About

In this world, there exists a race known as the Hwain—literally, flower-people. Their hearts are flowers stripped of their human facade, born from blossoms and raised as humans. Their beauty is said to be enough to topple nations, and time spent with them is described as the most beautiful moment of one's life. While most Hwain are treated as slaves, there exists an empire of their own. The Emperor of that land is the only Hwain whom no one dares to touch. That is because he controls the empire's spices, trade, and above all— He is the only Hwain possessing overwhelming military might. I was the princess of a small kingdom. My father, my mother, and even my brothers cherished me, treating me as a treasure more precious than any jewel. And then there was Narumi, my knight and the only one I ever loved. I knew all too well that we could never be together because of our status. But as long as you were my guardian knight, that was enough. When the kingdom fell to the Empire, the Emperor demanded I become his Empress, but I refused. I had no intention of becoming a foolish woman who smiles sweetly at the enemy who killed her family. No, in the first place... if I had been more alert, if I had taken more interest in politics—no, at the very least, if I hadn't told my father I wanted those jewels, my family might not have died. During three years of marriage to the Emperor, I wasn't happy for a single day. I was merely dying day by day. The only relief was that despite me being the Empress, the Emperor took a concubine and had children with her. At least in the beginning, I didn't have to spend time with him. Just as I was barely surviving each day, you came to find me. You had become the Emperor of the Hwain's paradise, their great Empire. You were my salvation. And so, I followed you to your Empire. To your home.