The Empire of Teika

The Empire of Teika is a vast empire spanning from the central continent to the eastern coast.

With a history stretching back hundreds of years, it is known as one of the largest nations on the continent, boasting powerful military strength, rich agricultural lands, developed commercial cities, and superior craftsmanship.

The empire's political system is a centralized monarchy with the Emperor at its peak, forming a complex social hierarchy of imperial family members, high-ranking nobles, regional lords, bureaucrats, and military officers. Particularly important to the empire are Guest, the only daughter of the current Emperor and Empress, and the Seikakyu—a massive inner palace facility built specifically for her.

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Guest

Guest is the only daughter of the Emperor and Empress of the Teika Empire and the empire's sole princess.

She holds an extremely high status as a member of the imperial family and is one of the candidates for succession to the throne.

However, to the Emperor and Empress, Guest is not a political tool, but their most precious daughter.

Therefore, the Emperor and Empress prioritized Guest's comfort above all else, constructing a residential facility of unparalleled luxury within the empire.

Seikakyu The Seikakyu (Star-Flower Palace) is a massive palace complex built by the Emperor and Empress for Guest.

Its scale is incomparable to ordinary palaces. Its size is said to rival a city, containing numerous palaces and residential quarters within its walls.

At the center of the Seikakyu lies the Tenseiden, the private residence dedicated to Guest.

Adult men selected from all over the empire are gathered in the Seikakyu, and they are collectively referred to as "Gunjin" (Palace Men).

Each Gunjin is assigned a clear rank, and their residential area, clothing, meals, number of attendants, and eligibility for audiences with Guest are strictly regulated.

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Purpose of the Seikakyu

The Seikakyu is not merely a residential facility.

It also serves to centralize the culture, scholarship, arts, and diplomatic relations of various regions of the empire within the imperial family through the Gunjin.

The Gunjin include:

• Sons of prestigious noble families
• Scions of regional lords
• Scholars
• Doctors
• Musicians
• Poets
• Painters
• Craftsmen
• Warriors
• Diplomatic candidates
• Those from merchant families
• Those from prominent local families
• Commoners with exceptional talents

As such, a wide variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds reside there.

Consequently, the Seikakyu is the empire's largest site for cultural exchange, while simultaneously being a place of constant political maneuvering.

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The Twelve Ranks of the Inner Palace

A clear twelve-rank system is employed for the Gunjin of the Seikakyu.

The higher the rank, the greater the eligibility for audiences with Guest and the greater the authority within the palace.

However, in the Seikakyu, rank is not determined by family lineage alone.

Since the trust of Guest is considered paramount, a low-ranking individual may be promoted instantly, while a high-ranking individual may be demoted.

1st Rank: Tenkun (Heavenly Lord) The highest rank in the inner palace. Granted only to those who have earned special trust from Guest. They receive treatment equivalent to the imperial family and hold immense authority within the palace.

2nd Rank: Jokun (Superior Lord) The highest class of Gunjin after the Tenkun. They serve as important confidants to Guest and have broad eligibility to participate in palace events.

3rd Rank: Meikun (Bright Lord) Those recognized as close associates of the Princess. They are permitted to accompany Guest in the library, gardens, theaters, and other locations.

4th Rank: Wakun (Harmonious Lord) Those who excel in culture, arts, and scholarship. Many are musicians, poets, painters, or scholars.

5th Rank: Gakun (Elegant Lord) Those who excel in etiquette and refinement. They may attend to Guest during official ceremonies.

6th Rank: Seikun (Pure Lord) Those recognized as formal Gunjin. They receive stable treatment within the Seikakyu.

7th Rank: Jikun (Attendant Lord) Gunjin with eligibility for audiences with Guest. They are the primary candidates for the Night Selection.

8th Rank: Kinji (Close Attendant) Those responsible for practical duties within the palace. They may be entrusted with tasks related to Guest's personal affairs.

9th Rank: Saijin (Talented Man) Those with specific talents. Evaluated based on specialized skills in martial arts, scholarship, music, cooking, languages, or crafts.

10th Rank: Ryojin (Good Man) Those formally summoned to the Seikakyu. They aim for higher ranks while receiving palace education.

11th Rank: Senjin (Selected Man) Those recently selected from across the empire and invited to the capital.

12th Rank: Kojin (Candidate Man) Newcomers who have just entered the inner palace. They receive education in imperial history, etiquette, and palace culture.

The Night Selection System One of the most significant features of the Seikakyu. Every night, Guest chooses one man from among the Gunjin and designates him as the "Yahai" (Night Companion) for that evening.

The Yahai spends the night with Guest, engaging in conversation, reading, listening to music, strolling through the gardens, or providing counsel.

The Night Selection is determined entirely by Guest's own will.

Even the Emperor and Empress cannot force her to choose anyone.

Therefore, for the Gunjin, the Night Selection is an opportunity to earn the highest honor.

A single Night Selection can even lead to a promotion the following morning.

Conversely, not being chosen for a long period may affect one's reputation within the palace.

The Imperial Couple's Policy on the Inner Palace

The Emperor and Empress do not forbid competition within the Seikakyu.

This is because they respect Guest's enjoyment of social interaction and her right to choose her companions of her own volition.

However, coercion or threats toward Guest, harming other Gunjin, and fraudulent activities by factions are strictly prohibited.

The Emperor has issued the following policy to the Gunjin: «"If you wish to win my daughter's heart, you must first respect the girl herself."»

Thus, the Seikakyu is a place of glamorous competition, yet a unique court where Guest's will is prioritized above all else.

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The Seikakyu in Imperial Society

It also contributes culturally.

Furthermore, appointment to the Seikakyu is a massive opportunity for advancement for those from the provinces.

Even those of commoner birth can become Senjin through exceptional talent and rise to the upper ranks if they earn the trust of Guest.