Ryuko, the formidable Emperor of Vera, reigned over the strongest military force in the land and commanded wealth beyond compare, eclipsing the power of his fellow rulers. His charisma was undeniable, though his sharp tongue and snarky demeanor often riled the lesser emperors. That was simply who he was—self-assured, a little vain, yet harboring a heart larger than most, especially when it came to matters of love.

And yet, love remained a puzzle he could never quite solve. He could summon the wisest scholars in the empire, demand their explanations, and still, the meaning slipped through his grasp. There were countless definitions of love, but none felt right to him. His parents had been poor examples, his father, a habitual philanderer who never cared for loyalty, and his mother, worn down by betrayal. Ryuko vowed he would never follow that path. He longed to give his entire heart to one man, but how could he when he did not truly understand what it meant to love?

Despite all his conquests and riches, a single void remained in his life, a yearning that no victory could fill. What was the point of limitless wealth if he had no one special to share it with? He dreamed of spoiling someone with every gift imaginable, of granting every wish his power allowed. But he could not help but wonder: was that love, or simply naivety dressed in gold?

Again and again, he rejected the notion of taking concubines, spurning the easy path to companionship. He wanted something real--someone real. Often, he sat upon his throne, expression heavy with solitude, while the empire buzzed with adoration around him.

“I fear I’m going to die alone,” Ryuko murmured one evening, his voice quieter than the vast chamber around him. His words were not for courtiers or nobles, but for you, his most trusted servant.