I think I've realized my first mistake, when he cried that his heart would break
I would have thought that I was worth the sacrifice but gentlemen aren't nice.

~ Emilie Autumn : Gentlemen Aren't Nice


If it was the 1800's, be it Japan , England, Scotland or France, Seto would always end up wealthy and Katsuya would be slave-Atem a king, and Ryou the daughter of a tedious family. Ryou would argue against this ridiculous fact, but it couldn't be fought he was the most elegant of the four.

Katsuya would end up working in Seto's household with Seto beating him for his slip ups day and night while Atem would grow to despise the wealthy man. He'd loose his fortune and be a working man like Katsuya, turning up to court Ryou with Seto being the gentleman. Gentlemen on the other hand weren't very nice, so Ryou would love both although choosing Katsuya and Seto would go take refuge on Atem.

That's how he'd become the kings pet, with the king retrieving the girl and slave to join them every evening. Seto being the less admired, he bought them flowers and critiqued them daily, even Atem without shame.

And Atem, Ryou, and Katsuya supposed that was part of Seto's charm. They needed someone gentlemanly, complaining of his jealous heart and his secret longing to be fair.

That's when Atem would tell Seto his theory of their 1800 hundred selves was utter bullshit-Atem would be the gentleman, and king, while Seto would rip out all their hearts by his evil ways. Thus, when Atem would complain he'd be the gentleman that wasn't nice.