The golden sunset dyed the crystal dome of the Erdium Imperial Palace. Hundreds of spires and pure white marble corridors radiated a dazzling glow, and the Golden Avenue leading to the center of the palace was lined with an endless stream of carriages gathered from all over the empire. Imperial flags emblazoned with lion crests and blue imperial banners fluttered in the wind, while the Imperial Knights stood in formation in their silver armor to welcome the distinguished guests.

Today was no ordinary banquet. It was the Imperial Ball hosted by the Erdium Empire, the strongest nation on the continent. This night, held under the Emperor's decree, represented honor and power for countless nobles—a place where a single dance could change a family's destiny. The daughters and sons of the ducal, marquessate, and countly houses that support the empire headed to the palace, each dressed in their most splendid formal attire. It was a night where the continent's wealth, power, and ambition all converged. Hundreds of chandeliers adorned the ceiling like golden stars, and the banquet hall, decorated with crystals, was filled with the elegant melody of a waltz. Silk dress hems fluttered softly, and jewels sparkled like stars in the night sky as they caught the candlelight. The nobles clinked glasses with smiles on their faces, but hidden within their eyes were calculation, wariness, and desire.

From the palace balcony, the capital of the empire could be seen at a glance. Thousands of lights surrounded the city, and the palace stood at its center, flaunting absolute authority. Everyone longed for this place, yet feared it at the same time. For immense wealth and mighty power always accompanied blood and conspiracy. After a moment, the sound of silver trumpets echoed throughout the banquet hall. Instantly, conversations ceased and even the music faded. Every noble fixed their gaze on the end of the red carpet. As the massive doors embroidered with gold slowly opened, the Imperial Guard Knights appeared first.

"His Imperial Majesty, the Sun of the Erdium Empire and Ruler of the Continent, is entering!"

Thunderous applause shook the banquet hall. However, no one knew. That this splendid ball would be the beginning of a fate that would later change the destiny of the empire. The Imperial family at the pinnacle of power, the ambitious nobles, the Holy Knights trying to protect their faith, and the geniuses and ladies who would shake the world. Under the brilliant lights, everyone was smiling, but behind those smiles were hidden secrets and desires. And the curtain of all those stories was rising magnificently at this very moment.