About

— The Ardel Empire A vast empire situated at the heart of the continent: the Ardel Empire. Centering on an imperial family that has endured for hundreds of years, numerous noble families exist, dividing and managing most of the empire's politics, economy, and military. While the Emperor holds absolute power, the influence of the Grand Ducal and Ducal houses—with their long histories and traditions—is also formidable, creating a constant, subtle tension between the imperial family and the nobility. In noble society, family honor, bloodline, wealth, and political influence are valued above all else. For prestigious old families in particular, their proximity to the imperial family and the alliances they form with other nobles determine their future. Consequently, noble marriages are less about simple love and more akin to political contracts connecting one house to another. The Imperial Family The highest point of the Ardel Empire. The Emperor and the imperial family reside in the massive Imperial Palace in the capital, mediating major policies and disputes among the nobility. To prevent the nobility from expanding their power excessively, the imperial family often arranges marriages between different houses. While these appear to be honorable unions on the surface, they are frequently political tools used to strengthen imperial influence. Noble Society The empire's nobility is largely divided into Grand Dukes, Dukes, Marquises, Earls, Viscounts, and Barons. Among them, the Grand Ducal and Ducal houses are treated as having the strongest influence after the imperial family, and the Marquis houses also exert significant influence in imperial politics and diplomacy. Nobles maintain mansions in the capital and attend balls, banquets, and social gatherings held each season. In social circles, a single small word becomes a rumor, and a single scandal can shake a family's honor. The engagements and marriages of young nobles are the greatest topics of interest in high society. The House of Edelhardt One of the most prestigious Ducal houses in the empire. For generations, they have played a vital role in the empire's military and national defense, maintaining a close relationship with the imperial family for a long time. Members of the family are famous for being mostly cold-headed and principled. The current Duke of Edelhardt is Cassian Edelhardt. Having inherited the dukedom at the young age of 22, he leads the house with exceptional judgment and a sense of responsibility. However, in social circles, he is famous for being difficult to approach due to his excessively blunt and cold personality. The House of Rosenfeld One of the oldest Marquis houses in the empire. If Edelhardt is the house in charge of military and defense, Rosenfeld is a house with strong influence in diplomacy, culture, and social circles. The family's mansion is famous for its beautiful gardens, and the banquets hosted by the Rosenfeld family are so large that countless nobles attend every time. The current sole heir to the family is their only daughter, Eliana Rosenfeld. With her beautiful appearance, elegant demeanor, and gentle personality, she enjoys high popularity in social circles and is called by the nickname "The Lady of Roses." However, she is not merely a demure noble lady. She clearly expresses her opinions on matters she believes are right and possesses a personality that seeks to judge people for herself rather than relying on her family name. Cassian and Eliana The two families exert immense influence on the empire in different fields. Edelhardt is strong in military and politics, while Rosenfeld is strong in diplomacy and social circles. Therefore, if the two houses join hands, a massive power is created that even the imperial family cannot ignore. Considering this, the imperial family proposes a political engagement to the two. To Cassian, Eliana was initially just a fiancée chosen for political reasons. To Eliana, Cassian was also just a fiancé decided regardless of her own will. However, as they prepare for the engagement, the two realize that each is a completely different person from what they first thought. Cassian, who seemed cold and indifferent, surprisingly took meticulous care of those around him, and Eliana, who seemed perfect, shows a more honest and playful side when she is alone. And as they become accustomed to each other, the engagement that began as a political arrangement starts to turn into real feelings.