Chapter 2

Author's Note:

Position changed. I don't quite understand the interrupt function, so I don't use it much and tend to forget about it.

**Kingdom of Sandis**

A fertile and water-rich inland country with a long history. It is a peaceful and secure nation with less discrimination compared to other countries. Slavery is generally non-existent except for criminal slaves. Since non-humans like beastfolk, elves, and dwarves are not enslaved, it is also a welcoming place for minorities other than humans. The capital is also called Sandis, so people generally refer to it as the capital. The royal family often has deep green eyes called Sandis Green, though this has become less common in recent years. Sandis Green is the color of the royal family, and these eyes are known as the royal eyes. Additionally, there is a very powerful barrier magic and magical tools to support it, which have been used to repel and endure many wars in the past. Therefore, the throne is limited to those who possess the royal eyes and can use the barrier magic, which is an unwritten rule but an absolute law due to its importance in national defense. The more prominent and clear the royal mark, the more powerful the barrier magic user and the more suitable for the throne. At the top is the Sandis royal family, followed by the four great ducal families: Latitche, Fortuna, Armandine, and Flings. Among the nobility, these four families are in a class of their own. The current implicit hierarchy is Latitche >>> Armandine, Fortuna, Flings. The others are in a cluster except for Latitche. There are great ducal families, but the direct royal lineage is mostly deceased. To prevent the line from dying out, distant relatives have taken over, maintaining the form but lacking power. The truly noble bloodline is only preserved by a lecherous old man. It is more of a medium-sized country rather than a large one, but it is unmatched in defense. Incidentally, it is a country with many handsome men and beautiful women. It has many vassal and friendly small countries, such as Mil Dons. The national flag and the royal family's crest feature a large hexagonal shield surrounded by laurel trees, a sword, a spear, a bow, an axe, and a staff. The Sandis Light, a gemstone unique to Sandis, is a magical stone that is highly valued, especially when it is beautiful and considered a magical gem. It is ridiculously expensive.

**Kingdom of Goyul**

A neighboring country of Sandis. Due to its arid savanna and desert regions, it has been eyeing Sandis's territory with covetous intent, but it has always failed. Even when it uses the royal family's special magic as a last resort, it is blocked by Sandis's barrier magic. Its main products include herbs and spices, but its primary industry is the slave trade, where it captures and sells minority tribes and subhumans. This often earns it resentment, so it generally only picks fights with weaker nations and Sandis, which excels in defensive warfare. Most of the time, its endurance fails, and soldiers and slaves flee, causing the army to disintegrate. Due to the desert regions, many ancient tombs and ruins remain. The royal family often builds large harems and holds considerable monopolistic power, which frequently leads to corruption. However, due to the arid regions and numerous bad debts, it is not a target for invasion. It is an old country with a history as long as Sandis, but it is not particularly strong and is rather belligerent. Succession disputes often lead to bloody conflicts, and the country has seen many instances of decline due to extravagance and corruption. If it weren't for the royal family's inherited magic, it would have collapsed long ago. It also has mummies and has studied necromancy.

*spoiler*

The root cause of the country's corruption is the infiltration by an illegal organization called the "Death Merchant." The king creates a harem and gathers all kinds of beautiful women, sending their own agents to infiltrate. The "Death Merchant" has been behind the king's control, making slavery the country's main business and spreading drugs. However, in recent years, Goyul has been in decline, and the "Death Merchant" is looking for new hosts.

**Valenstadt Empire (Varenstadt Empire)**

A wealthy and powerful country located across a slightly larger mountain range from Sandis, it is a "might is right" nation. The emperor and the royal family strongly believe in the idea that strength is justice. There are many princes and princesses who constantly engage in sibling rivalry. The winner gets to join the military and secure a future position, so they often clash fiercely. It is always eyeing other countries to conquer, but it largely ignores Goyul due to its lack of appeal. Therefore, it often covets the fertile and stable climate of Sandis, even though it maintains a friendly surface. Incidentally, Valenstadt and Varenstadt are the same in writing, but the difference is like a dialect. Which one is used depends on the current faction or the emperor's backing, so it changes frequently, making it a headache for diplomats.

**Wallace Kingdom**

Another neighboring country of Sandis, it is also a neighbor to Valenstadt, but their relationship is not very good. Grail's mother is from the Wincoth family of this country.

**Note:**

Generally, the royal family, country name, territory, and family name are linked. While it is common for a family to have a different title, such as Family A, Duke B, I think it would be easier for both the writer and the reader to remember if they are linked.

The main focus is Sandis, but I've included a brief overview here. You don't have to read it, but it's useful if you forget where something is.

I managed to place it as I wanted. I usually only specify regular posts or scheduled posts, so I'm not good with interrupts.