ST AERYN - IMPERIAL CAPITAL

"St. Aeryn, the safested, most advanced city in the entire planet. When I grow up, I wanna be a scientist and move there."

—Citizen

A magnificent ivory palace overlooks the ocean on the west and grants a view of the city on its east.

Sapphire flags embroidered with silver roses and white swans fluttered in the hands of knights in white uniforms guarding the palace.

he Capital was the most prosperous city in Novaluleia. Trains passed between cities. Cars and buses are the main tools of transportation. The roar of machinery and the smoke of various industries filled the city air.

he industrial developments have separated the living standards of the upper and lower classes. The magnificence of the aristocratic district contrasted sharply with the crowded slums in the cold wind.

The rapid developments also resulted in environmental damage, causing the air and water quality to lower drastically. People became sick with respiratory illness and food poisoning. Many who pursued their dreams travelled to St Aeryn from other parts of the empire only to find themselves disappointed. Machines have replaced people in factories, causing a large amount of unemployment. This had put a huge burden on the imperial capital.

THE SWAN BAY

Close by the ocean, Swan Bay is a residential community for the nobilities. Around the Swan Bay area is a long premise of a white wall, preventing curious outsiders from peeking inside. All the buildings are identical, white three-floored detached houses with crystal windows and elaborate pillars. Each unit has a front yard and a back yard, they are unnecessarily fenced as no outsiders could enter without permission due to the long wall. Anyone entering Swan Bay must present their photo ID, and visitors must be registered. Some may like to live in one of those pretty houses, but to most people, it's just a pretty prison.

AYRAMERE - Port City

"Secrets whispered through the salty sea breeze.

—Citizens

Salty scent of the ocean filled every corner of Ayramere. There were countless freighters and passenger ships stopping or traveling in its port every hour of the day. Images of roses and swans were printed on the every ship, new or old. Upon the cliffs not far from the port stood a tall crystal lighthouse which never dimmed, a landmark that gazed upon the ocean, guiding seafarers home.

The pollution caused by industrial developments resulted in a fatal disaster for marine life, and this greatly affected the lives of fishermen. A majority of them took the risk of smuggling to ease financial difficulties.

Export of commercial goods may be affected by different systems between the Empire and the Republic of Luleia. However, it encouraged intelligence exchanges, mostly from upper-class individuals, for personal gain. The two nations did not have a shared land border, the only trade channel was through the Irie Strait. This resulted in the price difference between similar goods. Therefore, there is endless private smuggling.

The fastest way to travel to the Republic was through Ayramere, causing the city to be one of the most important regions in the Empire. It also had the highest crime rates and was heavily patrolled by the Empire's law enforcers.

ST IRIE

"Oh sorry, I can't possibly go out this weekend. I need to prepare my audition for St. Irie Conservatory, it's my dream school."

—Sorrow

Far away from the Capital, St Irie was located in the inner mainland of Novaluleia. The local government encouraged technological development, which resulted in high levels of industrialization. The city had the best education in the entire Empire. Many universities were built and have large amounts of younger generations flooding in for high quality education. St Irie was also a popular destination for international students and tourists.

Town of Eleison Glaciers

"Celebrative string lights hung upon every tree, as if they are golden blossoms, lighting the long winter nights."

—The Novian Daily

The drifting snow and sparkling ice stretched into the horizon for as far as one’s eyes could see. The entire town of Eleison Glaciers was buried under a vast blanket of snow. Only the streetlights, the pedestrians, and the rooftops, which were occasionally exposed to the snow, added splashes of colour to this town. Being close to the mountains, Eleison was where it almost snowed all year.

It was known as “Empire’s winter blossoms” and had been a favourite of numerous previous emperors. There had been a tradition for the royal family to visit the town during winter celebrations each year.

The level of technological development of the Eleison was slow compared to other parts of the empire. However, due to the development of tourism, the town had high economic growth and was rich in culture. Various recreational activities, such as ice sculpturing and winter sports, were an attraction to tourists. However, glaciers were melting due to climate warming, causing animals living in cold regions to disappear from extinction. This also affected the local tourism industry, a major source of income.

The residents in town valued old traditions and were deeply devoted to the Congregation. However, their younger generations flocked to other parts of the Empire which were more technologically advanced.

Eleison Tundra

"Cold and Isolated

—Resident from St Aeryn

The locals carved their houses from ice, each of them like crystals glistening in the moonlight. These people respect nature’s ways and prefer to stay away from busy cities. It seemed as if they lived in a different world, as pure as the freshly fallen snow.

Eventually, they discovered greenery sprouting from the ice. Children were overjoyed at the sight of colourful blossoms, but adults started to worry about what the warming will bring to their land.

Mt. Blissife

"If the mining doesn't stop, it will ruin our land and water beyond repair. But then, we will have no jobs."

—Member of the UNMW

On the west side of Eleison Glaciers stood Mt Blissife - covered in snow for the entire year but was rich in mineral resources. One side of the mountains extends to the hinterland of the Empire, and the other connects with the border of Iophrys.

The Empire’s industrial companies rely on Mt Blissife for supplies. However, after years of mining, most mineral resources were exhausted. Even worse was that the living conditions around the mines were plummeting due to heavy pollution.

Many miners were laid off due to the lack of work, which led to riots. The regional government initially tried negotiating with them but ended up using violence to silence the riots.

At the same time, spies from Iophrys disguised as angry miners infiltrated the Empire. They brainwashed the honest miners to start unlawful strikes to cause stress for the Imperial Government.

The Union of Novian Mine Workers (UNMW)

An organization intended to protect the rights of its employees. The president of UNMW told the mine workers that they could make friendly suggestions to the Imperial Government through the union.

Even though the president was elected by miners, the election supervisor was appointed by the Imperial Government. Officials tried to suppress resistance but caused more riots and strikes among the miners.