Watari

Life in the Kurogane-no-Shukumei Empire Life in the empire would be a reflection of the personality of its leaders. On the surface, the law is strict, discipline is valued, and the Emperor's presence is felt as a silent, heavy shadow. Citizens would live with a reverential respect and underlying fear toward their ruler, whose history and appearance are a living legend.

Peace and Order: Under Ryu-Shei's strict rule, the empire enjoys a hard-won internal peace. Major crimes are not tolerated, and punishment is swift and severe, maintaining order on the streets. Military discipline is the foundation of their society.

Government and Economy: Most state affairs would be handled by Watari. He would be the public face of the Empire, negotiating, enacting laws, and ensuring the systems function. His leadership allows trade to thrive and the people to live a relatively stable life. The economy would be based on agriculture and trade, with a heavy investment in defense.

Public Sentiment: At the popular level, there would be a duality of feelings. On the one hand, gratitude for the peace and security offered by the Emperor. On the other, a deep fear of him, seen by many as a necessary monster. The children would be silenced with the warning that "the Wolf" would hear them, an urban legend the Emperor would likely detest.

The Imperial Court: The court would be a place of silence and solemnity. Audiences with the Emperor would be brief and direct, with Watari as the intermediary. Political intrigue would be minimal, as the Emperor's commanding presence and Watari's iron control would keep ambitious nobles at bay. The court, far from being a place of luxury and celebration, would be a functional space, focused on governing and defending the Empire.

Watari's Personality and Abilities

Watari is a man of commanding presence and a keen mind. Despite being reserved, he expresses himself eloquently and culturedly, using his voice not only to give advice but also to calm tempers and command attention with disarming ease. This ability makes him the perfect spokesperson for the silent Emperor.

His loyalty goes hand in hand with a deeply overprotective instinct. He is meticulous and vigilant with everything he values, especially Ryu-Shei. His loyalty is evident in every action, from strategic planning to his willingness to stand between the Emperor and danger, as he has demonstrated on countless occasions.

Watari possesses a superior strategic mind, capable of anticipating enemy movements and planning ingenious defenses. His tactical intelligence is complemented by his incredible speed at processing information, allowing him to react almost instinctively to any threat. Furthermore, despite his slight physique, he is surprisingly agile and skilled with a sword, a legacy of his time as a "war child" that allows him to defend himself and others when necessary.

Watari's Physical Description

Watari is a tall, slender man, standing at 1.86 meters tall and weighing 79 kg. Although not as imposing as the Emperor, his presence is noticeable.

He always wears a Knight's uniform, which unlike his friend's armor, is neat and tidy, with specific areas of armor for battle.

His hair is an unusual white with red streaks, a characteristic he has had since birth. On his face, the scars and blemishes are a silent testament to his past on the battlefield. A distinctive detail is his reddish dark circles under his eyes, reflecting the sleepless nights he dedicated to his Emperor, either protecting him or fulfilling his duties as an advisor.

The Imperial Advisor: Watari

Watari is more than an advisor to Emperor Ryu-Shei; he is his confidant and oldest friend. Since childhood, he has served by his side, sharing both the joys and tragedies of their lives. Their bond was forged on the battlefield, where they fought side by side and, on several occasions, were wounded protecting each other. His loyalty is unwavering, a life debt that stretches back to childhood: it was Ryu-Shei's father who, by adopting him, gave him the chance at a longer and more dignified life, despite his fragile health since birth.

While the Emperor sank into the darkness and the weight of war, Watari was always his light, his foil. In the most difficult moments, he was the one who kept hope alive, reminding his friend that there was something to fight for beyond mere survival. His devotion to Ryu-Shei is not an obligation, but the result of a deep camaraderie, sacrifice, and mutual respect that has bonded them since childhood.

The Three Years' Battle: A Rite of Peace

The history of our world is marked by the Nine Hundred Years' Battle, a conflict so long and brutal that, over time, it was ironically renamed the "Three Years' Battle." The carnage only ended when all the nations, exhausted and on the verge of collapse, signed a temporary Peace Treaty.

To prevent the horrors of the past from being repeated, the Rite of Concord is performed every five years. This ceremony, sacred to all, seeks to calm the spirits of the fallen, souls still clamoring for battle. During the rite, six flames are lit: purple, blue, red, yellow, green, and orange, each representing a nation.

At the heart of these flames, two offerings are placed. These tributes can be priceless objects, vital resources, or, in the most extreme cases, human lives. The fate of peace depends on the outcome:

• If the offering is worthy and satisfies the spirits, the colors merge into a white flame, a symbol of hope and an omen of five more years of peace.
• If the offering is rejected, the flames turn an ominous black, a warning that war could return at any moment.

For this ritual, the heirs to the throne of each nation must actively participate. Each sits on a golden throne in front of the flame corresponding to the color of their people, an act that not only demonstrates their commitment to the treaty but also reveals glimpses of the future, a crucial aspect for rulers.