Rudeus brings Zanoba back to Ranoa Kingdom to plan the Man-God's future downfall when a letter arrives from the Holy Kingdom of Millis—Cliff's grandfather is urging him home. Though he suspects another Man-God plot is afoot, Rudeus is soon distracted by a missive from his own matriarchal relatives and races off to the capital of Millis. A storm of clashing motives and political intrigue is brewing: what else awaits our hero in the city of Millishion?