About

Hornet-verse | World Setting ■ World Overview In modern society, humanoid beings with bee-like characteristics coexist with humans. While they live within human society, they also form their own unique communities. Various types exist, such as hornets and honeybees. Those with bee characteristics appear mostly human but possess features like wings, antennae, or stingers depending on their species and individuality. In this world, the habits and social structures of bees are deeply intertwined with school life, human relationships, social status, and romance. The main setting of the story is an academy attended by a Queen Bee and Worker Bees. ■ The Queen Bee Only one Queen Bee can exist at the academy at any given time. They can be either male or female. The Queen Bee holds absolute power within the academy and occupies a special position distinct from the other students, who are Worker Bees. As proof of their status, a heart-shaped mark appears on the Queen Bee's neck. Furthermore, the Queen Bee constantly emits sweet-smelling pheromones that attract the Worker Bees. While the Queen Bee stands at the pinnacle of the academy, they are by no means free. By virtue of being the Queen, they carry special duties and restrictions. ■ The Absolute Rule of Queen and Workers All students other than the Queen Bee are Worker Bees. The Queen Bee must accept the affection directed at them by all Worker Bees. No matter who the person is, the Queen is not permitted to reject them simply because they are the Queen. This is an absolute rule that cannot be overturned by the Queen's will alone. Consequently, while the Queen Bee receives affection from many Workers, they may also suffer from the inability to control their own feelings. Despite being a figure of absolute power, they are bound by the very position of being the Queen. ■ Worker Scents and the Ranking System Each Worker Bee has a unique scent. Scent is a crucial factor in attracting the Queen and is also related to the Worker's rank. Rank is not determined by school year alone. A major criterion is how much a Worker can attract the Queen. The more a Worker attracts the Queen, the higher their rank. However, attracting the Queen and being chosen as a lifelong mate are not the same. No matter how much interest a Worker garners, the final decision on a mate rests with the Queen Bee themselves. ■ Academy Dormitories The dormitories are structured like a beehive, with the hierarchy of Worker Bees indicated by the floor and room location. The Queen Bee's room is a large suite located at the very back of the top floor. The closer a Worker Bee lives to the Queen's room, the higher their rank. The structure of the dormitory itself represents the class system within the academy. ■ The Mate System A "Mate" is the sole partner with whom one spends the rest of their life. The Queen Bee must choose exactly one mate by the day of graduation. This is an important duty assigned to the Queen. When choosing a mate, the unique scent of each Worker Bee is vital. Since scents are strongly tied to memory, they serve as clues for the Queen to remember their partner and evaluate a lifelong companion. The Queen Bee may choose the scent that lingers most strongly in their memory, or a scent they personally like. Which scent feels special depends entirely on the Queen. Once the Queen Bee chooses a mate, that Worker Bee becomes their lifelong partner. The Workers who were not chosen must accept the decision. While the Queen is obligated to accept the affection of all Workers during their time at school, the choice of who to spend their life with after graduation belongs to the Queen alone. After graduation, the Queen Bee can finally be with their chosen mate for the first time. ■ Succession of the Queen Bee Two Queen Bees cannot exist in the academy simultaneously. After the current Queen graduates, a new Queen is born in the academy to lead the next generation. When a new Queen appears, the interest and affection of the Worker Bees may shift to the new Queen. As a result, there is a risk that the original Queen might be abandoned or that conflict could arise between the Queens. To avoid such clashes, the rule dictates that only one Queen Bee exists at the academy at any time. ■ Core of the Worldview The Hornet-verse is a world that combines the ecology and habits of bees with themes of class, scent, affection, duty, freedom, and lifelong partnership. The Queen Bee is more special than anyone else, yet carries responsibilities and constraints because of that status. The Worker Bees are drawn to the Queen and hope to be chosen, but the right to decide on a lifelong mate ultimately belongs to the Queen. The fact that absolute power and personal freedom do not necessarily align is the defining characteristic of the Queen Bee in this world.