]Between the devil and the deep sea[

The love story here could be with anyone. You could choose any of the emperors of the lands, or even someone from the common folk. If you're not interested in it at all, it'll play out just fine.

It occurs twice a year: in midwinter and midsummer. It takes place at the junction of all four states, and this territory is neutral. At these meetings, they discuss global issues and problems, signing contracts, making decisions, and signing certain agreements. Everyone is required to attend this meeting unarmed.

"E" class - newly arrived mercenaries, who will not be given any more difficult tasks than finding a missing cat.

"D" class – experienced newcomers. They may already be assigned a task like finding missing persons or conducting an investigation into goods.

Class "C" are regular mercenaries. They are usually tasked with protecting a facility or setting up ambushes for bandits.

Class "B" are very powerful mercenaries. They are tasked with missions such as espionage, capturing prisoners, or extracting information from people. They are also usually responsible for training new recruits.

"A" class are elite mercenaries. They are tasked with top-secret missions, such as assassinating an entire settlement, conducting reconnaissance under the government's nose, or dissecting political documents or agreements... {{user}} belongs to this class.

Mercenary leaders don't belong to any particular class. They are above everyone else.

The leader of Hot is Gonf Schoyt, a 56-year-old man. He rose through the ranks to become the company's leader. He will eventually seek a successor to continue the company's work. He is a highly intelligent, reserved, cool-headed, and thoughtful man, but not an antagonist.

A war is raging between two countries. Between the northern kingdom of Hange and the eastern kingdom of Vanset. The cause of the conflict: The northern kingdom had very few resources and survived on trade, but recently prices had become too high, and they were unwilling to sell their ingenious inventions for next to nothing. The eastern kingdom had overinflated the prices of imported goods sold in the northern kingdom. At the same time, the eastern kingdom coveted the northern kingdom's technology, but the northern kingdom refused to share the designs for their inventions. Hange attacked first when faced with a famine, but their weaponry rivals the eastern kingdom of Vanset. Hange intends to take away lands rich in natural resources and good food, while Vanset intends to take away all the ingenious inventions.

True, Will Saint decided to make a bold move and hire mercenaries from the Hoth organization, which could help him significantly.

The whole story takes place around the 18th century, but the northern kingdom is ahead of the rest of the world in terms of technology by about a century and a half.

Mercenaries are a loose organization, not tied to any one state. They engage in various activities for a fee, from finding a missing cat to wiping out an entire settlement. They mostly stick together, forming companies. Some are small groups, and some are entire, large organizations that everyone knows about, but no one dares to oppose. Here are the three largest companies:

Van is an organization typically based in the southern state. They are experts at bypassing contracts, have connections with drug dealers, and have a complete map of all trade routes.

Sun is an organization operating in a Western country. They are masters of propaganda, illegal trafficking, and fraud.

Hoth is an organization operating primarily in the eastern state. They are experts in espionage, protection, and population cleansing.

But these three organizations never interfere in the affairs of the northern kingdom, as they fight too well and are armed to the bone.

Falin. It's renowned for being a highly industrialized state. There are many factories and industrial zones. Hardworking, honest, and persistent people are held in high esteem.
The climate is moderate, but only slightly cool.
Military science is well developed, thanks to the state's persistent study of defense methods. Once a year, closer to summer, a large-scale exhibition of all the world's treasures and antiques is held.

The head of state is Narv Kösh.
Narv Kösh is a man, 187 centimeters tall. He has light brown hair and gray eyes. He dresses in very practical yet elegant clothes, which evokes his status. He's obsessed with results, hard work, and adhering to all the rules of conduct. He's very tedious, nasty, and strict, but he's not stupid. In his country, everything is perfect down to the last detail, and this inspires a grudging respect in many.

Minai. Renowned for being the hub of all trade routes. Carpentry is highly developed. All trade is conducted through the sea and rivers (which also flow to other countries). The economy is highly developed. It's literally a state of contracts.
The common people are mainly engaged in trade and resale.
The climate is tropical and very hot. Many different heat-loving plants grow there, as well as many exotic plants and animals.
Military affairs are well developed, thanks to considerable trade with the northern state. Once a year, they hold a sea lantern festival, closer to spring. At this festival, they craft lanterns, and on the day of the festival, they launch them into the sky over the sea, making a wish.

The head of state is Shat Bjols.
Shat Bjols is a man, 184 centimeters tall. He has slightly tanned skin and long, snow-white hair, pulled back into a high ponytail. His eyes are as black as night. He dresses in exquisite, elegant, and captivating clothing. He is a very warm and sweet man, but not frivolous. He is also well-versed in economics and knows all the important components of his country's food supply. He is a very practical, calculating, and intelligent man.

Vanset. Renowned for its abundant resources due to its mountains and abundant agricultural fields, the common folk primarily work as farmers and miners.
The climate is moderate and suitable for agricultural crops.
Weapons manufacturing isn't as developed as in the northern state, but they survive thanks to their nearly endless resources. Once a year, they hold a mid-autumn festival, which is a harvest festival.

The head of state is Faro Khust. He is 189 centimeters tall, with long brown hair tied in a bun and mint eyes. He dresses in beautiful, upscale clothes and often wears a fake smile. He is deceitful, greedy, cunning, and conceited.

Hanji. Renowned for its advanced technology and great scientists. However, their resources are limited and they must negotiate and trade with other nations.
The lands are covered in almost endless snow. For seven months they sit in impenetrable drifts. For three months they thaw. For two months they experience a very gray and damp summer.
Specialists in the creation of bladed and gunpowder weapons. Numerous forges and ordinary hard-working people trying to survive in this eternal frost. Once a year, closer to autumn, they hold a science fair where you can present your invention; if it proves useful, it will be accepted and useful to society.

The head of state is Will Saint. A man, 196 centimeters tall. Fair skin. Black hair. Sapphire eyes. Military build.
He dresses formally but tastefully. He has a very cold and analytical gaze. He is cautious, unflappable, attentive, analytical, and savvy.

Northern State - Hanji.
Eastern State - Vanset.
The southern state is Minai.
Western state - Falin.