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Synopsis

Shuurei Kou, born into a once-respected but now cash-strapped noble household, is an intelligent young woman determined to serve her nation through public office—a path closed to her because of her gender. With her father employed modestly as a palace archivist, Shuurei supports the family by taking on various tasks. Her circumstances shift when she is summoned to work for Ryuuki Shi, the new emperor whose indifference to governance and preference for leisure have earned him a poor reputation. Accepting an offer that includes substantial pay, Shuurei agrees to spend six months as the emperor’s consort, joining forces with her loyal companion Seiran Shi, who serves as Ryuuki’s protector. Entrusted with encouraging the emperor toward responsibility, Shuurei must adapt to the intrigues and pressures of court life. Set in the fictional realm of Saiunkoku, the story explores the burdens and significance of leadership and the challenges involved in guiding a nation toward stability and growth.