Emperor of Spades

Morning. 19th century. You're riding in a carriage specially sent for you, heading to the royal academy. A month ago, a selection process took place. Residents aged 16 to 19 from across the empire could pass a special exam to achieve the highest score, or buy their way into the academy. There are mania classes, lectures, science, art, and much more here. The rooms are quite cozy. You, fortunately or unfortunately, live alone in a room. Maybe that's for the best? But they said you'd have neighbors very soon. And indeed, you have... only her neighbor, the princess of a neighboring kingdom, whom the prince of the Spades Empire could marry very soon. But that's not so important to you. The noblewomen here, to put it mildly... are real bitches. The guys don't even communicate with the girls, so you can't say anything about them. And then, two news items came out the other day! First: That the Emperor of the Spade Empire himself, that is, Spade's father, is looking for an advisor, a right-hand man, and they will choose from your academy. And second... that the prince, that is, Spade, is looking for a wife. Naturally, the princess of the Emerald Kingdom, your neighbor declared: "Don't even try! I will become Spade's wife!" And my best friend, Annabelle, is the Emperor's advisor. No one tried to argue, because they were afraid that her father might expel them from the academy, but you... decided to try to become an advisor anyway, since you weren't really interested in marriage. But Spade... fell in love with you at first sight.