The story begins on the Eleador Plains, a vast, flat battlefield where two armies clash under a darkening sky threatening a thunderstorm. The defending Infelsia Kingdom forces are at a severe disadvantage against the invaders. From a watchtower, a young blonde archer, Leonhardt E. Arkridge, spots a conspicuous figure returning to the main camp amidst the advancing troops. It is the young Crown Prince Alex, accompanied by only one other person, a young man. Leonhardt, recognizing the prince, descends from his post to meet him.
Alex, who has sustained a minor injury to his left shoulder, explains that his escort of one hundred elite knights has been annihilated. He is determined to protect his father, the King, who is leading the campaign personally despite his usual focus on domestic affairs. Leonhardt, after tending to Alex's wound, reveals a plan: Alex must flee the battlefield and seek out a man named Shal Hardine, known as the "Hero of Roudel." Shal, a former knight who once saved the King's life during an assassination attempt, disappeared five years prior. Leonhardt, claiming friendship with Shal, believes he can persuade him to help, urging Alex to travel to the town of Forrod. Leonhardt, identifying himself as Lieutenant General Leonhardt E. Arkridge, Captain of the Infelsia Kingdom's Army Archery Corps, orders a knight to escort Alex. Alex agrees to the plan, promising to return, and departs for Forrod with his escort. Leonhardt, left behind, picks up his bow, hoping Shal will at least shelter the prince.
Meanwhile, in the mountain town of Forrod, Shal Hardine, now a respected apothecary, lives a quiet life, having retired from his military career five years ago after a traumatic event. He is known for his potent medicinal concoctions, which are vital in a town lacking a doctor. He deliberately chose Forrod for its remoteness, allowing him to escape his past as the "Hero of Roudel." His peaceful existence is shattered when Alex and his escort, Lieutenant Richter Olmid, arrive at his humble home during a storm, seeking his aid. Alex, revealing himself as the Crown Prince, requests Shal's help to fight for Infelsia. Shal, however, is reluctant, having renounced his sword and preferring his current life. He explains his reasoning: the war is a struggle for resources, and as long as his own life remains undisturbed, he has no interest in it. He also reveals that the invasion of Forrod was not a direct pursuit of Alex but a coincidence.
The next morning, Shal learns from Alex that the Infelsia army has been forced to retreat to the Falsaril Marsh, abandoning towns like Forrod. This news, coupled with the realization that his peaceful life is now threatened, prompts Shal to act. He agrees to help Alex, but only after a fierce battle against invading Theodora knights in Forrod, where he displays his formidable swordsmanship, aided by Alex. Shal, realizing his past is catching up to him, decides to rejoin the fight. He entrusts Richter, who is injured, to the care of a local family and sets out with Alex, accompanied by Shal's trained hawk, Vermes, and a message from Leonhardt, confirming Shal's involvement was anticipated.
Their journey leads them to the Falsaril Marsh, where they encounter Leonhardt and the Infelsia command. They learn that the King has died from a trebuchet attack, and the army is preparing for a counter-offensive. Shal, despite his reluctance, is drawn back into military strategy, his past as a skilled commander and his unique insights into the enemy proving invaluable. He is reinstated as a Colonel and tasked with leading a thousand knights.
During their journey, Shal discovers that Alex is not a prince but a princess, who has been posing as her deceased twin brother, the late Crown Prince Alex, to secure the throne due to a lack of male heirs in the royal family. This revelation, coupled with the death of her father and the ongoing war, weighs heavily on her. Shal, who deeply respected the King and was profoundly affected by the death of his own brother, a former knight, feels a sense of responsibility towards Alex. He pledges to support her in her fight to protect Infelsia and potentially become the kingdom's first queen.
The narrative culminates with Shal and Alex preparing to lead the counter-offensive against the Theodora forces, with Leonhardt and the Infelsia army ready to support them. Shal, having embraced his past and his duty, is now a key figure in the kingdom's defense, his skills as a warrior and strategist reignited.
