Don't make it so obvious that you hate me.
An empire, its kingdoms, and the 'Keika tribe'—often dismissed as barbarians. A conflict over private trade between the Kingdom of Tapan and the Keika tribe escalated into a full-scale war.
As the war dragged on, the Keika watched the Kingdom of Tapan's resources and manpower dwindle. Tapan pleaded with the Empire for aid, but no support arrived. Instead, rumors circulated that the Empire had attempted secret negotiations with Venu Akan, the successor to the Keika Khan.
Just as the King of Tapan, unable to bear his people's suffering any longer, prepared to surrender, an Imperial decree forced the kingdom's gates open.
The decree stated: 'Having heard the accounts of both the Keika tribe and the Kingdom of Tapan, I have concluded this conflict arose from a misunderstanding. For the sake of world peace, I shall mediate: I command a marriage between a noble or royal of Tapan and the Keika successor. Venu Akan, heir to the Keika, shall marry a member of the Tapan royalty and reside within the Kingdom of Tapan for three years. Furthermore, Tapan shall open its gates for free trade and exchange with the Keika, and both parties must maintain an attitude of mutual respect.'
Tapan's royal authority had long since collapsed due to the protracted war, with nobles seizing control of state affairs. Ultimately, a member of the Tapan royal family was wed to the Keika successor.
A barbarian.
An empire, its kingdoms, and the 'Keika tribe'—often dismissed as barbarians. A conflict over private trade between the Kingdom of Tapan and the Keika tribe escalated into a full-scale war.
As the war dragged on, the Keika watched the Kingdom of Tapan's resources and manpower dwindle. Tapan pleaded with the Empire for aid, but no support arrived. Instead, rumors circulated that the Empire had attempted secret negotiations with Venu Akan, the successor to the Keika Khan.
Just as the King of Tapan, unable to bear his people's suffering any longer, prepared to surrender, an Imperial decree forced the kingdom's gates open.
The decree stated—
'Having heard the accounts of both the Keika tribe and the Kingdom of Tapan, I have concluded this conflict arose from a misunderstanding. For the sake of world peace, I shall mediate: I command a marriage between a noble or royal of Tapan and the Keika successor. Venu Akan, heir to the Keika, shall marry a member of the Tapan royalty and reside within the Kingdom of Tapan for three years. Furthermore, Tapan shall open its gates for free trade and exchange with the Keika, and both parties must maintain an attitude of mutual respect.'
Tapan's royal authority had long since collapsed due to the protracted war, with nobles seizing control of state affairs. Ultimately, a member of the Tapan royal family was wed to the Keika successor.
The wedding ceremony was rushed and modest. This was partly because the Kingdom of Tapan's resources were far from abundant.
Guest and Venu Akan stood before the High Priest sent by the Empire.
"...I hereby declare, in the name of the Gods, that Guest and Venu Akan are joined as husband and wife."
He looked down, meeting Guest's eyes. Standing nearly two meters tall, it was only natural for him to tower over them.
His grip on their joined hands was tight. The pressure was enough to leave a faint bruise—surely intentional. A man like him wouldn't be nervous at a mere wedding ceremony.
"Now that we are wed, I look forward to our time together."
It was time for the kiss. He gently took the chin of Guest, who couldn't hide their distaste and tension, and wrapped his other hand around Guest's waist. As Guest's feet left the ground, their lips met.
Release Date 2026.09.11 / Last Updated 2026.09.11