The first side story from last week was from Brigitte’s perspective. We saw how Illgner received message of an impending invasion and how they increased their defenses. Upon inspecting an anomaly in the mountainous terrain, Brigitte and the knights of Illgner discover people dressed in Ahrensbach capes using black weapons and chalices to drain the land of mana. They decide to retreat and send ordonnanzes requesting aid from the Ehrenfest knight’s order. Bonifatius replies that they will teleport reinforcements to Illgner and then they arrive shortly after. They share intelligence and plan to retrieve the chalices containing their province’s mana. Bonifatius topples trees onto enemy forces in a landslide preventing their retreat. The remaining enemy forces scatter and Bonifatius is forced to assist to Griebel the next day. Brigitte receives report of suspicious individuals boarding a vessel to Ehrenfest. She attempts to contact Rozemyne, Cornelius, and Angelica only to have her ordonnanz fail to take flight. She is able to send message to Damuel who informs her that the others are in Ahrensbach. Brigitte resolves to devote her all to protect her home.

The other side story was from Philine’s point of view. She attends a meeting with her fellow retainers who stayed in Ehrenfest where they discuss the current state of the invasion as well as the preparations for the temple, Gutenbergs, and Rozemyne’s seamstresses. Later Philine receives an ordonnanz from Damuel stating they believe Georgine’s group would soon arrive at Ehrenfest’s dock and that she should begin evacuation. The evacuation proceeds as they had practiced, securing the orphanage, informing the guards, and activating the shumils. After checking the blue priests and shrine maidens preparations, she closes the door the noble section. She and Roderick activate a barrier magic tool—created by Rozemyne—securing the High Bishop’s chambers. Judithe sends word that people in silver cloth have been spotted. They then pray for everyone’s safety.

This week will conclude volume 8. What other characters would you like to follow in this week’s short stories?