Chapters 3 through 12 of the light novel detail significant political shifts, personal developments, and the emergence of new threats. The narrative begins with Ritter, a knight in charge of the city of Sarel, discussing urgent matters with his trusted soldier captain, Juron. They confirm a growing rumor about peace talks between their nation and Solal, fueled by the recent joint military exercise. This is further corroborated by the news of Duke Baxwal's imprisonment and the downfall of several military nobles, indicating a move towards military reduction. Juron expresses concern about the potential surplus of soldiers if peace is achieved, estimating half of his territory's soldiers could become redundant, posing a significant challenge for employment and stability. Sederuf, a noble overseeing the region, is tasked with finding solutions, including potentially disbanding local vigilante groups and gathering information on soldiers willing to resign. He also decides to formally appoint Juron as his aide, offering him a position within his household.
The story then shifts to Sederuf's personal life when he is unexpectedly visited by Rita Zallard-Rita, a mysterious and formidable woman from his past. Rita reveals she is visiting to see Sylvia, Sederuf's wife, who is currently away due to her pregnancy. Rita, now the Deputy Director of the Royal Capital Intelligence Department, hints at her involvement in the recent political upheavals and expresses her intention to travel and observe Solal and Lemnos. She delivers a crucial piece of advice: war will end, and Sederuf's territory will face a soldier surplus. Rita proposes transforming Sarel into a southern trade city, leveraging its strategic location for trade with Solal and Lemnos. She offers to contact Foret, implied to be a high-ranking figure, to facilitate this plan, much to Sederuf's astonishment.
Meanwhile, Sederuf's son, Deiride = Kvi = Sederuf, is introduced. He is a shy student at the Oran Knight Military Academy, deeply in love with Sylvia's family friend, Sylvia Hanes. Deiride struggles with his courage to confess his feelings, especially after learning Sylvia might attend the academy, which he views as a place for noble matchmaking. He attends the academy hoping to get closer to her, but finds it more serious than expected. The academy is preparing for its final ball, a last chance for Deiride to invite Sylvia. He encounters Rita again, who, despite her abrasive personality, agrees to help him win Sylvia's affection by fulfilling the Hanes family's peculiar condition: stealing a pendant from Sylvia. This leads to a daring, albeit comical, nighttime infiltration of Sylvia's residence, orchestrated by Rita. To Deiride's surprise, Sylvia is waiting for them, revealing she was aware of their plan and that Rita had informed her. The chapter ends with Deiride finally able to confess his feelings to Sylvia, holding her pendant.
The narrative then expands to include a group of four friends: Deiride, Sylvia, Rita, and Kaper = Revol, the son of a merchant. They gather in a secret room within the academy, which Revol has made comfortable. Their conversation turns to a disturbing rumor of vampires in the Rampard territory, where travelers and merchants are being found drained of blood and hung in the lord's manor. Revol reveals a connection to the notorious bandit group La Ga'dea, who are rumored to be extorting the Rampard lord. Rita, showing unusual interest, decides to investigate, and despite initial reluctance, the others join her. They travel to Sutea, a town in Rampard territory, where they learn from the stable master that the vampire incidents are real and that the military is aware. After securing lodging, Rita slips out at night, followed by Deiride, Sylvia, and Revol. They infiltrate the lord's manor, discovering the lord, Driesden = Rampard = Gila, and his staff imprisoned in the basement. The lord confesses his son, Shilet, a deserter, staged the vampire attacks to cover up his own crimes and extort money, framing La Ga'dea. The group decides to report this to the military, but Rita splits off to investigate the annex, where Shilet and his accomplices are believed to be.
The story then shifts to Rita's past. She recalls her early life as a war orphan, sold into slavery. She was bought by Diara, the leader of La Ga'dea, a group that primarily operated as bandits targeting nobles. Rita, initially indifferent to her fate, was trained by Lexon, a former scout, and eventually became a valuable member of La Ga'dea. Their life together ends when their hideout is discovered, and Diara orders Rita to escape and lie low for two years.
The narrative then jumps to a military fort where Major Lulou, a hot-tempered soldier, is dealing with the aftermath of a battle lost due to a reckless knight's actions. She encounters Rita, who has been assigned to the fort. Despite their initial animosity, they are forced to cooperate when an enemy attack is detected. Rita, displaying exceptional combat skills and a mysterious ability to move unseen, single-handedly disrupts the enemy's advance, forcing their commander to retreat. This encounter marks the beginning of their reputation as a formidable duo.
Later, Rita visits the Oran Knight Military Academy, where she is a teacher, though rarely present. She attends the graduation of Norris, Lux's sister and her roommate. She also interacts with other characters, including Lux, Sonia, and members of the legendary newspaper club. The story then shifts to a more personal level, revealing that Rita has a significant role in the lives of many characters, acting as a protector and confidante.
Finally, the narrative returns to the Rampard territory, where the bandit group La Ga'dea is revealed to have been eliminated due to internal conflict, with Shilet among the casualties. The vampire threat is resolved, and the characters reflect on the events. The story concludes with a glimpse into Rita's past, detailing her life as a slave and her eventual recruitment into La Ga'dea, highlighting her resilience and unique abilities. The final scene shows Rita observing the graduation ceremony, a testament to her complex and influential role in the lives of those around her.
