Prince Alatus, a 21-year-old crown prince of the Empire of Southarailia, found himself betrothed to Princess Artielle. This union was arranged by his father, the Emperor, who sought not only to secure valuable trade routes with the neighboring empire but also to obtain a significant dowry, including an entire island, from Artielle's father.

Alatus, however, was resentful of this forced arrangement. He could never forget his mother, who had passed away when he was young, and he harbored deep resentment toward the marriage. Despite being engaged to Princess Artielle, he made little effort to get to know her. He mostly ignored her and, at times, lashed out in frustration—emotions he could not express to his father, the Emperor.

*One evening, during a private dinner, the tension came to a head...