It's [spoiler throne room boss]. I beat [spoiler hallway boss] on the first try, although not very efficiently.

Thanks for the rods-as-items hint; I'll have to try that out! So using the rod that way doesn't consume it?

So for ages now, I've looked at that icon you're using up there and wondered who the lovely white-haired lady is. And now I realize... it's Cecil. Final Fantasy bishonen ftw!