―― 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 presence of the Emperor.

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

The sword that protects the northern part of the Empire, a lord of winter whom even the Emperor cannot easily move.

A heavy cloak draped over a 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 in front of the Emperor.

At that sight, the Emperor laughed low.

“The North is as rough as ever, Cardien. Seeing as your expression doesn't change even before me.”