and intimate, with Sona showing more affection towards Chen Ce.
• Lissandra's appearance in Chen Ce's dream suggests a potential connection or alliance between her and Chen Ce.

Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ce and Lissandra enter Sona's dream to confront Nocturne, a demon causing nightmares in Fossbarrow.
• Lissandra freezes Nocturne, then returns to her castle, leaving Chen Ce and Sona.
• Another body is found in Fossbarrow, killed by Nocturne, increasing the town's panic.
• Mageseekers plan to search Fossbarrow using petricite to find the Black Mage (Nocturne).

Character Developments

• Chen Ce: Shows concern for Sona's well-being and seeks Lissandra's help to deal with Nocturne.
• Lissandra: Demonstrates her power by freezing Nocturne and reconstructing the dream world.
• Sona: Shows fear and vulnerability, clinging to Chen Ce after her nightmare.
• Nocturne: Revealed to be a powerful demon causing nightmares and death in Fossbarrow.

Significant Themes

• Fear and its manifestations (nightmares, panic, death).
• Power dynamics (Lissandra's power vs. Nocturne's influence, Mageseekers' authority vs. their ineptitude).
• Trust and hope (residents' hope in Mageseekers, Chen Ce's trust in Lissandra and Raum).

Character Interactions

• Chen Ce and Lissandra: Work together to confront Nocturne, with Lissandra showing some disdain for Chen Ce's request.
• Chen Ce and Sona: Chen Ce comforts Sona after her nightmare, and they share a moment of intimacy upon waking.
• Mageseekers: Display their ineptitude and lack of genuine concern for the residents, planning to use the situation for their own gain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ce and Sona leave Fossbarrow to search for Nocturne.
• Mageseekers approach Chen Ce, asking him to search the northern outskirts.
• Chen Ce and Sona find a defaced statue of Morgana.
• Mageseekers ambush Chen Ce; one of them is possessed by a shadowy entity.
• The possessed Mageseeker kills his companion and releases a shadowy creature.
• The other Mageseekers flee, setting fire to the forest to trap Chen Ce.

Character Developments

• Chen Ce remains calm and collected, ready to face the possessed Mageseeker.
• Sona shows initiative and quick thinking, acting before Chen Ce against the shadowy creature.

Significant Themes

• The irony of mortals spurning Morgana, the angel who truly cared for them.
• The theme of possession and loss of self-awareness, foreshadowing Nocturne's influence.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ce and Sona work together, with Sona showing increasing independence and initiative.
• The Mageseekers' internal conflict and betrayal, highlighting their desperation and fear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ce and Sona return to Fossbarrow, finding it in chaos due to Nocturne's influence.
• Nocturne summons the townspeople's fears into physical forms, creating a demonic army.
• Chen Ce fights against these fears while trying to protect Sona, who is struggling to maintain her composure.
• The townspeople, driven mad by fear, accuse Chen Ce of being a murderer and chase after him.
• Chen Ce is cornered by the townspeople when he spots a veiled woman unaffected by Nocturne's influence.

Character Developments

• Chen Ce demonstrates his willingness to protect Sona, even when faced with overwhelming odds.
• Sona's fear becomes a significant obstacle, hindering her ability to play her instrument effectively.
• Raum, the demon bound to Chen Ce, proves helpful in countering Nocturne's fear-based attacks.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Its Manifestations: Nocturne's power brings the townspeople's deepest fears to life, highlighting the theme of fear and its various forms.
• Courage and Resilience: Chen Ce's determination to protect Sona and face Nocturne showcases courage, while Sona's struggle against her fear demonstrates resilience.
• Judgment and Redemption: The veiled woman's appearance and words hint at themes of judgment and redemption.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ce and Sona work together, with Chen Ce protecting Sona while she tries to maintain her musical support.
• The townspeople, driven mad by fear, interact with Chen Ce aggressively, viewing him as a threat.
• The veiled woman interacts with Chen Ce indirectly, offering aid and protection without directly engaging with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A mysterious veiled woman, later revealed as Morgana, appears and uses her Black Shield to protect Chen Ce and the townspeople from Nocturne's fear-inducing abilities.
• Nocturne summons the townspeople's fears into physical forms, which Chen Ce and Morgana fight against.
• Sona uses her harp to control Nocturne with her Crescendo skill, allowing Chen Ce to strike the final blow.
• Raum suggests "digesting" Nocturne to learn its secrets.

Character Developments

• Chen Ce demonstrates his combat skills and strategic thinking.
• Morgana shows her power and willingness to help, despite her past.
• Sona proves her musical abilities can be used offensively.
• Raum reveals he can consume enemies to learn their secrets.

Significant Themes

• The power of music and its influence on emotions and actions.
• The struggle between light and dark, represented by Morgana and Nocturne.
• The consequences of fear and the things people fear most.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ce and Morgana work together to fight Nocturne, with Morgana providing protection and Chen Ce dealing direct damage.
• Sona's music aids Chen Ce and Morgana by controlling Nocturne.
• Raum communicates with Chen Ce, suggesting a way to learn more about Nocturne.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Raum devours Nocturne, transferring its abilities to Chen Ce.
• Morgana punishes the betraying Mageseekers and senses her sister, Kayle.
• The townspeople wake up and rebuild The Veiled Lady's statue, becoming her believers.
• Chen Ce invites Morgana to return to the Great City with him, but she refuses.

Character Developments

• Chen Ce gains Nocturne's skills, becoming stronger and more confident.
• Morgana shows her disdain for betrayers and her hatred for Kayle.
• The townspeople develop a fondness for Chen Ce and become believers in The Veiled Lady.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and its consequences (Morgana's punishment of Mageseekers, Morgana's hatred for Kayle).
• The duality of good and evil (Morgana's acceptance of Chen Ce despite his "evil" magic, Morgana's actions being judged as evil by the world).
• Trust and loyalty (Chen Ce's attempt to gain Morgana's trust, Morgana's refusal to trust the royal family).

Character Interactions

• Chen Ce and Raum: Raum transfers Nocturne's abilities to Chen Ce, and they communicate briefly.
• Chen Ce and Morgana: They meet again, and Chen Ce invites Morgana to the Great City. Morgana refuses, but they maintain a friendly rapport.
• Morgana and the Mageseekers: Morgana punishes the betraying Mageseekers, showing her disdain for betrayal.
• Chen Ce and the townspeople: The townspeople become fond of Chen Ce and rebuild The Veiled Lady's statue, becoming her believers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ce and Morgana agree to work together to correct Demacia's mistakes.
• Tianna learns about Chen Ce's actions in Fossbarrow and reprimands Eldred for underestimating him.
• Chen Ce and Sona return to the Great City, and Sona suggests they rest for the night.

Character Developments

• Morgana decides to trust Chen Ce and agrees to return to the Great City.
• Chen Ce plans to find Jarvan IV and discuss the need for reform in Demacia.
• Tianna grows frustrated with Eldred's incompetence and lack of understanding.
• Eldred becomes resentful and plans to force Tianna's hand.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: Morgana trusts Chen Ce, while Eldred feels betrayed by Tianna.
• Power dynamics: Tianna struggles with Eldred's lack of understanding and competence, while Chen Ce plans to use Morgana's influence to challenge the Mageseekers' power.
• Redemption and salvation: Morgana wants to help Demacia and its people, while Chen Ce seeks to correct Demacia's mistakes.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ce and Morgana form an alliance to work together against Kayle and the Mageseekers.
• Tianna and Eldred's relationship becomes strained due to Eldred's incompetence and Tianna's growing frustration.
• Chen Ce and Sona return to their home and plan to rest for the night, with Sona showing concern for Chen Ce's well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kahina and Lestara visit Sona and Chen Ce late at night.
• They warn Chen Ce about Eldred's suspicious activities.
• Sona confesses her feelings to Chen Ce, asking if he likes her.

Character Developments

• Sona: Becomes more open about her feelings, confesses to Chen Ce.
• Chen Ce: Maintains his composure, avoids giving a direct answer to Sona's confession.
• Kahina: Shows protective behavior towards Sona, warns Chen Ce not to hurt her.
• Lestara: Teases Sona about her relationship with Chen Ce, shows approval of their bond.

Significant Themes

• Communication and understanding between people.
• The struggle between honesty and self-preservation in relationships.
• The exploration of young love and its complexities.

Character Interactions

• Sona and Chen Ce: Their relationship deepens as Sona confesses her feelings, and Chen Ce avoids giving a direct answer.
• Sona and Kahina: The sisters show a close bond, with Kahina being protective of Sona.
• Sona and Lestara: The mother and daughter share a warm, teasing relationship.
• Chen Ce and Lestara: They maintain a polite, respectful relationship, with Lestara showing approval of Chen Ce's treatment of Sona.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ce and Sona's relationship takes a step forward as they spend the night together, with Sona initiating physical contact.
• Chen Ce wakes up early and prepares breakfast, allowing Sona to sleep in.
• Chen Ce infiltrates the royal palace to meet with Jarvan IV, discussing the Hextech Revolver and Chen Ce's recent assignment in Fossbarrow.

Character Developments

• Sona becomes more open and assertive in her feelings for Chen Ce, initiating physical contact and showing a more seductive side.
• Chen Ce demonstrates his growing skill and confidence, easily infiltrating the palace and discussing matters with Jarvan IV.
• Jarvan IV shows concern for Chen Ce's well-being and offers to help him with future assignments.

Significant Themes

• The exploration of romantic and physical intimacy between Chen Ce and Sona.
• The power dynamics and corruption within the Mageseeker Order and Demacian society.
• The potential impact of advanced technology (Hextech Revolver) on society and warfare.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ce and Sona's relationship deepens as they spend the night together, with Sona taking the initiative.
• Chen Ce and Jarvan IV discuss the Hextech Revolver and Chen Ce's recent assignment, with Jarvan IV offering his support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jarvan IV learns that Tianna Crownguard knows about Chen Ce's presence.
• King Jarvan III visits Jarvan IV and announces his engagement to Tianna's niece, without Jarvan IV's consent.
• Chen Ce decides to confront Tianna Crownguard after she ignores his previous warnings.

Character Developments

• Jarvan IV shows resistance to his arranged marriage but feels helpless due to his position.
• Tianna Crownguard accepts her impending death at Chen Ce's hands, showing no fear or surprise.
• Chen Ce remains calm and composed, even when facing a powerful enemy like Tianna.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and lack of control among the nobility.
• The consequences of ignoring warnings and defying powerful entities.
• The theme of acceptance and calm in the face of death.

Character Interactions

• Jarvan IV and King Jarvan III discuss the engagement, with Jarvan IV feeling powerless.
• Chen Ce and Tianna Crownguard face off, with Tianna accepting her fate calmly and Chen Ce showing no mercy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tianna admits to stripping Chen Ce of his Mageseeker status but denies ordering his assassination.
• She also admits to discussing Lux's marriage alliance but claims she didn't force Lux's hand.
• Chen Ce decides to stop playing politics and take a more direct approach.

Character Developments

• Tianna shows remorse for her actions but maintains she hasn't violated her agreement with Chen Ce.
• Chen Ce grows tired of political games and decides to act more aggressively.

Significant Themes

• The power struggles within Demacia and the consequences of political maneuvering.
• The tension between the Mageseekers and mages, and the potential for open conflict.

Character Interactions

• Tianna and Chen Ce have a tense confrontation, with Tianna trying to justify her actions and Chen Ce growing increasingly frustrated.
• Chen Ce decides to take a more direct approach, signaling a shift in his strategy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ce decides to create a loyal force in Demacia, prioritizing obedience over size.
• He visits Lux and reassures her that he will ensure her freedom and control over her marriage.
• Darius receives a letter from Chen Ce via a raven, revealing Chen Ce's plans and intentions.

Character Developments

• Chen Ce becomes more determined and assertive in his goals, willing to take extreme measures.
• Lux struggles with her feelings for Chen Ce and her duty to Demacia, ultimately deciding to trust and believe in Chen Ce.
• Darius remains steadfast in his support for Chen Ce's actions.

Significant Themes

• Freedom vs. Obligation: Lux grapples with her desire for freedom and her duty to Demacia, while Chen Ce prioritizes his own freedom and that of those who follow him.
• Power Dynamics: Chen Ce's growing influence and determination challenge the established power structures in Demacia, represented by the king's decree.
• Trust and Belief: Lux chooses to trust Chen Ce, while Darius continues to believe in Chen Ce's abilities and plans.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ce and Lux share a tender moment, with Lux ultimately expressing her trust and belief in Chen Ce.
• Chen Ce communicates his plans to Darius through a raven, demonstrating their continued alliance and mutual understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Darius visits Swain, who is imprisoned but still writing policies for Noxus.
• Swain is tasked by the Trifarix Council to lead the Trifarix Legion against Demacia.
• Lissandra asks Ashe to read a letter from Chen Ce.
• Ionia's champions discuss Chen Ce's letter, deciding to trust him and aid Demacia.
• A prisoner in Demacia's Black Mage Prison escapes using petricite.

Character Developments

• Swain's physical health has deteriorated, but his mental prowess remains sharp.
• Lissandra shows vulnerability when asking for help, revealing her connection to Chen Ce.
• Irelia and Karma discuss their trust in Chen Ce, with Irelia feeling slighted for not being invited.
• The escaped prisoner from Demacia shows determination to survive and understanding of being used as a pawn.

Significant Themes

• Trust and loyalty, as seen in Irelia and Karma's discussion about Chen Ce, and the escaped prisoner's acceptance of being used.
• Power dynamics and manipulation, evident in Swain's imprisonment and use as a political tool, and the escaped prisoner's situation.
• The consequences of past actions, reflected in Swain's deteriorated health and the escaped prisoner's predicament.

Character Interactions

• Darius and Swain: Darius shows respect and appreciation for Swain's strategic mind, while Swain remains focused on his work.
• Lissandra and Ashe: Lissandra commands Ashe to read Chen Ce's letter, showing familiarity and authority.
• Irelia, Karma, and Ahri: They discuss Chen Ce's letter, with Irelia feeling left out and Ahri being illiterate but perceptive.
• The escaped prisoner and the petricite: The prisoner uses the petricite to escape, showing his determination and understanding of its power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sylas, a former Mageseeker, escapes from prison after 15 years, leading a rebellion of imprisoned mages against Demacia.
• Chen Ce, a mysterious figure, infiltrates the Demacian palace to meet with King Jarvan III, intending to discuss "affairs of state."

Character Developments

• Sylas: Transitions from a loyal Mageseeker to a vengeful rebel leader, driven by the hypocrisy he witnessed and the injustice he suffered. He discovers his ability to absorb and control petricite, a substance that suppresses magic.
• Chen Ce: Reveals his true intentions and power, demonstrating an ability to instill fear and madness in others. He shows no hesitation in using his powers despite the consequences.

Significant Themes

• Hypocrisy: Sylas's experiences reveal the hypocrisy of Demacia, which punishes lowborn mages while allowing high officials and nobles to practice magic secretly.
• Power and Oppression: The story explores the dynamics of power and oppression, with Demacia using petricite to suppress mages, and Sylas now using that same power to fight back.
• Revenge and Justice: Sylas's desire for revenge is a driving force, while Chen Ce's actions suggest a pursuit of justice, though his methods are extreme.

Character Interactions

• Sylas and the Imprisoned Mages: Sylas's call for rebellion unites the imprisoned mages, who join him in fighting against their captors.
• Chen Ce and King Jarvan III: Chen Ce's confrontation with the king is interrupted by Xin Zhao, the Seneschal of Demacia, leading to a brief but intense clash.
• Chen Ce and Xin Zhao: Despite their mutual respect, Chen Ce uses his powers to incapacitate Xin Zhao, demonstrating his willingness to use extreme measures to achieve his goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ce meets with King Jarvan III, demanding the revocation of the anti-magic edict and submission of Demacia to him.
• A mage rebellion breaks out in the Great City of Demacia, targeting the royal palace.
• Grand Marshal Tianna leads her troops to suppress the rebellion but struggles to reach the royal palace in time.
• Eldred, the commander of the Mageseeker Order, orchestrates public demonstrations against the Mageseekers to shift blame onto King Jarvan III.

Character Developments

• King Jarvan III remains steadfast in his principles, refusing to yield to Chen Ce's demands.
• Chen Ce demonstrates his power and resolve, crushing the king's scepter and threatening to raze Demacia if Jarvan III does not comply.
• Tianna shows concern for the king's safety and the stability of Demacia, while also considering her own political interests.
• Eldred reveals his manipulative nature, using public demonstrations to shift blame onto the king and preserve the Mageseeker Order's power.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between power and principle, as seen in King Jarvan III's refusal to yield to Chen Ce's demands.
• The consequences of oppression and injustice, as demonstrated by the mage rebellion and the people's resentment toward the Mageseekers.
• The manipulation of public opinion and the use of propaganda to achieve political goals, as shown by Eldred's orchestration of demonstrations.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ce and King Jarvan III engage in a tense standoff, with Chen Ce threatening the king and Jarvan III refusing to yield.
• Tianna and her troops clash with the mage rebels, trying to reach the royal palace and suppress the rebellion.
• Eldred and a Mageseeker subordinate discuss the demonstrations and their purpose, revealing Eldred's manipulative plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Mageseeker Commander, Eldred, reveals his true intentions to his subordinate, Thor, and kills him to prevent any loose ends.
• Sylas, a mage leader, leads a rebellion against King Jarvan III, storming the palace with his mage army.
• Captain Garen, a powerful warrior, attempts to stop Sylas but is defeated and captured.
• Sylas reaches the palace's main hall and finds Jarvan IV, the king's son, but no sign of the king himself.

Character Developments

• Eldred: Revealed as a traitor and power-hungry, willing to eliminate anyone who gets in his way.
• Thor: Realizes Eldred's true intentions but is killed before he can act on this knowledge.
• Sylas: Shows his strategic prowess and determination to overthrow the king, but is shocked to find the king already dead.
• Garen: Initially seen as a formidable opponent, he is defeated by Sylas' magic-absorbing ability.

Significant Themes

• Power and corruption: Eldred and Sylas both seek power, and their actions highlight the corruption and hypocrisy within Demacia's ruling class.
• Magic vs. Nobility: Sylas' rebellion raises questions about the treatment of mages and the inequality between the nobility and common people.

Character Interactions

• Eldred and Thor: Eldred's betrayal and subsequent murder of Thor highlights their power dynamic and Eldred's ruthlessness.
• Sylas and Garen: Their battle showcases the difference in combat styles between mages and warriors, with Sylas ultimately defeating Garen.
• Sylas and Jarvan IV: Sylas' capture of Jarvan IV demonstrates his control over the situation, but their interaction is cut short by the discovery of the king's absence.