Summary (Spoilers ahead!)

With victory in the Wetland Abyss in sight, the Army hosts an event in its halls for the First Division, its soldiers and their families - a farewell party before deployment.

Commander Lynerius endures his father's attempts to make him accept a last-minute breeding contract - continuing a recent strategy of sending the girls of interested clans to talk privately with him, a strategy that only leads to many hurt feelings and even tears.

Imerus catches a glimpse of the Commander slipping away and is elated, heart fluttering at the chance to be by his beloved's side. He waves Lynerius over and the two chat. Lynerius opens up to Imerus about the inconvenience he's been put through - something he would, notably, not have done to most others. Imerus offers his sympathies, and leads Lynerius out to a balcony where they can have some privacy and room to breathe.

Imerus takes this chance to sit close by his Commander, catching the him off guard by coiling his tail around Lynerius’ forepaw as a means of hugging and flirting. While Lynerius frequently dismisses the idea that Imerus is interested in him, he finds himself in a situation where this is impossible.

Imerus wants to confess his love, his desire to bring happiness and contentment into the lonely Commander's life. Lynerius, however, goes down a path of dread at this. While the idea of casual sex does not bother him, he is highly averse to the idea of romance, and he doesn't want to risk hurting and losing Imerus.

Before Imerus can get the words out, they are interrupted by General Tordner, who is alarmed at what he sees. He separates them, and Lynerius seems more than willing to leave the situation, even missing his father's threatening glares towards Imerus. 

Imerus laments the missed opportunity, asking himself why he even thought it would go well.

Tordner, believing Imerus to be chasing riches, warns Lynerius against pursuing anything with him. Lynerius is angered by the way his Lieutenant is spoken of, and indirectly accuses his father of being upset only because Imerus is male - someone incapable of giving Lynerius the heirs that Tordner wants.