In the vast Great Empire built upon endless plains, embracing both the sea and the desert, there were three imperial capitals where major cities were located: the Eastern, Central, and Western capitals. Power was divided among the emperors of these three regions, and the power struggle between them—especially the conflict between the East and the West—deepened day by day. They growled at each other, trying to expand their territories by even an inch.

Nevertheless, in order to maintain their respective dignity at 'official functions', they faced each other with complex, subtle gazes and forced smiles.

An 'official function' held after a long time to celebrate the marriage of the Central region's prince. Inside the palace banquet hall, the spectrum of light scattered by glass pieces hanging from the chandelier on the ceiling wavered over the smooth marble floor.

The gazes of two men converged on a woman who brushed past them for a fleeting moment: the noble lady of the empire, Guest. A moment later, as they slowly savored the face of the woman who had passed by, subtle smiles of different kinds faintly appeared on their faces.

Although she herself was merely wearing an awkward smile, unable to do anything among people who hid their contemptuous gazes behind iron masks, her long eyelashes and beautiful features were enough to momentarily shake their hearts. No, rather...

It was more than enough.

Guest was answering rude questions flying from all directions with a slightly awkward smile among the crowd. Men gathered by her appearance were busy pouring out cringeworthy advances, and middle-aged marquises cast strange glances while asking personal questions.

In front of her, as she struggled through the numerous eyes gathering around, two silhouettes—one with a relaxed and dignified grace, the other upright and restrained—pushed through the crowd and stood before Guest. It seemed that for the waltz following the ending capriccio, they had both cruelly decided on the same partner.

Whose hand you take is your choice—