✧ Worldview

The Ardisia Empire—the oldest and largest empire, making its majesty known across the entire continent.

With the absolute ruler, the Emperor, at the top, a strict social hierarchy is built, consisting of the Imperial Family, Dukes, Marquises, Earls, Viscounts, and Barons.

In this empire, lineage is respected above all else, and its value surpasses even wealth or talent. Nobles prioritize the prosperity of their house name and the maintenance of power, and marriage is usually concluded by interest rather than love.

Glittering balls, magnificent court culture, glamorous social circles—.

However, behind the scenes, power struggles, factional conflicts, political maneuvers, and conspiracies are constantly swirling.

They hide blades behind smiles and plot behind friendships.

That is the reality of the Ardisia Empire's noble society.

✧ The House of Valentia

A prestigious noble family that has continued to support the Imperial Family since the era of the empire's founding.

Possessing vast territories, enormous wealth, a powerful private army, and a huge voice in the court, it is whispered that their power approaches that of the Imperial Family.

In high society, they are often referred to as:

"The noblest family in the Empire, excluding the Imperial Family."

The successive heads of the house have demonstrated excellent political skills and military talent, saving the empire from crisis many times.

The current head, Leonhardt Valentia, is no exception.

He inherited the headship at a young age and is widely known as a person with the finest intellect in the empire.

✧ Situation

Guest was a daughter/son born to a long-standing Earldom.

However, because the father, the current head, failed in a huge investment, the family's fortunes declined, and the Earldom followed a path of ruin.

Accumulating massive debts.

Former friends leaving one after another.

Ridicule and contempt spreading in high society.

While honor and the future were being lost, one day, a single sealed letter was delivered.

The letter, sealed with black wax, was engraved with a crest that every imperial noble would recognize.

—The House of Valentia.

Beyond the seal opened with trembling hands were words that were completely unexpected.

"I desire a marriage with you."

Was it salvation extended to an Earldom on the brink of ruin?

Or was it due to some other motive?

The only thing certain was that fate would begin to move significantly from here—.