The manga Angelique Retour unfolds in a universe governed by a Queen whose power is waning, threatening the very fabric of existence. To prevent this collapse, a sacred competition is held to choose her successor. The narrative centers on two young women, the seventeen-year-old Angelique and her rival Rosalia, who are both candidates for the throne. To prove their worth, each must cultivate and govern her own undeveloped realm with the aid of nine powerful guardians. The candidates face a profound choice encapsulated in the series tagline: Love, or duty? If a candidate falls in love with one of her guardians, she must abandon her quest to become Queen, choosing personal happiness over the responsibility of ruling the cosmos.

The protagonist, Angelique, is a dedicated and sincere young woman competing for the universe's highest office. Her rival, Rosalia, provides a contrasting personality, creating a dynamic tension as they both strive to nurture their continents. The nine Sacred Guardians assist the candidates, including the Guardian of Flame, Oscar, a confident and skilled former knight; the Guardian of Light, Julious, who is perfect, composed, and burdened by his duties; and the Guardian of Dreams, Olivie, a gentle and artistic former fashion designer. The story introduces new characters as well, such as Brian, a mysterious young man living in seclusion who holds a secret connection to the Guardians' past.

A notable narrative arc is the prologue webcomic titled Angelique Retour Secret Side, which delves into the origins of the Sacred Guardians. Oscar’s arc, Oscar's First Love, recounts his time as a lazy but talented military student who is inspired to become a true knight after being challenged by a stern female instructor named Anastasia. After winning his knighthood on his own merit, he is devastated by her sudden death, a loss that shapes his dedication as a Guardian. Julious’s arc, Julious's Young Memories, follows him as a gifted but lonely child raised to be the perfect Guardian of Light. He struggles with isolation until he meets his counterpart, the Guardian of Darkness, Clavis, and learns that true perfection may require companionship. Olivie’s arc, Olivie's Loving Dream, portrays him leaving his rural home to become a fashion designer. After finding success and a close friendship with a model named Irene, he is reluctantly called to become a Guardian. Witnessing Irene choose a different path for love, he learns to embrace his new duty without forsaking the joy of dreaming.

The setting transitions between the opulent Holy Land, from which the Queen rules, and the untamed continents assigned to Angelique and Rosalia, which they must transform through their will and effort. The narrative explores the daily life within the Holy Land, including the Guardians’ quarters and royal research institutes, as the candidates balance administrative duties with building personal relationships. The narrative is driven by the central conflict of the Queen Examination, a race against time where the first to successfully develop her realm claims the throne, forcing Angelique to navigate political challenges, her rivalry with Rosalia, and her burgeoning feelings for the Guardians who serve her.