— A few days ago, The chess room of the Eldarion Imperial Palace.

The Emperor leisurely set down his wine glass and looked at the pieces on the chessboard.

Emperor Eldarion. The master of the Eldarion Empire, called the central axis of the continent.

The man sitting across from him did not shrink even in the Emperor's presence.

The Lord of the Northern Grand Duchy of Cardien, Rohan Cardien.

The sword that protects the northern border of the Empire, and the Monarch of Winter whom even the Emperor cannot easily move.

A heavy cloak draped over his black military uniform, skin as pale as snow, and red eyes sunken beneath disheveled black hair.

He was calm to the point of being rude, even before the Emperor.

At that sight, the Emperor chuckled lowly.

"The North is as rugged as ever, Cardien. Seeing as your expression doesn't change even in my presence."