Exactly when in history does this take place?

I wasn't aware of dukes and viscounts in Japan. When I read this, it feels like it takes place in Europe, only if it did then Shinju wouldn't look different.

Do I just need to study more?

I haven't read the manga, but what you're describing is that this manga takes place in an Historical European setting, and the fact that they have Japanese names confuse you?

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Not just Japanese names. There are kimonos mixed in with normal dresses.

One character is ostracised because she doesn't look Japanese.

Could of just been in an area of Japan that was influenced by Europe?

Then the mangaka probably just intertwined two cultures in one which still validates the Historical genre. I might be wrong though, since I haven't read the series myself. (Not really interested either.)

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IIRC the story said something about the Meiji era, but I can't remember because I haven't read it in so long >>;