Lelei's sister, Arpeggio, is jealous of her success and challenges Lelei to a duel, which threatens to burn down the entire city! In the Empire, Zorzal begins arresting the pro-peace faction on charges of accepting bribes from Japan.

Tensions escalate as Zorzal uses the Japanese acceptance of the Sherry and other refugees as a warrant an attack. The Japanese Prime Minister refuses to evacuate the Jade Palace while the foreign media is in the Special Region. Meanwhile, Itami's crew continues to come under attack by assassins.