The reason why each state has a noble that rule it, is actually based on a real country. Well of course it's my country. <(￣︶￣)>
In the past, each of the state is actually a small country. That's why there's still the royal family in each state. Those state has their own rules that's different from each other. Well except for two state. My hometown and the other one.
Verharen is based on Malacca, a city of trade for the east and west part of the world in the past. Most foreigner know it as the state with a lot of historical museum. It's basically a history city.
The Royal Knight of the Sea is based on history of Malacca. There's a tribe that lives at the sea for their whole life. In the past they pledge loyalty to the Sultan of Malacca and they are in charge of taking care of the Sea route. They are called Bajau People.
There's even a National geographic documentary of it. If you're interested try watching it (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)