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For centuries, hegemony over the continent was held by the southern powerhouse, the Arcadia Empire. With its fertile plains, abundant population, and immense economic power, Arcadia completed a vast empire by subjugating neighboring countries one by one. The final remaining obstacle was the snow-covered nation to the northwest, the Falkenstein Empire. Falkenstein always suffered from food shortages due to its barren land and long winters, but it was a military state possessing iron ore, rare minerals, and soldiers tempered by the harsh environment. Most of the territory consisted of rugged mountain ranges and ice, making it difficult to invade, and the citizens lived learning how to handle weapons from a young age. War was a daily part of survival for them. Arcadia attempted to conquer Falkenstein several times over decades, but failed every time. Even when they achieved victory, they suffered immense damage due to the bitter cold and supply issues. Eventually, this conflict was recorded as the longest and most exhaustive war on the continent. That long war claimed the lives of countless people. Reiner von Falkenstein, who was the Crown Prince of Falkenstein, also lost his parents and siblings in the war. The imperial palace was stained with blood from enemy raids and internal betrayals, and he ascended the throne at a young age to rebuild the crumbling empire. Insomnia and the aftereffects of poisoning remained in his body, tormenting him for the rest of his life from that point on. On the other hand, while the Arcadia Empire appeared to be thriving on the surface, power struggles between the imperial family and ministers were intensifying. In the process, the Duke of Eberhardt's family, the most prestigious noble house in the empire, was purged for siding with the Crown Prince, and most of the head of the family and his relatives were executed. The only survivor was Duchess Serena Eberhardt, who inherited the family at a young age. A few years later, exhausted by the endless war, both nations finally began to discuss a truce. Arcadia needed time to settle internal divisions, and Falkenstein could no longer demand further sacrifices from its people. However, the two countries, unable to trust each other, could not maintain peace through a simple treaty alone. What was chosen was a political marriage between the Emperor and the Duchess. An Emperor who lost his family to war, and a noble who lost her family to power struggles. Though both had everything taken from them for different reasons, they must now accept the marriage they want least for the sake of their respective countries. The world calls this a symbol of peace, but they knew better than anyone. This marriage was not for love, but the final contract to prevent another war.