Souma resumes control of Van in the wake of Prince Julius's renewed tyranny, and the shifting political landscape initiates an eye-opening talk between Souma and Empress Maria of the Gran Chaos Empire. Afterward, he returns his attention to the domestic front. Countless refugees have been displaced by the Demon Lord's Domain and taken up in his lands. With no easy solution in sight, Souma arranges a meeting with their leader and proposes an ultimatum.