Chapters 3 through 12 detail the escalating conflict between the nation of Reflea and its neighbor, Rudek, and the subsequent internal struggles and preparations within Reflea.
The narrative begins with Scholz and Eldowad, two Knight Commanders of Reflea's Holy Knights, expressing frustration over a recent, disastrous military campaign against Rudek. This invasion, led by a less competent commander named Jumei, was a complete failure, resulting in heavy losses for Reflea. Scholz, who was deliberately excluded from the expedition, analyzes the defeat, noting the use of unknown giant weaponry and a betrayal by Reflea's own Second Knight Division. The only perceived positive outcome for Scholz is the death of Lucifer=Velas, the commander of Rudek's First Knight Division, hoping this might curb the Holy Knights' misuse by the ruling council, the Seidokai.
Following this defeat, Reflea receives a formal declaration of war from Rudek and learns of a new "Three Nations Alliance" formed between Rudek, the Empire, and Gorbel. Scholz returns home to his wife, Olen, and children, Rebecca and Junos, finding solace in his family amidst the growing national crisis. He reassures Olen that the conflict will likely remain confined to the borders, though he anticipates being deployed. The narrative reveals that the Seidokai, particularly Nero=Bladia and his brother Sakri=Bladia, orchestrated the invasion of Rudek, aiming to weaken it through manipulation of other nations and a final push by the Holy Knights, which ultimately failed.
Sakri, despite being ostracized by Nero, proves to be a capable strategist. He gathers the Holy Knights, including Scholz and Eldowad, and proposes a defensive strategy: fortifying the region of Femas to buy time. Sakri explains that Rudek, depleted by its war with the Empire and Gorbel and having lost two knight divisions to Reflea, will likely seek a swift victory to avoid further entanglements. The plan is to turn Femas into an impregnable fortress.
Meanwhile, a subtle but significant issue arises: a shortage of goods and rising prices in the capital's markets, noticed by Olen. Scholz investigates and meets with Sakri, who reveals two reasons for the shortage: Rudek's trade embargo, mirrored by the Empire, and an anticipated poor harvest due to unfavorable weather. Sakri has already informed Connul, a high-ranking official, but expects resistance due to Connul's pride and stinginess. Scholz agrees to speak with Connul himself. Connul dismisses Scholz's concerns, claiming he has made arrangements with Rubral, and orders the Holy Knights to prepare for battle. Scholz is disheartened by the nation's dysfunction.
The situation deteriorates as the harvest fails, leading to widespread food shortages. The Holy Knights are demoralized, with some even questioning the decision to betray Rudek and considering surrender. Eldowad vehemently rebukes such talk, but Scholz notices a significant portion of the soldiers are indifferent. Sakri arrives, acknowledging the despair, and reiterates the plan to defend Femas, confident that victory will allow them to seize Rudek's food supplies. Scholz, concerned about the soldiers' morale, proposes a strategy to Sakri: using less motivated soldiers as a vanguard to weaken the enemy before deploying the elite troops. Sakri agrees to consider this.
Scholz then meets with Hinov, the new commander of the former First Knight Division, and Bootst, a former Gorbel general, both of whom are now aligned with Reflea. Sakri returns and confirms the plan to engage Rudek at Femas, with Bootst securing a promise of Gorbel's territory if they win.
The Holy Knights depart for Femas, their morale further dampened by a hollow, self-aggrandizing speech from the Minister of Military Affairs and the visible hunger in the towns they pass through. Scholz grapples with the morally compromising decision to use less motivated soldiers as cannon fodder, but justifies it by the need to protect the Pope, the people, and his family.
The narrative shifts to the battle at Femas, where Scholz faces Zakkhart, the commander of Rudek's Third Knight Division. Scholz's spear breaks, and he is forced to fight with his sword. Despite his efforts, he is ultimately defeated and killed by Zakkhart, his last thoughts on his family and Sakri's promise.
The aftermath of the Battle of Femas is devastating for Reflea. The Holy Knights are annihilated, and their headquarters are destroyed. However, Rudek's conciliatory policies, particularly their food aid, prevent widespread chaos. The people of Reflea are left to question who to thank: their corrupt leadership or their invaders.
Zakkhart, driven by respect for Scholz's valor, seeks out his family. He finds Scholz's wife, Olen, and their children, Rebecca and Junos. Zakkhart reveals he killed Scholz but offers to support the family until Junos reaches adulthood as a gesture of respect. Junos, however, vows to avenge his father and challenges Zakkhart, who then offers him a place as an apprentice in the Third Knight Division, promising to train him. Junos accepts, marking his first step towards becoming a formidable warrior.
Meanwhile, in Rudek, Zakkhart's son, Zanbard, is surprised by his father's decision to adopt a young girl named Lufa, who was rescued by the Tenth Knight Division after being attacked by bandits. Lufa quickly integrates into the Rodel family, charming Zanbard's children and even his stern father. She is revealed to be a "War Priestess" in the Tenth Knight Division, tasked with boosting soldier morale, a role that has seen a resurgence thanks to her and the recommendation of the experienced War Priestess Lapilia. Lufa's growing fame and potential connection to Prince Zeland of Rudek are noted.
The focus then shifts to a high-level discussion within Rudek regarding the timing of their invasion of Reflea. Prince Zeland, his father the King, and the strategist Roa debate whether to attack immediately or wait for Reflea to weaken further due to the famine. Roa argues for an immediate attack, emphasizing that prolonging the famine will breed resentment among Reflea's populace, potentially leading to internal strife and a negative perception of Rudek internationally. He also highlights Rudek's military advantages, including superior soldier strength and advanced weaponry. The discussion is complicated by the potential for increased Rudek casualties if they attack sooner.
The debate continues for three nights, with the King and Roa struggling to reach a decision. Nelphira, a key advisor, suggests bringing in two external parties: Cypha, a skilled diplomat, and Endaland, an Imperial envoy known for his pro-Rudek stance. The King agrees, recognizing the need for broader perspectives, especially concerning the Empire. Cypha expresses his displeasure at being woken, while Endaland appears somewhat inebriated. The chapter ends as the King begins to explain the situation to them, setting the stage for a critical decision.
