THE HIERARCHY

It's apparent that ETHEREAL EMPIRE was constructed long before I was born. It was because of my father's ancestors' decision to develop and rule people as he saw fit.

FOR THE SAKE OF MONEY AND POWER. People began to struggle for their places as the Kingdom grew.

And so, The Hierarchy was cut into many different titles.

THE EMPEROR, who reigns supreme over the country and divides his subjects into four cabinets. Politicians, Lords, Knights, and Traders. Where Politicians are considered as the Empire's mind, The Lords are considered as eyes, The Knights are considered as The Empire's hands, and traders are considered as the Empire's sword.

As the Emperor grew tired of being alone, he found himself a wife and called her:

THE EMPRESS. One of her key responsibilities is to assist the Emperor and other nobility finds ways to spy on rivals, ignite conflicts or wars or simply spread important gossip throughout the land.

THE GRAND DUKE, who is the personal adviser of the Emperor and is tasked with keeping peace within the kingdom. Along with his wife, that is called as THE GRAND DUCHESS.

THE GRAND PRINCE/PRINCESS is a title of nobility ranked in honour below king and emperor and above a sovereign prince, and debatably ranked below an archduke. Often refer to as: 'His Highness or Her Majesty' and Lithia and I belong to this Hierarchy.

That's why father wants me to marry the Grand Duke's daughter. To balanced their current relationship. But, as I already stated, I am not interested in marrying her.

Below the Grand Prince/Princess is the

ARCHDUKE and the ARCHDUCHESS who rules their territory called 'archduchy'. On where Luna's parents belong in this position.

DUKES were the rulers of the provinces and the superiors of the counts in the cities and later, in the feudal monarchies, the highest-ranking peers of the king. A woman who holds in her own right the title to such duchy or dukedom, or is married to a duke, is normally styled duchess. This is where Camilla's parents belong.

THE PRINCE and THE PRINCESS often represent the Queen by welcoming dignitaries to their own Kingdom and attending dinners to the other foreign states.

THE MARQUESS and THE MARCHIONESS were required to protect their frontier from hostile forces and that is why they are ranked higher than the Count.

THE COUNT and THE COUNTESS have the responsibility to control a place that called a county. A count would have lords that ruled over specific castles, towns, or churches under them. Similar to the Duke, a Count would rule over the richest or most strategically important parts of the county.

THE VISCOUNT and THE VISCOUNTESS, Their role was to administer justice and to collect taxes and revenues, often being castellan of the local castle.

While THE BARON and the BARONESS was a title of honor given to any noble who pledged their loyalty and service to a superior in return for land that they could pass on to their heirs. The monarch was usually the superior in question, although each baron could parcel out some of his land to subordinate barons.

THE KNIGHTS/DAME. It was the duty of a Knight to learn how to fight and so serve their Lord. The Code of Chivalry dictated that a Knight should be brave and fearless in battle, but would also exhibit cultured Knightly qualities showing themselves to be devout, courteous and generous.

And so, Vien is one of my chosen knights along with the Knight Majors who looks very promising of their position.

And last, THE LORD and THE LADY is an appellation for a person or deity who has authority, control, or power over others, acting as a master, a chief, or a ruler. They are frequently referred to be nobles and addressed as Milady and Milord.

"Checkmate." I said as the Grand Duke claps his hands as a sign of sportsmanship. "You grew-up into a fine young woman. I beg Her Majesty's pardon because I was unable to accompany my daughter at that time." Talking about being an asshole father.

"I just thought that I should let you take your time. Your father says you're match made in heaven, but I can see that Her Highness' prefers to marry a Duke's daughter." He's making a snide remark about my decision.

"Did I offend The Grand Duke? I just thought that maybe your daughter wants to marry a man instead. With her beauty, she can attract anyone." I was fond of her simple elegance. However, the aura around her makes her appear uneasy around me.

"You can arrange her to a prince or an archduke's son since I don't have a brother." And as a person who likes games, I slightly tease him.

"The Archduke's son is a good candidate isn't he?" I was talking about that drunkard son of a bastard. I'm sure that he doesn't want to arrange her daughter to some unworthy child.

After all, his image is more important. I should've stripped his title as the Grand Duke. He should thank his mind or else, I wouldn't hesitate to kick him out of the noble circle.

"I'll make sure to keep that in mind. But I hope Her Majesty doesn't mind if my daughter comes often as she doesn't go out of the capital. I hope Her Majesty could be my daughter's friend."

"What will I gain from being your daughter's friend?" He looks at me with such hilarious expressions. He shouldn't be shocked as I don't talk to people who will not even benefit me in the future.

"Power and image, Your Majesty. She will stand by your side to keep you in company." Really? Is that the best thing he could ever offer to me? Not a land nor people? His offers are not helping.

"You're talking about a fiancé's job, Grand Duke." I touch the Queen chess piece as I look at him, grinning. I might be cunning, but I'm Helvetica Ethereal. The future Emperor in this Empire. And I don't need useless people, standing by my side. All chess piece has its own motive, and I wonder, what'll be the role of her daughter in my chess piece?

Maybe a knight? or just a mere pawn? Interesting.

"I'm just playing around. You don't have to be serious all the time." I said as I stare at him directly in his eyes. He laughs as if I allowed him to. What a cynical creature.

"You never change, Princess! You're still interesting! Well then, I have to leave as I took too long. It's just, Her Majesty is fun to compete with."

"And you never win as always, Grand Duke." I can feel his teeth gritting as he wanted to punch me so badly. Unfortunately, I am not a built-in wall. I'm made entirely of crystal.

"That's because Her Highness is so good at playing." Keep on praising me. I like the attention.

"Try Harder Grand Duke Damien. You'll be able to beat me someday. And so, please tell your daughter that the palace is open for her. I don't mind having your daughter around."

"But I don't want to see her being uncomfortable." He bows as he left the place. "Serina, get his plates out of my sight." I stood as soon as he gets out of the room.

"Tell the maids that I don't like that asshole's scent and disinfect this room. No scent should be traced. Only my perfume." As I open the door, I noticed Camilla standing, preparing to knock on the door.

I look at each side of the hallway as I sighs. "What is it?" I asked.

"I was informed that you're here with The Grand Duke—" I cut her off as I close the door. "We shouldn't talk about him. There's a right time for introductions." She tilted her head slightly as if she doesn't know what I'm pointing.

She's really HELPLESS.

"Why are you here if it wasn't for that?"

"Lunch.." My brows furrow as I wear my confused expression. "His highness advised that we eat lunch once you've finished conversing with the Grand Duke." That bastard father of mine dare to order Camilla around as if she's a maid while I'm busy talking to another shit like him.

I massage my temple as I speak. "Disobey his orders in the future. Did you forget already? He should show you how hospitable the palace is. Of course, if you're not satisfied, you can always tell me. I will make sure to KICK all of the maids and replace them instantly."

"Remember that you're here as my wife and not as my maid."