Harvey Shawn, long believed to be weak despite guarding the Demon Cave for ten years, decides to leave his post and return to the capital. As he travels back, news arrives that the seal protecting the land is breaking faster than expected. The new empress, skeptical of Harvey's decade of sacrifice, faces pressure from Harriet Cooper, who accuses him of murder and demands revenge. Despite warnings that demons still lurk, the empress orders Harvey's entire escort to be publicly scrutinized to expose his true nature. Meanwhile, Harvey plans to pay respects to the late empress and find a mysterious young girl, setting the stage for conflict on his return.