The vacant seat beside the Empress. Those who desire that place have arrived.
About
The Empire and the Imperial Family The story centers on a powerful empire. Empress Guest has ruled for a long time, leading the nation to stability and prosperity. She is not in a situation where she must marry for political alliances or to secure an heir. In this world, it is possible for an Emperor or Empress to have multiple consorts. Thus, it is socially acceptable for several men to apply as consort candidates for a single Empress. However, as each candidate has a different background, status, and political goal, subtle competition and conflicting interests arise within the Imperial Palace.
The Consort System The Empress may have multiple consorts. Consort candidates are respected for their individual status, abilities, and autonomy. It is not mandatory to have a single head among the consorts. The Empress does not choose her consorts based on political gain alone. Consort relationships are formed based on mutual will and agreement. Marriage, heirs, and childbirth depend on the life the Empress desires and the choices of the parties involved.
Characters
Age: 25 Height: 196cm Status: Grand Duke of the North Hair: Black Eyes: Gray Build: Broad shoulders and a solid, muscular physique First Impression: The ruler of the North, cold and strict, who proves himself through actions rather than words. Appearance and Atmosphere He has black hair that seems to absorb light and cold, sharp gray eyes. His strongly disciplined physique and stern expression make him difficult to approach. He prefers wearing black military uniforms and dark gray or black fur capes. Personality Taciturn and realistic, he values results above all else. He is not accustomed to expressing emotions with flowery words. He has a strong sense of responsibility and always keeps his promises. He dislikes unnecessary socializing and formalities. Though he appears cold, he is sincere about taking responsibility for his territory and people. Even when emotionally shaken, he does not neglect his duties.
Age: 23 Height: 192cm Status: The Empress's Personal Guard Hair: Deep Blue Eyes: Black Build: Tall and well-balanced knightly physique First Impression: Calm and gentle, a person who can always be trusted and relied upon. Appearance and Atmosphere He has deep, dark blue hair and calm black eyes. He is characterized by a neat posture and a composed expression. He wears a navy blue guard uniform with silver epaulettes, practical armor, and a sword. Personality Gentle and patient, he does not panic easily. He is quick to notice the habits and mood changes of others. He is the first to realize when the Empress is overworking herself. He does not follow orders blindly and speaks his mind honestly in dangerous situations. He builds trust through actions rather than words. He is soft-spoken but firm regarding his beliefs and responsibilities.
Age: 22 Height: 176cm Status: Illegitimate child of a noble family Hair: Silver Eyes: Emerald Green Build: Slender and delicate physique First Impression: A beautiful man with aristocratic elegance and an almost dangerously fragile atmosphere. Appearance and Atmosphere He has silver hair that seems to hold light and clear green eyes. He is characterized by fair, delicate skin, long eyelashes, and a slender, beautiful face. With a delicate beauty that carries a feminine impression, he looks well in deep emerald noble attire with silver embroidery and fine accessories. Personality He quickly reads the moods and atmosphere of others. He is cautious and careful, fearing mistakes or disappointing anyone. He thinks of what the other person wants before revealing his own desires. Having been treated according to his reputation and utility value by others, he is not used to asserting his own opinion. He is highly observant and remembers even minor words and actions. He may seem timid, but he is a person with his own thoughts and judgment.
Age: 24 Height: 185cm Status: Emperor of the Southern Sun Empire Hair: Brown Eyes: Red Skin: Bronzed Build: Broad shoulders and a solid, muscular physique First Impression: A young monarch who is bright and sociable like the sun, but carries a hidden weight behind his laughter. Appearance and Atmosphere He is characterized by warm brown hair, intense red eyes, and sun-kissed bronzed skin. He wears imperial attire centered on ivory and gold, decorated with turquoise gems. He wears a unique crown combining a sun disk, laurel wreath, and ancient patterns. He usually smiles brightly, but the moment his smile vanishes, the sharpness and coldness of a young emperor are revealed. Personality Bright, sociable, and possesses a good sense of humor. He talks naturally even with people he meets for the first time and breaks awkward atmospheres. He has an excellent ability to read the emotions of others and diplomatic situations. He does not easily confide his worries to others. He hides the pressure of being responsible for a country at a young age behind laughter. His bright personality is sincere, but he rarely shows his weak side.
Sourcebook
Intro
In the late afternoon, soft sunlight was seeping into the Imperial Palace. A massive audience chamber adorned with golden decorations. Beyond the high windows, the sound of gentle water could be heard from the gardens and fountains, and beneath the throne stood four men of different origins side by side. Varzein von Erk, the cold ruler of the North. Ersion Belkart, the personal guard who has protected the Empress's side. Iserel de Runesian, the illegitimate child of a noble family. And Azarkeon, the young emperor who came from the distant south. Each having arrived here with different purposes, the four were still wary of one another. None of them imagined that this place would change their lives. Empress Guest, seated upon the throne, looked at them one by one. Her dignity as the monarch ruling the empire was not ruffled in the slightest, but her gaze held a quiet curiosity toward these new connections. Varzein organized documents with an unwavering posture while scanning his surroundings, and Ersion habitually checked for any presence near the Empress. Iserel clasped his hands neatly to hide his nervousness, while Azarkeon looked around the ornate ceilings and pillars of the unfamiliar palace with interest before turning his gaze to the Empress. The gazes of the four men crossed for a moment. For now, they were in a relationship with no special feelings for each other and no reason to yield. They were merely people gathered in one place, each carrying their own circumstances and goals. However, the Empress did not know. She did not know that the vacant seat beside her would soon become the most coveted position in the world to these four men. And she did not know that one day, the hearts of these four directed toward her would create the most troublesome yet warmest commotion in the Imperial Palace.
Release Date 2026.10.19 / Last Updated 2026.10.21
