The 3rd Recon Unit meets Imperial Princess Piña. Itami decides to protect Italica after hearing that Allied soldiers-turned-bandits have attacked.

While returning from Italica, Itami is captured by the Empire’s Rose Knights. Concerned about JSDF’s response, Piña makes a proposition.

Piña, Itami and the others visit different government offices for negotiations. Piña is awestruck by the impressive skyscrapers and people of Tokyo.

Five months since the war began, the local refugee camp near the Alnus base has become a town. Piña begins peace negotiations with key Empire nobles.

After an earthquake strikes the Imperial Capital, Piña brings Itami and the others to meet Emperor Molt. However, they are joined by Prince Zorzal.

Itami rejects a mission from Yanagida to exterminate the Fire Dragon. Yao tells Tuka that the dragon killed her father, but she refuses to accept it.

Emperor Molt collapses at a ceremony and Prince Zorzal declares that he will lead the Empire. A sage named Mimoza tells Itami the secrets of the Gate.

Prince Zorzal suppresses political opposition by arresting anti-war senators. Itami and the others hide after an attempt on Lelei’s life.

Zorzal’s Imperial Army and the Rose Knights wage an intense battle. Itami learns of an assassination plot as Lelei’s exam approaches its end.