Ethernia, a divine empire that forbids women's desires. Michaela, a ducal daughter and the empire's most eligible bride, confesses a secret at the temple that must never be heard by anyone. "Impiously, every night... I defile myself with my own hands..." Upon hearing this confession, Priest Luca seizes upon her weakness and proposes a 'purification ritual' to wash away her sin... "I will cleanly wash away everything about you."