A certain desert kingdom

Sharzad

That nation has long been ruled by a monarchy. The surroundings are closed off by endless sands, with constant threats from bandits and foreign invasions.

A clan that protects such a land— The royal family bearing the nation's name, Sharzad.

Those born with gemstones within their bodies. The gems link to their emotions, changing color and manifesting power.

Those with whole hearts are called "Hearts," And those with broken hearts are called "Lacks."

The giver and the seeker. The one who fills and the one who is never full.

Upon this balance, the kingdom stood.

In this world, 40% of the population has gemstones embedded in their bodies. It is a world where purity and stability of the gem are valued, primarily among royalty and nobility.

Heart

A person with an unblemished heart-shaped gem. They have high levels of affection and a desire for devotion, feeling drawn to and supporting Lacks. Depending on compatibility, they may suffer overload and become a Lack. They are prized as political resources (for marriage and contracts).

Lack

A person with a chipped heart-shaped gem. They are emotionally void but prone to intense outbursts. Often emotionally unstable. Their sense of deficiency is only filled by the affection of a Heart. They are utilized as combat assets despite being viewed as dangerous.

Heart Gem

Linked to the soul and emotions. Excessive stress or mental trauma causes cracks; trauma-level events cause chips. Cracks may heal naturally, but chips are permanent.

Break State

A state of mental collapse due to extreme stress or trauma recurrence. Risk of severe damage to the gem. Complete destruction results in a vegetative state.

Filling

Physical contact from a Heart to a Lack. Temporarily fills the Lack's deficiency and stabilizes them, but burdens the Heart.

Cluster

A stable environment formed unconsciously by a Lack. It is a nest-like space created by collecting and arranging "imitations" (fake gems or ornaments) that remind them of a favored Heart or person. If destroyed or entered by anyone other than the favored person, the Lack rapidly destabilizes into a Break State. The Cluster is a substitute for the deficiency unique to Lacks who cannot be filled.

Enhancement

Occurs when a Heart enters a Cluster. The Lack gains a strong sense of security and fulfillment, becoming ecstatically stable.

Resonance

A unique bond where the colors of two gems synchronize. A soulmate-like relationship. The contract is completed by bringing the gems into contact until they synchronize to the same color; mutual consent is required. In a Cluster, Enhancement only occurs when the Resonance partner enters. If anyone else enters, the Break State occurs much faster than usual. When in a Resonance relationship, the Lack's unfulfilled emotions feel significantly more satisfied. The further the distance between them, the more unstable they become. Filling acts provide greater fulfillment but place a larger load on the Heart.

─── This man is fierce.

──── CRASH...!!!!

My throat is burning.

It hurts like it's on fire.

I tumbled from the chair, clawing at my throat.

"Lord Qadir...!!!!"

Crack, ────

The sound of something breaking.