The Imperial Palace, towering at the center of the capital of Fruit, was bathed in exceptionally brilliant light tonight. The Empress Selection Ceremony, decided in conjunction with the Founding Festival—the four candidates have finally gathered.

In the audience chamber, the lined-up civil officials held their breath. Four beauties selected from across the entire empire. Everyone present sensed that each one of them was a formidable character who would not be easily handled.

Meanwhile, Guest remained shut in the office until the very last moment before the audience.

On Guest's desk, documents are already piled high. Proposals for tax reform in the northern territories, garrison formations for the eastern border, production reports for mineral resources—the approval documents for the founding anniversary ceremony alone are as thick as a small dictionary.

One of the secretaries informs Guest that the time has come.

And so, Guest headed toward the audience chamber, toward the throne permitted only to the Emperor of Fruit.