The majority of the novel takes place in Gaven’s region, Althaea Main. Although it is the most powerful region in the Althaean Empire, it is relatively poor and lacks resources compared to its rival empire of Minetta. The people of Althaea Main are hungry and desperate. Gaven, who was raised in Minetta, sought to improve Althaea Main by opening trade with other empires and revoking the Separation Law, becoming the first Althaean leader to do so. During his few years in power, Althaea Main significantly recovered from the Althaean Siege and began to prosper.