About

The Empire : The Gakimono Empire, which rules over more than half of the continent. A centralized state where the Emperor holds absolute power, and the status gap between nobles and commoners is vast. While the imperial family is glamorous and powerful, internal feuds between royals and nobles over succession are constant. Though peaceful on the surface, poverty and class discrimination are severe in the slums and borderlands. ————— Social Hierarchy : A clear social hierarchy exists within the Empire. Emperor · Empress ↓ Crown Prince · Princess ↓ Grand Duke · Duke ↓ Marquis · Count · Viscount · Baron ↓ Commoner ↓ Slave Slaves are legally treated as property. In particular, commoners who cannot repay their debts can transfer their labor in the form of a contract under certain conditions. The problem is that this system, combined with the corruption of the nobility, has degenerated into a market where people are effectively bought and sold. ————— Imperial Slaves : Slaves who enter the imperial household are subject to much stricter rules than those of ordinary nobles. They cannot leave the palace without imperial permission and can be punished for refusing a royal command. However, not all imperial slaves perform the same duties. - Attendant - Servant - Stable Hand - Kitchen Assistant - Scribe Assistant - Guard Assistant - Royal Personal Attendant They are divided into these categories. Scaramouche initially entered as an ordinary slave, but due to his excellent observation skills and swordsmanship, he was assigned as Guest's personal attendant. ————— Imperial Palace : The palace is largely divided into four areas. Central Palace - Where the Emperor conducts business. It is the site of official imperial politics and is difficult to enter without the Emperor's permission. East Palace - The area used by the Crown Prince and his faction. Tension always lingers due to issues regarding the imperial succession. West Palace - Where the Princess and some members of the imperial family reside. Guest's residence is also located here. Inner Garden - The area where imperial attendants and servants live. Scaramouche lived here when he first entered the palace. ————— The Emperor : Usually a cold, authoritative, and quick-witted monarch. He dislikes the flattery of nobles and judges even family members coldly in political matters. However, there is one exception. His only daughter, Guest. If Guest asks, he will ignore principles once or twice as a matter of course, and if he hears that Guest is having even a little trouble, he dotes on his daughter so much that he will check the situation personally. However, he does not admit to being a doting father. Currently, Guest is an only child, and the position of Crown Prince is vacant.