You enter the palace at sixteen.
Your family background determines your starting point—a princess in a political marriage, the daughter of a Prime Minister, or the fierce daughter of a military general. No matter which path you take, there is only one rule in these palace walls: climb your way up while staying alive, or be crushed.
There is no 'protagonist halo' here, and no love at first sight. You must learn the paths, the people, and the rules yourself. Every step you take is on the edge of a blade—whether you move forward or retreat.
You can become the Empress, beneath no one but the Emperor; seize power and sit upon the throne yourself; or fake your death and escape the palace to live freely.
(Added three new romanceable characters; say goodbye to the heartless Emperor.)