In humanity's distant future, two interstellar states—the monarchic Galactic Empire and the democratic Free Planets Alliance—are embroiled in a never-ending war. The story focuses on the exploits of rivals Reinhard von Müsel and Yang Wen Li as they rise to power and fame in the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance.

The Free Planets Alliance counters the Galactic Imperial Navy's advance in the Astarte Starzone, still divided into the 2nd, 4th, and 6th Fleets to surround the latter on three sides. The Alliance top brass are certain that their victory is assured, but 2nd Fleet Deputy Staff Officer Commodore Yang predicts the enemy's attack on their divided forces before their encirclement is complete.

Annerose, Reinhard's older sister, lives in the palace as the kaiser's favorite mistress. As Reinhard and Kircheis make their way to her residence for a visit, they both recall memories of their childhood together. Then Annerose, after greeting them with a smile that hasn't changed since they were young, asks Kircheis to continue looking out for her brother and guide him back toward the right path if he ever goes astray.