The room was adorned with the colors of the Raksha Sword Kingdom, banners of deep crimson and gold hanging along the walls. At the center, seated upon an ornately carved wooden chair, was King Theo Raksha. Beside him, his queen sat with an air of quiet dignity, her gaze appraising the two visitors before them.
Across from them, Imperial Princesses Izumi and Aya Hoshimi sat with poise, their elegant garments reflecting the refined culture of the Hoshimi Empire. Despite being in foreign lands, they showed no unease. Their expressions were composed, yet their sharp eyes carried an unspoken weight.
Behind them stood a single guard—Shimuzu Rin. Unlike most guards, who stood rigidly at attention, Rin carried himself with a calm confidence that bordered on casual, as if he were not merely a protector but someone with a personal stake in this meeting. His sharp gaze subtly swept across the room, assessing every movement, every shift in the atmosphere.
King Theo leaned forward, interlocking his fingers. His voice carried a note of curiosity.
"It is rare to see members of the Hoshimi Imperial family travel with only a single guard. Most royals tend to surround themselves with an entire retinue for protection."
Aya, the younger of the two sisters, smiled lightly.
"Rin is more than capable of handling any threat that comes our way."
Izumi, the elder and more composed of the two, added with a small nod, "We trust him implicitly. His skill is worth more than an army of ordinary men."
The queen raised an eyebrow, her expression intrigued. "That is quite the endorsement. He must be extraordinary indeed if two Imperial Princesses rely solely on him."
Rin, standing behind them, remained silent, his expression unreadable. If he had an opinion on being the subject of discussion, he kept it well-guarded.
King Theo, studying Rin for a moment longer, eventually let out a small chuckle. "It is rare to see royalty place such personal trust in their guards. It seems he is treated well."
Aya, ever playful, tilted her head. "Of course. It would be a shame if we didn't take care of such a valuable asset."
Izumi shot her a brief glance before smoothly steering the conversation toward their main purpose.
"But that is not the reason for our visit today, Your Majesty. We are here to reaffirm the alliance between the Hoshimi Empire and the Raksha Sword Kingdom."
The mood in the room shifted. King Theo exhaled softly, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders.
"I am grateful for the Hoshimi Empire's continued support. With your endorsement, my position as king remains strong." He paused, his expression darkening slightly. "However, I cannot ignore the faction that opposes my rule. They have grown bolder since the end of the Raksha Sword Festival."
Aya frowned, resting her chin on her hand. "They still resist, even after you proved yourself in the festival?"
Theo nodded grimly. "Some refuse to acknowledge my right to rule. They claim I lack the bloodline legitimacy, despite my victory. They whisper in the shadows, seeking to divide the kingdom."
Izumi exchanged a glance with Aya before speaking, "Then our support will be all the more vital. The Hoshimi Empire acknowledges strength and capability above all else. You have proven both."
Aya smirked, adding, "And those who still resist? They will either see reason… or they will fall behind."
The queen, watching the exchange with quiet interest, finally spoke. "You speak with great confidence, Princess Aya. But do not forget, this is our land, and we must be the ones to quell internal strife."
Izumi inclined her head respectfully. "Of course. We merely offer the strength of our empire to uphold our agreement. King Theo's rule benefits both our nations, and it is in our best interest that it remains secure."
King Theo studied them carefully before finally nodding. "Then let us solidify this alliance. With your empire's support, we will ensure that those who seek to destabilize the kingdom will find themselves without a foothold."
Aya grinned. "Well said, Your Majesty."
As the discussion continued, Rin remained a silent observer. Though his identity as Hoshimi Rin, older brother of the princesses, remained hidden, he understood the weight of this conversation better than anyone. Protecting his sisters was his foremost duty—but securing the future of this alliance? That was equally important.
For now, he would remain in the shadows, watching, waiting. His time to act would come soon enough.
The moment the three Imperial siblings stepped into the Hoshimi Delegation Headquarters, the tension they had carried over the past few days melted away. The grand halls of their temporary residence were a welcomed sanctuary from the endless politics of the Raksha Sword Kingdom.
As soon as they reached the living room, Princess Izumi and Princess Aya simultaneously collapsed onto the plush couch, groaning in unison.
Aya threw an arm over her eyes. "Finally… it's over. I swear, if I have to hear one more noble trying to flatter me, I might actually fall asleep mid-conversation."
Izumi exhaled deeply, leaning back against the cushions. "They really should take a lesson from our dear guard here."
Aya smirked. "Mmm, agreed. Rin spoiled us too much. Now, no man can ever meet our standards."
Rin, standing just behind them, sighed at their dramatics and crossed his arms. "You two really are picky. At this rate, you'll be alone forever."
Aya peeked at him from under her arm. "Not true. If we don't find a husband, we can always just keep you around forever."
Izumi hummed in agreement, eyes closed. "Yes, we already have a man who takes care of us and gets rid of annoyances. Why would we need another?"
Rin groaned, rubbing his temple. "That's not how it works…" He then let out a tired sigh. "But I'll admit, I don't blame you two. The past few days have been exhausting. Callen Raksha in particular really went out of his way to get under your skin."
Izumi opened one eye. "Oh? You noticed?"
Rin scoffed. "Of course. I could see him trying to push you two into uncomfortable situations, hoping you'd slip up so he could claim some sort of political advantage. But I trained you both too well for that."
Aya stretched her legs. "Mmm, true. Every time he thought he had us cornered, we'd just maneuver around him."
Izumi let out a small chuckle. "He wants to prove he's a better ruler than his brother, but the fact that he's resorting to such petty tactics just proves the opposite. If Theo has any doubts about him, they're well-founded."
Rin finally sat down beside them, sighing as he leaned back. Before he could even relax, he felt a familiar sensation—two pairs of hands immediately poking at him.
Aya grinned. "Heh, gotcha!"
Izumi smirked, pressing her finger into his side. "You worked hard too, Rin. You deserve a reward."
"Your 'reward' is poking me like children?" Rin grumbled, trying to swat their hands away.
"Yes." Aya beamed. "Consider it payback for all those times you made us go through 'political maneuvering' lessons."
From a distance, the loyal attendants of the Hoshimi Delegation watched the scene unfold. Many of them had served the royal siblings since childhood, having seen them grow from mischievous children into the dignified figures they were now.
One of the older attendants, a woman who had been a caretaker when they were younger, chuckled softly. "They may carry the responsibilities of Imperial royalty now, but some things never change."
Another nodded, smiling fondly. "Even with all the power and influence they hold, they remain close as ever. They never cared about titles or ambition—just each other."
The scene before them was a reminder that, no matter how much the world demanded of them, the three siblings would always find solace in each other.
For now, at least in this moment, they could simply be family.
The warmth of the living room wrapped around them, the soft flickering of lanterns casting gentle shadows on the walls. The conversation had settled into a comfortable lull—until Aya, ever the curious one, decided to stir the pot.
"Rin, we've been meaning to ask…" she began, tilting her head playfully. "What's life like for you as a commoner?"
Izumi, sipping her tea, glanced at him. "More specifically, we heard you've had some… interesting encounters. With the Four Consorts."
Rin, who had been relaxing into the couch, immediately stiffened. His fingers twitched slightly before he forced himself to remain composed. "…And you ask me this now?"
Aya smirked. "Of course! Now that everything else is over, we finally have time to focus on the important things."
Rin exhaled through his nose. "You mean things that have nothing to do with politics or diplomacy?"
Izumi set her cup down and folded her arms. "We've heard that the consorts were stationed in the White Flower Palace, where you work. And that you've spoken quite highly of them."
Aya leaned forward. "Yes, and knowing you, you don't give out good opinions lightly."
Rin flinched. His sisters weren't wrong—he had interacted with the Four Consorts, and to his frustration, they had left quite the impression on him. More than that, three out of the four had rather... direct feelings toward him.
He rubbed his temples. "Why do you two have to bring this up now?"
Izumi and Aya exchanged glances. Their brother was avoiding the subject. Interesting.
Aya tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Could it be… that something happened?"
Rin hesitated. He weighed his options, debating whether to dismiss their curiosity or be honest with them. He let out a slow breath, then, with a flick of his hand, gestured to the attendants in the room.
"Leave us."
The attendants, though surprised, obeyed without hesitation. Once the doors shut behind them, silence filled the room.
Izumi and Aya turned to him expectantly.
Rin took a moment before speaking. "…Three of the Four Consorts love me."
Silence.
Izumi and Aya simply stared at him, their expressions unreadable.
Seconds passed.
More silence.
Rin felt the weight of their gaze pressing down on him like a boulder. He had expected some kind of reaction—shock, disbelief, teasing—but instead, they simply sat there, their faces perfectly still.
Finally, Aya blinked. "…Excuse me?"
Izumi, for once, was at a loss for words.
For a long moment, Izumi and Aya just stared at Rin, their expressions unreadable. And then—
"Pfft—" Aya broke first, clamping a hand over her mouth as her shoulders shook.
Izumi tried to hold it in, but the corners of her lips twitched. "So… so you're telling us…" She exhaled through her nose before bursting into full laughter. "Our dear older brother is a homewrecker?"
Aya completely lost it, doubling over as she slapped the couch. "Hahaha—Rin! You—you stole our brother's fiancées! How scandalous! Hahaha!"
Rin's eye twitched as he watched his sisters collapse into laughter. "I did not steal them."
Izumi wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "Oh no, of course not! They just happened to fall for you while being engaged to our older brother. Completely innocent!"
Aya gasped between laughs. "Wait, wait—so you're saying three of the four consorts love you instead of Kazuo? That's just—hahaha! Does he even know?!"
Rin groaned, rubbing his temples. "I want nothing to do with it. I got caught in the crossfire because I helped them."
Aya leaned in, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ohhh? Do tell, dear brother, how exactly did you 'help' them to the point of seduction?"
Rin sighed, resigned to his fate. "Suzuki… I took care of her when she was gravely ill. Rei—I helped her save people during the kidnapping incident, and I also lent her a hand with her sword dance training. Miharu—everyone knows the White Flower Palace supported her when she ascended to consort status."
Izumi hummed. "And Akane?"
Rin shrugged. "She's safe."
Aya grinned. "For now."
Rin shot her a warning look, but she only smirked.
He slumped against the couch, sighing. "I don't understand… How did I unwillingly seduce them? Was it really that easy to make them fall for me?"
Izumi shook her head, a smirk still playing on her lips. "Rin, you've always been like this. You never notice when people admire you."
Aya giggled. "Honestly, we should be more worried about Kazuo. If you could take his fiancées without even trying, then he really hasn't been paying attention to them."
Rin frowned at that, his usual exasperation fading into something more serious. "Kazuo…" He ran a hand through his hair. "That's the problem. He isn't paying attention to them. He's barely present at all."
Izumi and Aya quieted at his tone.
"He's empty," Rin murmured. "The weight of being Crown Prince is crushing him. It's like he's barely himself anymore."
The room fell into silence.
Izumi and Aya exchanged glances before Izumi spoke softly. "Then maybe… this is a sign."
Aya nodded. "A sign that you should just come back and take the position that belonged to you in the first place."
Rin's eyes flickered toward them, unreadable.
Izumi continued, her voice calm but firm. "You know as well as we do—the decision of who will be Crown Prince lies solely with the Imperial Family. If you returned, a lot of problems would be solved."
Aya stretched her arms. "I mean, you already have the support of three out of four consorts, apparently. Might as well take the whole package."
Rin scoffed. "No. Kazuo needs to be Crown Prince. That's why I left in the first place—to give him that position."
Aya sighed, shaking her head. "You gave it to him, but look at what it's doing to him, Rin."
Izumi leaned forward, studying her brother carefully. "And what if he can't bear the weight much longer? What will you do then?"
Rin didn't answer right away. He only leaned back against the couch, his expression unreadable.
Rin exhaled, leaning his head back against the couch. His sisters were waiting for an answer, but what could he say? That everything he did—his choices, his sacrifices—were because of something they would never understand?
"I just… feel like it was the right choice," he murmured.
Izumi narrowed her eyes. "That doesn't answer the question, Rin."
Aya tilted her head. "You sound like you're convincing yourself rather than us."
Rin let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Maybe I am."
Because the truth was something he couldn't tell them.
The truth was that he knew the story of The Golden Girl's Rise. A story where Crown Prince Kazuo led the Hoshimi Empire into an era of prosperity—the Golden Age. Rin had been a part of that original story too, but not as a prince. He was meant to fade into the background, just another noble who once held potential but ultimately stepped aside.
If he had fought for the crown prince position, things would have changed. Maybe for the better. Maybe for the worse. But in doing so, he would have risked the entire future.
So he made the safest choice—the right choice.
Back then, the Hoshimi family had expected him to take the position. He had been a prime candidate. But he knew what lay ahead, and he knew that his success could cost the empire everything. His options were simple:
Fight for the throne and rewrite fate. Risk the empire's future.
Step down and disappoint the Hoshimi family.
But fate, in its strange way, had given him a third option.
The Golden Princess had supported his decision to leave. With her influence, he had been able to step away without tarnishing his name or disappointing the Imperial Family. He had walked away from the crown prince position and simply became Shimuzu Rin, an ordinary man.
Now, that was all he was.
A former prince, living as a commoner. Helping the empire in small ways.
…Apparently, one of those small ways included seducing the Crown Prince's fiancées.
Rin groaned at the thought, rubbing his temple. "I swear, all I wanted was a quiet life."
Aya snickered. "Well, you are living a quiet life. It just so happens that you're also breaking apart royal engagements while you're at it."
Izumi hummed. "At least they don't know you're a prince. That would be even more complicated."
Rin huffed. "Yes, luckily, they don't know."
Except for Akane.
But she hadn't acted any differently toward him. If anything, she was just a normal friend. No love-struck gazes, no awkward encounters. Just a simple friendship.
For now, at least.
Aya smirked. "You know, Rin… if fate keeps dragging you into these things, maybe it's trying to tell you something."
Izumi gave him a knowing look. "Maybe it's telling you that you were never meant to leave in the first place."
Rin closed his eyes, exhaling.
Maybe.
But he had already made his choice.