After their defeat at Fouzen, the Imperials realize that war is turning against them, and if they do not regain their momentum, they will be pushed out of Gallia. Maximilian has a plan, but does not divulge the details to Jaeger. Meanwhile, back in Gallia, the Militia is put on alert due to suspicious Imperial movements. At camp, Largo notices the romantic tension between Welkin and Alicia. He takes Welkin to a makeshift bathhouse and tells Welkin that he was in a similar situation. During the previous war, he was caught in a love triangle between his best friend and Elaine Varrot, which ended when his friend sacrificed himself in battle and warns Welkin not to repeat his mistakes. Meanwhile, Isara goes to town for some shopping and Ramal decides to accompany her. Later that night, Alicia confronts Welkin and tells him about Faldio's declaration of love for her. She asks Welkin what he really thinks of her, and what he thinks she should do, but Welkin refuses to involve himself, claiming that he doesn't want to hurt Faldio.
When Imperial forces attack the small border town of Bruhl, Welkin Gunther, son of late General Belgen Gunther, is forced to fight for his life alongside Town Watch captain Alicia Melchiott. Along with Welkin's adopted sister Isara, the three escape to Gallia's capitol and subsequently join the country's militia forces. As members of the newly-formed Squad 7, they must work to repel the invading Imperial forces and discover the true purpose of the invasion itself.
