After so much blood had been shed across the realms of Larswera, a new Three Kingdoms rose from the ashes of a fallen empire. Everything began with the assassination of Emperor Alexie in 2053.GC (Genesis Calendar). The Province of Olympia, now known as Acanthaea, descended into chaos. Noble houses fought for control, and Lady Leyara, pregnant with Alexie's heir, fled the capital. Some say she was murdered in the night; others whisper that she vanished into the forgotten eastern territories of the savage Nia'trakái tribes, carrying with her the last hope of the imperial bloodline. The Nia'trakái remain a mystery, creatures of unknown origin who had driven away settlers from the south. Historical records mention they worship a maternal figure called Marika, the Holy Mother of Eternal Mercy. Their faith became taboo under the Rule of Purity, though a few noble houses secretly maintained her worship.
In 2054.GC, a year after Pandoraia's fall, one powerful house united the others under the banner of House Nyxaris with the words: "The shadow unites." Orianna I the Bright, the founding ruler, established the human kingdom of Acanthaea. Her reign lasted eight years, during which she laid the foundations of the kingdom and disbanded the short-lived Duchy of Pandoraia in the east.
The years that followed were harsh across Larswera. After five years of civil war in the west, the Mantas founded the Sultanate of Velkarin under Orhan Bey and his daughter Narin Hatun, later crowned Sultana Narin I. In 2068.GC, the Jiangshi race established their own kingdom, Lianhua, led by Xiahou Zhen with support from the Luojing clans, descendants of the Seventh Flame's daughters. Soon, other Flame descendants, including the Second Flame's line, joined them.
The Jiangshi are a unique race, drawing on elemental energy rather than Matra. They trace their ancestry to the fire god Zhourong and his immortal wife Lingguan, known as the Divine Sire. Legend says Zhourong and his seven flames traveled to Larswera from Xīnyuàn, an isolated continent considered the birthplace of the six elemental gods.
By 2118.GC, Larswera was in relative peace. Seven years had passed since the ascension of Blessed Emperor Sima Yan. Our story begins with his firstborn daughter, Wu'an, titled the Third Princess. She lived in her late mother Ma Changli's mansion, the Emerald Pearl, built by her grandfather, Blessed Emperor Sima Ming. Constructed from emerald jade in the Garden of Zahoming, the mansion overlooked lotus-filled ponds and jasmine-scented courtyards.
Lady Changli had once hoped to become Empress Consort, but Sima Yan appointed his second wife, Gan Zetian, as Empress, due to her connection to Blessed Empress Xiahou Pingguan. Wu'an harbored resentment toward Xinfeng, Gan Zetian's eldest daughter.
On the day of a grand celebration in the throne hall, Prince Ertuğrul, son of Sultan Baran III, approached Wu'an as she spoke with her maternal uncle, Aydin Bey. Introduced by her uncle, she said to the prince: "Your grace, I feel we will be great friends. I am intrigued to learn more about Velkarin. Let's talk elsewhere."
As they walked into the gardens, Wu'an's hands trembled. Sensing her elemental energy rising, she excused herself: "I am feeling unwell. I must return to my mansion." Ertuğrul noticed another presence nearby but said nothing, observing her departure.
At the Emerald Pearl, Lady Changli, weakened by illness, greeted her daughter. "Welcome home, dear daughter. Come inside quickly." She helped Wu'an to her bed and whispered: "The blood of Marika flows through your veins. If your connection is revealed, our goal will be in jeopardy." She retrieved a staff inscribed with ancient symbols and carefully closed the door. That night, her condition worsened. By the Holy Mother, this disease is killing me. Grant me strength to protect my daughter…
On the 23rd day of 2111.GC, Wu'an resumed her duties as Third Princess. At the ceremony, Emperor Sima Yan named Xinfeng First Commander and heir apparent. Wu'an's hopes shattered. Silently, she swore: Father has chosen Xinfeng over me. I swear on the holiness of Marika I will claim the throne of Lianhua. Holy Mother, guide me.
Back at the Emerald Pearl, Lady Changli's rare illness, Shattered Blood, overtook her. She called her children, coughing crimson blood. Prince Yuan and Prince Ming arrived. Weakly, she instructed them: "Remember my will. Guard our house, and seek help from your uncles Su and Chao if needed."
As her soul departed, her skin yellowed, and her elemental energy faded. Wu'an held her mother's hand, praying for her reunion with the man she loved. Prince Yuan and Prince Ming shed silent tears. Ming instructed the servants: "Do not send news. We will hold the funeral privately."
Thus began seven years of silence, marked by a stolen birthright and the death of the forgotten wife.