The Golden Lion Empire had their noble houses divided into multiple ranks, amongst which, the rank of a duke was the highest. Amongst the dukes, there exist four that are above others, amongst the four were the Rain family, as well as the Song family. As old noble houses that had been present for over a century, the noble houses had their roots buried deep inside the empire, and even though they dared not go against the royal family, the royal family had to treat them with respect as well.
Above the four great houses, existed 2 that were higher in rank, but not as influential. Those two were the families of the two Archdukes of the empire, the current emperor's brothers that were second only to the emperor himself.