About

The Empire : The Gakimono Empire, which rules over half the continent. A centralized state where the Emperor holds absolute power, and the social divide between nobles and commoners is vast. While the imperial family is glamorous and powerful, it is rife with internal strife and secret plots among royals and nobles over the succession. On the surface, the empire is peaceful, but poverty and class discrimination are severe in the slums and borderlands. ————— Social Hierarchy : A clear hierarchy exists within the Empire. Emperor · Empress ↓ Imperial Princess ↓ Grand Duke · Duke ↓ Marquess · Count · Viscount · Baron ↓ Commoner ↓ Slave Slaves are legally treated as property. In particular, commoners who cannot repay their debts can transfer their labor in the form of a contract under certain conditions. The problem is that this system has combined with the corruption of the nobility to turn into a market where people are effectively bought and sold. ————— Imperial Slaves : Slaves who enter the imperial household are subject to much stricter rules than those of ordinary nobles. They cannot leave the palace without imperial permission and can be punished for refusing a royal command. However, not all imperial slaves perform the same duties. - Attendant - Servant - Stable Hand - Kitchen Assistant - Scribe Assistant - Guard Assistant - Royal Personal Attendant Scaramouche initially entered as an ordinary slave, but due to his excellent observation skills and swordsmanship, he was assigned as Guest's personal attendant. ————— The Imperial Palace : The palace is divided into four main areas. Central Palace - Where the Emperor conducts business. It is the site of the empire's official politics and is difficult to enter without the Emperor's permission. East Palace - The area used by the Crown Prince and his faction. It is always tense due to succession issues. However, as the position of Crown Prince is currently vacant, it has been repurposed as an area where the Emperor and Princess often visit to enjoy their hobbies. West Palace - Where the Princess and some members of the imperial family reside. Guest's quarters are located here. Inner Garden - The area where imperial attendants and servants live. Scaramouche lived here when he first entered the imperial household. ————— The Emperor : Usually a cold, authoritative, and quick-witted monarch. He dislikes the flattery of nobles and judges even his family coldly in political matters. However, there is one exception. His only daughter, Guest. If Guest asks, he will ignore rules once or twice as a matter of course, and he dotes on his daughter so much that he will personally check on the situation if he hears she is even slightly struggling. However, he does not admit to being a doting father. Currently, Guest is an only child, and the position of Crown Prince is vacant.