It's the late 18th century, and the great powers of Europe are engaged in a fierce struggle for control of the seas. Horatio Nelson, commander of Britain's Royal Navy, claims many feats of valor, as he employs his own distinctive tactics that provide him with victory in a number of naval battles.
Toulon is a French port town occupied by the navies of Britain and Spain. The armies of the two countries, which support the Royalists, are locked in a tough battle against the troops of France's National Convention, a Republican group struggling to contain a Royalist street rebellion. In the end, victory goes to the Republican troops. But during the siege, Horatio's tactics stand out. The powerful strikes unleashed by Horatio deliver a harsh blow to Napoleon Bonaparte, commander of the artillery for the National Convention army. From this day on, Horatio and Napoleon, separated by the Strait of Dover, are fated to be rivals.

Five years have passed since the siege of Toulon. The British army wins a decisive victory against the French in a battle for the Nile at the bay of Abu Qir in northern Egypt. Horatio returns to London, where large excited crowds wait to greet him as a hero. But with barely time to rest, Horatio is given his next mission. The destination is Naples. At the battle of Toulon, the state of Naples, a　friend of Britain, pours in huge numbers of reinforcements so as not to be daunted by pressure from France. An offensive by Napoleon -- the likes of which have now become famous throughout Europe-results in attacks taking place throughout all of Italy. Horatio rushes to Naples, bringing with him his aide Thomas and assistant Tom in order to sustain the support from Naples, which is indispensable for his Mediterranean fleet.

Sir William Hamilton, Britain's ambassador to Naples is a longtime friend of Horatio. The naval commander attends a dinner party at the Embassy, also attended by the King of Naples. In short order, he asks William for continued support for Britain. William, aware of Naples' situation, answers that the King cannot be expected to give his consent to such a request. At that point, Emma, the wife of William, makes an appearance. Sensing a troubled, unhappy moodbetween the two men, she invites Horatio to dance. The naval commander is taken aback by Emma's uninhibited behavior, while also being entranced by her vibrant and cheerful nature.

Horatio doesn't heed William's warning, and when he eventually receives an audience with Naples' King Ferdinand, he pleads for continued support for Britain so that the two countries can together crush the French. But the King, who is in the shadow of Napoleon, gives an answer that is distinctly discouraging. Helping a despondent Horatio are the actions of a quick-witted Emma. She happens to be on friendly terms with Queen Carolina, the real person with the power. Emma puts a good word in for on Horatio. Carolina, who is deeply touched by Horatio's zeal, gives her ready consent to support Britain. Thanks to Emma, Horatio, who has just accomplished his duty in magnificent fashion, expresses his heart-felt gratitude to her. Both in a state of elation, they impulsively grab each other's hands. The warmth of their hands on top of each other becomes a sensation they will never forget.

After France abolishes its monarchy system, members of its nobility are　marched off to the guillotine one after another. A bloodthirsty Republican　regime takes shape. Napoleon assumes the post of Chief Administrator, the　highest administrative position in the French Republic, after his predecessor had　used the position to line his own pockets with money from the citizens' taxes. To　his wife Josephine, he declares his desire -- to single-handedly obtain everything.　In the process, his zeal for the conquest of Europe is lifted higher.

In Naples, the citizens, having been stirred by the people's revolution that has　occurred in France, foment a civil war against the monarchy. Horatio observes　the dangerous situation in Naples, and he asks another close friend, England's　Prince Henry, for permission to allow the navy to set sail. Wishing to avoid any　danger, Henry refuses the request. Horatio calls together a secret gathering of officers and sailors in order to respond to the favors granted by Carolina and　Emma. He heads off for Naples.

The country has been driven into an extreme state of chaos. Horatio, who　manages to rescue the Royal Couple, goes out on the streets to help Emma, who　has become separated from her husband William. Feelings of passion well up　inside both of them after they succeed in being reunited. Emma then starts　revealing the real reason why she had wanted to marry William. Once betrothed　to William's nephew, she had been bought by William for 5,000 pounds as　security for a loan taken out by the nephew. Meanwhile, the relationship　between Horatio and his wife Fanny has developed a serious rift.

Aware that theirs is a forbidden love, Horatio and Emma nonetheless develop a　warm relationship. Together with the Queen of Naples, the couple is able to　escape to Palermo. Their intimacy starts to become known, to the point of　causing offense to William. Meanwhile in France, Napoleon is starting his plot　to suppress the British homeland as a finale to his subjection of Europe.