The highly anticipated finale of Under the Oak Tree Manhwa Season 4, Chapter 126, delivered the emotional resolution fans desperately needed, concluding the first major arc of Maximillian (Maxi) and Riftan Calypse’s tumultuous journey. As of December 9, 2025, Chapter 126 serves as the current endpoint for the official webcomic on platforms like Manta, leaving readers on a deeply satisfying but nerve-wracking cliffhanger as the series enters a scheduled hiatus before the start of Season 5. This chapter is critical, marking the successful completion of the storyline covered in Book 1 of Suji Kim’s original web novel and giving the couple a much-deserved, intimate moment of peace before the next great challenge.

The core of Chapter 126 centers on the emotional payoff following the intense events of the previous chapters, particularly the aftermath of the war and the couple's reconciliation. It’s a chapter dedicated entirely to Maxi and Riftan, focusing on their deep, evolving bond and setting the stage for the dramatic events of the upcoming second book.

The Central Figures: A Complete Biography Profile

The emotional depth of Chapter 126 is only possible because of the complex history and development of its main characters, whose biographies are a roadmap to the entire narrative:

• Author: Suji Kim
  • Role: Original Novelist of Under the Oak Tree (Korean: 상수리나무 아래; RR: Sangsurinamu Arae).
  • Recognition: New York Times bestselling author. Her novel won the prestigious Romance Webnovel Award from the South Korean ebook platform RIDI.
  • Work Status: The original novel is complete, providing a full roadmap for the manhwa adaptation.
• Protagonist: Maximillian ‘Maxi’ Calypse (née Croyso)
  • Age: 22 years old (Part 1) → 26 years old (Part 2).
  • Title: Lady of Croyso (formerly), Lady of Anatol, Wife of the Commander of the Remdragon Knights.
  • Key Traits: Suffers from a debilitating stutter, which is the result of a traumatic and abusive childhood under her father, Duke Croyso. She is a powerful, yet initially insecure, earth-attribute mage who grows into her confidence and magical ability throughout the story.
  • Family: Daughter of Duke Croyso, younger sister of Rosetta Croyso.
• Male Lead: Riftan Calypse
  • Title: Commander of the Remdragon Knights, Lord of Anatol.
  • Key Traits: A legendary lowborn knight who earned his title by slaying the Red Dragon Sektor. Known for his immense strength, stoic demeanor, and deeply possessive, yet protective, love for Maxi. His childhood was marked by tragedy, including witnessing his mother's suicide, which led him to become a mercenary.
  • Relationship with Maxi: Their marriage was initially forced by Duke Croyso, but it evolved into a passionate, epic love story defined by miscommunication and fierce devotion.

Chapter 126: The Heartwarming Season 4 Finale Plot Summary

Chapter 126 serves as the emotional curtain call for the first half of the entire Under the Oak Tree saga, providing a much-needed respite after the intense conflicts of the war arc. The central theme of this final chapter is the deep, quiet intimacy and newfound understanding between Maxi and Riftan.

The chapter opens with the couple finally alone, away from the political pressures of King Ruben and the immediate dangers of the battlefield. The setting is often depicted as a private, domestic, or natural environment—a moment of peace that feels earned after their long separation and the emotional turmoil of their reunion. The earlier hints of a "boat scene" or a similar secluded setting emphasize their isolation and focus on one another.

A Moment of Pure Devotion and Dialogue

Unlike earlier chapters riddled with miscommunications, Chapter 126 is characterized by honest, open dialogue. Maxi, who has grown significantly in confidence, is able to express her feelings and fears more clearly, and Riftan, always guarded, allows his vulnerability to show through. The "heartwarming" nature of the chapter stems from this mutual acknowledgment of their deep, unconditional love.

• Emotional Climax: Riftan expresses his profound devotion and his fear of losing her, perhaps with a line hinting at a future together, such as the rumored line, "Sooner or later..." which suggests an unbreakable future commitment.
• Maxi's Strength: Maxi demonstrates her growth, possibly using her magic in a simple, domestic way—a sign that her power is now integrated into her life at Anatol, not just a tool for war. The dialogue "Shall I… l-light the fire with magic?" (a rumored line from the novel's corresponding section) highlights her acceptance of her magical identity and her comfort in sharing it with Riftan.
• Physical Intimacy: The chapter is known for its high level of intimacy, a passionate reflection of their renewed marital bliss, cementing their bond before the next major separation.

This finale is not a dramatic cliffhanger in the traditional sense, but an emotional one. It lulls the reader into a sense of security, which, for fans of the novel, is a clear sign that a new wave of conflict is just around the corner, as this happiness often precedes a major plot twist.

The Hiatus and What to Expect in Season 5 (Chapter 127+)

Chapter 126 officially concludes the manhwa's Season 4 run, bringing the webcomic to a temporary halt. This break is standard practice for manhwa production, allowing the artists and production team to rest and prepare for the next massive story arc.

The Season 5 Return and Future Plot

While an official return date is often announced by the publisher (Manta Comics) closer to the time, these breaks typically last several months, often between four to six months. Fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement for Season 5 (Chapter 127+), which will officially begin the adaptation of Book 2 of Suji Kim’s novel.

The conclusion of Book 1's story arc in Chapter 126 sets up the following major events for the upcoming season:

• The New Conflict: The peace in Anatol is short-lived. The central conflict of Book 2 revolves around Maxi’s continued magical training and a new, more dangerous political and military threat that forces a painful separation between the couple.
• Maxi’s Independence: Season 5 will heavily focus on Maxi leaving Anatol to study at the World Tower, a decision that Riftan vehemently opposes. This move is crucial for her character development, as she strives for independence and the strength to protect herself and her husband.
• The Supporting Cast’s Role: Characters such as the wizard Ruth Serbel, who serves as Riftan's right-hand man and Maxi's magical mentor, and the Remdragon Knights (including Richard Breston and Rodrigo Seric) will take on even larger roles as the story moves beyond Anatol and into a wider world of political intrigue and grand magic.

Chapter 126 is a necessary breath of fresh air—a reminder of the powerful, passionate love story at the core of the series. It’s the calm before the storm, preparing readers for the emotional rollercoaster that Season 5, beginning with Chapter 127, is guaranteed to be.