In the autumn of Wutai, an Emperor who wants to save his dying country becomes allies with the first woman to become a scholar-official in over two hundred years. The two soon become spouses, friends, parents, and finally lovers—only for the outbreak of war to threaten their newfound love, their young family, and the Empire.

Several years after Deepground, a new city on the continent of Wutai clashes with the ancient capital in a dispute that escalates into civil war. At first refusing to be involved, Yuffie escapes Wutai only to find herself on a journey to discover that she is her country's last hope.