Chapters 3-12 of the light novel detail the final moments of the heroic knight Ortus and the subsequent introduction to the life of Seretina, a young noble girl with a surprising secret.
Chapter 3 opens with Ortus, a knight renowned for his heroism, gazing at a beautiful sunset, reflecting on the fleeting nature of beauty and his impending death. He faces a horde of over a million monsters, a "Stampede," a sight unprecedented in history.
In Chapter 4, Ortus rallies his army of over 200,000 soldiers of the Elugol Kingdom. He acknowledges the despair of their situation, admitting that even he, the hero, will likely perish. However, he inspires his troops by emphasizing their courage and the importance of defending their kingdom, urging them to fight with pride and conviction. His stirring speech ignites hope and courage throughout the army.
Chapter 5 depicts the brutal clash between Ortus's forces and the monster horde. Ortus fights valiantly, a singular force cutting down countless monsters, embodying the image of a thousand warriors in one. He is driven by a desire to protect the King, who once recognized and elevated him from his humble origins.
Chapter 6 describes the aftermath of the battle. Ortus, mortally wounded, looks up at a star-filled sky. He reflects on his life, his regrets, and his wish to have seen the King's first child, due to be born soon. He dies peacefully, having fulfilled his duty.
Chapter 7 states that the great war, known as "The Calamity of Elugol," was won thanks to the heroic efforts of Ortus and his 200,000 soldiers, who repelled the million-strong monster army. Ortus is remembered as a celebrated hero, with annual memorial services held for him and his fallen soldiers.
Chapter 8 shifts focus to Eluit, a young maid in the service of the prestigious Aldelight ducal family. It is autumn, and Eluit enjoys the season's bounty, though she is reminded of her duties. She navigates the vast Aldelight mansion, a place of immense grandeur and size. She finds happiness in her service, particularly due to the generous pay and the opportunity to serve the family.
Chapter 9 introduces Seretina, a young girl of the Aldelight family, whom Eluit admires. Seretina is described as ethereally beautiful, like a "moon spirit." Eluit struggles to find words to adequately praise her beauty.
Chapter 10 continues with Seretina, who, despite her delicate appearance, possesses a surprisingly strong will. She expresses dissatisfaction with her frail health and her confinement to bed. She observes her father, Balged, training her older brother, Yenis, in swordsmanship and expresses envy, wishing she could participate.
Chapter 11 delves into Seretina's inner thoughts. She is revealed to be Ortus, the hero from the previous chapters, reincarnated. He wished to serve the King again and was granted this wish, but in the body of a young girl. He struggles with his new, fragile female form and the societal expectations placed upon a noble daughter, which are antithetical to his desire to be a knight. He resolves to overcome these obstacles.
Chapter 12 sees Seretina, dressed in an elaborate red gown and jeweled tiara for her tenth birthday, feeling uncomfortable with the opulent attire, which clashes with her knightly aspirations. She expresses her dislike for the finery to Eluit, who praises her beauty. Seretina resigns herself to the celebration, seeing it as a step closer to marriage and further away from her dream. However, she resolves to declare her ambition to become a knight at the party.
The narrative then shifts to Seretina's tenth birthday party in Chapter 13. She is presented to her family: her father Balged, her mother Melia, and her brother Yenis. Balged expresses pride in her beauty, while Melia emphasizes the importance of her upbringing as a noble lady. Yenis playfully teases her about receiving gifts.
Chapter 14 marks a turning point. During the birthday feast, Balged offers Seretina any gift she desires. Seizing this opportunity, Seretina declares her wish to become a knight. This declaration shocks her family, particularly her mother, Melia, whose expression hardens.
Chapter 15 details the immediate aftermath of Seretina's confession. Balged laughs it off as a childish fantasy, while Yenis expresses doubt about her ability due to her frailty. Melia, however, reacts with cold fury, dismissing Seretina's dream as a "barbaric delusion" and reminding her of her duties as a noble daughter.
Chapter 16 escalates the conflict. Seretina, hurt by her mother's dismissal, defiantly declares her dream is not a delusion. The argument intensifies, leading to Seretina overturning her chair. Melia, enraged, slaps Seretina. This act deeply shocks both Melia and Seretina, as Melia had never resorted to physical punishment before. Seretina, devastated, flees the room in tears.
Chapter 17 shifts to Ortus's past as an orphan. He recounts his harsh childhood, his brief hope at an orphanage, and the subsequent disillusionment and anger he felt due to the cruelty and corruption within. He witnessed the happiness of a wealthy family and realized the depth of his own misfortune.
Chapter 18 returns to Seretina, overwhelmed by grief and the physical pain of being struck by her mother. She retreats to her room, weeping uncontrollably.
Chapter 19 describes Yenis visiting Seretina in her room. He expresses admiration for her courage in confronting their mother and admits he was wrong to underestimate her. He confirms her desire to become a knight and, surprisingly, offers to take her on an adventure the next day.
Chapter 20 details Seretina and Yenis meeting in the courtyard at dawn. Yenis has prepared supplies for a boar hunt. Seretina is hesitant, recognizing the danger, but Yenis is determined to prove themselves and earn their parents' approval. Seretina, realizing her current inaction is leading nowhere, contemplates the risky proposal as a potential way to break free from her current circumstances. The chapter ends with them departing in a covered wagon.
