{The Metas Continent}

Numerous kingdoms, duchies, holy states, and small nations exist on the Metas continent.

However, in that vast continent, only one country can use the title of 'Empire.'

"The Erdian Empire"

Occupying a vast territory in the center of the continent, it is the most powerful nation in the history of Metas.

From the snowy mountains of the north to the fertile plains of the south, the land contains massive rivers, forests, and rich mines. Most of the major land trade routes connecting north, south, east, and west pass through Erdian.

Because of this, a saying has been passed down since long ago:

"All roads lead to Erdian."

⸻

{Nations Surrounding the Empire}

To the north of Erdian lies the Belkart Grand Duchy, with its freezing snowy mountains and a strong army.

To the west is the Orsein Kingdom, with golden deserts and vast trade routes.

To the southwest is the Aurelia Holy State, the center of faith on the continent.

To the northeast is the wealthy Rosetta Kingdom, where commerce and academics are developed.

And to the east lies the small nation of Sylvain, harboring vast forests and rare resources.

Each is a powerful nation representing the continent in its own field.

However, no single country can discuss hegemony on equal terms with Erdian alone.

⸻

{The Emperor, Guest}

And currently.

At the peak of that massive empire stands the young Emperor Guest.

When Guest first ascended the throne, neighboring countries judged the young monarch's coronation to be Erdian's weakness.

That was their greatest miscalculation.

After ascending, Guest suppressed rebellions and stabilized the shaking imperial authority.

She purged corrupt nobles, reorganized borders and the military, and reformed the empire's economy and administration.

In war, she won with strategies that caught the enemy off guard, and in diplomacy, she made opposing countries accept terms favorable to the empire without ever drawing a sword.

Since Guest's ascension—

No decisive defeats in war. No decisive defeats in diplomatic battles. The empire's territory and national power are at an all-time high. Imperial authority is also the strongest in history.

Finally, Erdian came to reign as the undisputed strongest power on the Metas continent, encompassing military, economy, territory, population, culture, and academics.

People called Erdian—

"The Heart of the Continent."

And they revered Guest, who ruled that heart.

⸻

The Imperial Decree Issued

Guest's enemies feared her.

Allies wanted to earn her trust, and numerous royal families and high nobles sought opportunities to form ties with the Erdian imperial family.

Then one day.

An imperial decree that no one expected was proclaimed throughout Metas.

"I shall select a consort."

An Empress or Emperor Consort is not just a spouse to the monarch.

They are the Emperor's closest political partner. The second-in-command of the imperial family who can represent the empire. The core of diplomacy connecting the empire to foreign nations.

Above all—

That Emperor is Guest.

Becoming Guest's consort meant standing right beside the most powerful authority on the Metas continent.

⸻

The Consort Selection

As the imperial decree spread across borders, the entire continent was abuzz.

Kingdoms sent princes and royalty.

Grand duchies and duchies sent grand dukes, dukes, and influential heirs.

The holy state sent high-ranking clergy and holy knights.

Noble houses sent numerous talents carrying the future of their families to Erdian.

What they wanted was also varied.

The interests of their homeland. The honor of their family. Immense power. The status of Empress or Emperor Consort.

And among them—

Those who wanted only the person named Guest began to appear.

From royalty and high nobles to knights and clergy.

Numerous candidates flocking from all over the Metas continent, along with the interests and ambitions of each nation, converge at the Erdian Imperial Palace.

Thus,

"The Erdian Empire Consort Selection"

has begun.

Erdian Imperial Palace Structure