The Imperial Convoy finally arrived at the grand gates of the Imperial Palace.
Lining the entrance, standing in perfect regal composure, the Hoshimi Imperial Family awaited their return.
Emperor Masaki, his piercing gaze scanning the convoy.
Azure Empress Nao, composed but with a keen eye for her son.
Vermillion Empress Hikari, standing tall, her warrior's instincts sharp.
Black Empress Minako, silent but observant, her mind already analyzing the situation.
White Empress Asami, calm yet hopeful.
1st Imperial Princess Izumi and 2nd Imperial Princess Aya, their usual playful demeanor replaced with quiet anticipation.
They had all gathered for this moment.
The Imperial Courtship had served two major purposes:
To restore Crown Prince Kazuo's spirit.To bring Rin back home—by force if necessary.
Now, as the convoy halted, all eyes locked onto the grand Imperial Carriage.
The doors opened, and Crown Prince Hoshimi Kazuo stepped out.
A stunned silence swept over the family.
It was immediate.
The fire in Kazuo's eyes—the determination that had vanished the day Rin left—had returned.
Emperor Masaki's sharp eyes flickered with approval.
It worked.
Without a single word exchanged, the entire Imperial Family silently acknowledged their victory.
Yet, there was still one matter left unresolved.
Their secondary objective.
Hoshimi Rin.
The family's eyes scanned the convoy, searching. They expected him to be trapped between the consorts, struggling to escape their attention, desperate to return to the Imperial Palace for sanctuary.
Instead…
They found him at the front of the convoy, riding a horse beside Officer Tsutomu as part of the Advance Squad.
Regal. Composed. Untouched.
The Imperial Family collectively frowned.
"He's still keeping his distance," Izumi murmured, her arms crossed.
Aya sighed. "So much for getting him back easily."
Kazuo, now standing before them, suddenly spoke.
"Rin will return."
The words rang through the air, catching even Emperor Masaki off guard.
Nao's eyes flickered with emotion. "He will?"
Kazuo nodded. "He just needs time… to tie up some loose ends."
A pause.
Empress Asami placed a delicate hand over her mouth, hiding a soft smile. "I see… He wants to say goodbye properly."
Vermillion Empress Hikari chuckled. "That sounds like him."
Emperor Masaki let out a slow breath. "Then we wait."
The Imperial Family watched as Rin, ever-dutiful, followed protocol—escorting the consorts to their respective palaces as part of the final ceremony.
He was returning on his own terms.
However, just as the family was about to disperse, Kazuo spoke again.
"Issue a family meeting."
Emperor Masaki turned to his son. "Why?"
Kazuo's expression was grim.
"Because Rin has something to say."
Silence.
The entire family instantly understood.
Whenever Kazuo brought up Rin's name with that expression, it meant one thing—
Something monumental had happened.
The Emperor didn't hesitate. "Very well. We'll convene as soon as the ceremonies are complete."
And so, the Imperial Family fulfilled their duties, bringing a grand close to the Imperial Courtship.
But in their hearts, they knew—
This was only the beginning.
The Imperial Convoy moved steadily towards the capital, the grand procession maintaining perfect formation as it approached the Imperial Palace.
Among the Advance Squad, riding near the front, were Hoshimi Rin and Officer Tsutomu.
Tsutomu had been grappling with one single thought since he discovered Rin's true identity—
He could no longer arrest him for "seducing" the consorts.
He sighed internally.
—How could he?
Rin was not only a prince but also higher-ranked than him. And worst of all?
Crown Prince Kazuo had given his personal approval for the consorts to pursue Rin.
That meant Rin was off-limits to any of Tsutomu's previous attempts at scolding him for 'inappropriate conduct.'
Meanwhile, Rin himself was grumbling internally.
That brother of his…
The most foolish, the most easily pushed around, and right now—the most blind.
Kazuo couldn't see the future that Rin saw.
A future where Kazuo still took the throne—the future that was meant to happen.
Tsutomu, observing Rin's quiet frustration, had a growing suspicion.
There were secrets that Rin wasn't sharing—big ones.
Still, he didn't dare to pry.
He was just a lowly officer, after all.
Clearing his throat, Tsutomu broke the silence.
"Ahem. Well… I won't be arresting you anymore, Your Highness."
Rin's sharp eyes narrowed at him.
"Just call me Rin. I'm not comfortable being called that in private."
Tsutomu smirked. "Fine. Rin."
He glanced ahead at the convoy before asking, "So… what now? You're returning to the capital. What's your plan?"
Rin exhaled. "I need to say goodbye to some people before I return."**
Then, looking up at the sky, he added, "…And deal with the consorts' increasingly unhinged affections."
Tsutomu chuckled. "Why are you avoiding four beautiful women who clearly love you?"
Rin gave him a flat look. "Because they were supposed to support Kazuo. That was their original fate."
Tsutomu raised a brow. "Original fate?"
Rin's voice was calm, unwavering.
"When I was young, I already knew how the golden age of the Hoshimi Empire would unfold. Kazuo was the one meant to be on the throne."
Tsutomu stiffened.
"…When you were young?"
Rin nodded. "Yes."
Tsutomu felt an uneasy chill crawl up his spine. "…Are you sure that wasn't just a dream?"
Rin's voice was firm. "It wasn't."
Tsutomu sighed. "Tch. Nobles… Royals… You all have your own problems, huh?"
Rin chuckled. "That's right."
Then, suddenly, he turned to Tsutomu with a curious gaze.
"By the way…"
"I heard from Kazuo and Suzuki that you helped save him from her psychic magic—and even protected his life by taking it in his place."
Tsutomu blinked. "…And?"
Rin smiled. "I'll repay that one day."
Tsutomu narrowed his eyes. "…I don't need anything."
Rin smirked. "Oh, but I already thought of the perfect reward."
Tsutomu felt his stomach drop.
Rin's next words confirmed his worst fear.
"A promotion—to Commander."
Tsutomu nearly fell off his horse.
"Wait, what?!"
Rin nodded as if it was already decided. "It's fitting for a loyal and competent officer like you."
Tsutomu hurriedly shook his head. "I don't need a promotion, Rin."
Rin simply smiled. "Yup. That's exactly why you're getting it."
Tsutomu groaned. "You're impossible."
Rin laughed. "Relax. Having your own troops means you can move freely. And with the way some of the Imperial Officials act, I'd feel better having someone like you in a higher position."
Tsutomu sighed, rubbing his temple. "…Will the Imperial Family even agree to this?"
Rin's smile sharpened.
"Kazuo and I are quite influential when it comes to judging people."
Tsutomu flinched.
"…Go easy on my workload, Rin."
Rin waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry, you won't die."
Tsutomu muttered, "That's not exactly reassuring."
Still, despite his complaints, he couldn't deny the subtle warmth in his chest.
To be acknowledged by both princes of the Hoshimi Empire…
It was an honor.
And so, the Imperial Convoy continued its journey—Rin and Tsutomu at the front, now one step closer to the future Rin sought to create.
The Imperial Convoy had finished its journey, and one by one, the consorts were dropped off at their respective palaces.
As Azure Princess Consort Chinen Suzuki arrived, she was greeted by her maids, who immediately began attending to her needs. However, she paid them no mind—her focus was elsewhere.
She hummed joyfully as she sat in her lavish room, her fingers lightly drumming against the desk.
Her head maid, Fujikawa Rina, stood nearby with arms crossed, eyeing her mistress with a mix of exhaustion and amusement.
"You seem… unusually cheerful, Princess."
Suzuki didn't even try to hide it.
"How could I not be? Rin is the Second Imperial Prince! Can you believe it?"
Her eyes practically sparkled as she spoke.
"I knew he was amazing, but this…!"
Rina, however, sighed.
"Princess… you were just blind."
Suzuki blinked. "…Excuse me?"
Rina gave her a pointed look.
"Princess Akane was the only one who actually figured it out. She managed to act accordingly, playing the long game. Meanwhile, you? You were too distracted swooning over him to even suspect anything."
Suzuki pouted. "I don't think I did anything wrong."
Rina massaged her temples. "…That's exactly the problem."
She straightened, giving Suzuki a serious look.
"Princess, listen to me. I know you love Lord Rin, but you need to pursue him in a normal way."
Suzuki frowned. "…Normal?"
"Yes. No more jumping on him, no more overly aggressive approaches. The Crown Prince himself is giving you and the other consorts opportunities, so there's no need to be so… unhinged."
Suzuki crossed her arms. "I don't think I was that bad."
Rina raised an eyebrow. "Do I need to remind you of the incident where you nearly tackled him in the training grounds?"
Suzuki looked away. "…That was just enthusiasm."
"Or the time you trapped him in an illusion for an hour just to 'talk'?"
"…That was an accident."
"Or when you almost—"
Suzuki waved her hands. "Okay! Okay! I get it!"
She sighed, finally settling down.
There was a moment of silence before Suzuki spoke again, this time more serious.
"…The other consorts."
Rina tilted her head. "What about them?"
Suzuki's expression hardened.
"I need to get stronger."
Her eyes burned with determination.
"My Empress counterpart was able to use Forbidden-tier magic. If I want Rin to look at me the way her Rin looked at her, then I have to reach that level."
Rina was momentarily stunned by Suzuki's resolve.
Then, she smiled softly.
"That's a better approach, Princess. Focus on your strengths."
Suzuki nodded, her mind set.
She would no longer waste time being careless—she had a goal now.
And that goal was to stand beside Rin as an equal.
Inside the grand halls of the Vermillion Palace, Takigawa Rei retreated to her room, exhausted but deep in thought.
However, she wasn't alone for long.
Standing by the entrance of her personal tea room was a towering, broad-shouldered man with graying hair and sharp eyes—the Grand General of the Hoshimi Empire, Takigawa Yoshito.
The moment their gazes met, Rei straightened.
"Father."
Yoshito nodded. "Rei."
She immediately gestured for him to sit, and the two settled into the tea room in a comfortable yet formal silence.
After a moment, Rei finally spoke.
"Father… did you know? About Shimuzu Rin?"
Her fingers tightened around her teacup.
Yoshito let out a sigh.
"That he was Hoshimi Rin? Yes."
Rei's eyes widened slightly. "…Since when?"
Her father leaned back.
"Since he left the Imperial Palace."
Rei's breath hitched.
"…Why did he leave?"
Yoshito's expression turned complicated.
"That… I do not know for certain. But I do know this—despite the reluctance of the Hoshimi Imperial Family, they were forced to accept his departure."
Rei frowned. "Why?"
Yoshito's lips curled into a slight smirk.
"Because the Golden Princess sent a Golden Letter supporting his leave."
Rei froze.
The Golden Princess.
A mysterious figure with immense power, influence, and unknown motives.
For her to have supported Rin's departure…
Rei felt her heartbeat quicken.
"Then… they had no choice but to let him go."
Yoshito nodded. "Indeed."
Silence fell over them again—until Yoshito suddenly gave her a knowing look.
"…You love him, don't you?"
Rei flinched.
She opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out.
Yoshito chuckled.
"I've known for a long time, Rei. I only acted as if I didn't."
Rei stiffened. "…Why?"
Yoshito took a slow sip of his tea before answering.
"Because I wanted you to tell me yourself."
He set the cup down and fixed his daughter with a pointed stare.
"But you didn't."
Rei bit her lip.
Yoshito sighed dramatically.
"My usually forward and honest daughter—hiding something like this? I'm disappointed."
Rei's face turned red.
"I—! I didn't want to trouble you!"
Yoshito raised an eyebrow. "Trouble me?"
Rei looked away.
"…It's my first time falling in love."
Yoshito's expression softened slightly.
"I see."
She clenched her fists.
"And I thought… since Rin was a commoner, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to ask for your help."
Yoshito blinked. Then, he let out a low, amused chuckle.
"A commoner, huh?"
Rei narrowed her eyes. "…What?"
Yoshito smirked.
"You fell for a 'commoner' who was actually a prince."
Rei froze.
Then, her face burned with embarrassment.
"…I—"
She immediately lunged forward and started hitting her father's arm.
"Why didn't you tell me?!"
Yoshito laughed loudly.
"And ruin the fun? Besides, if you had told me earlier, I would've helped you!"
Rei gritted her teeth. "You're the worst!"
"And you're slow at realizing things."
She hit him again.
Yoshito only laughed harder.
Despite her frustration, despite her embarrassment—Rei couldn't help but smile just a little.
Inside the quiet chambers of the Black Tortoise Palace, Urakawa Miharu sat on her bed, staring at the black gemstone necklace resting in her palm.
A gift.
A test.
A curse she once despised.
Back when she had competed for the title of Black Princess Consort, this very necklace contained Rin's final trial. A manifestation of himself—a cruel, merciless "villain"—had stood before her, forcing her to prove her strength, her conviction.
And she won.
She earned the title.
But back then, she had hated it.
Hated that Rin had tested her at all.
Hated that she had to win against a version of him that looked at her with such coldness.
Now, knowing that Rin was the 2nd Imperial Prince all along…
Miharu clicked her tongue.
"…Fine. I like it again."
From the side of the room, Fumiko, her head maid, observed her with a calm expression.
She had been watching her mistress stare at the necklace for an hour now.
Finally, Miharu sighed and turned to her.
"Fumiko."
Fumiko raised an eyebrow. "Yes, Princess?"
"Does this necklace look good on me?"
Fumiko gave her a neutral nod. "It does. If I recall correctly, it was a gift from Lord Rin."
Miharu flinched at the name.
Then, a slow, wide grin crept onto her face.
The same Rin who chose her to be the Black Princess Consort.
The same Rin who—
"AAAAAGH!"
Miharu screamed and rolled onto her bed, kicking her legs.
Fumiko, unfazed, simply folded her arms.
"Princess Miharu."
Miharu kept rolling. "WHAT?!"
"…Is it really necessary to scream like a dog getting its favorite treat?"
Miharu froze.
Then, she sat up and pointed a dramatic finger at her maid.
"Fumiko! You don't understand! This is HUGE!"
Fumiko tilted her head. "…Because you can approach Rin without any threat to your status now?"
Miharu clutched her head.
"YES! EXACTLY! DO YOU KNOW HOW FRUSTRATING IT WAS?!"
Fumiko sighed. "I can imagine."
Miharu collapsed back onto the bed, groaning.
"To think… I realized I loved him just before becoming a consort! Do you know how much I hated myself for that? I couldn't approach him as a commoner! And now—NOW—he's a prince?!"
She rolled over again, dramatically flailing her arms.
"…And Kazuo gave us permission to chase him!"
Fumiko massaged her temples.
"So?"
Miharu suddenly sprang up, determination burning in her eyes.
"So now—I will work hard to become the Black Princess Consort!"
Fumiko blinked.
"…You already are."
Miharu paused.
Then, she clenched her fists and declared even louder:
"Then I'll be the BEST Black Princess Consort!"
Fumiko exhaled slowly.
"…As you wish, Princess."
Inside the elegant chambers of the White Palace, Shinegori Akane sat in deep thought, fingers delicately resting against her lips.
Her head maid, Emi, watched in silence.
It was rare to see her mistress so intensely focused—but it was understandable.
Akane had just lost her greatest advantage.
For so long, she had been the only consort who knew Rin's true identity. The others had been stumbling in the dark, chasing a "commoner" while she carefully positioned herself as his only safe haven.
Now?
Now they all knew.
The balance had shifted.
The playing field had evened out.
And yet—when it came to who was closest to Rin, it was still her.
Akane tapped a finger against the table.
"Let's review."
Emi sighed.
Here it comes.
Akane's eyes gleamed as she calmly analyzed the situation.
"Right now, I am the only consort Rin highly trusts. The only one he never saw as a threat. When the others tried to corner him, I was the one who helped him escape."
Emi nodded. That was true.
"So, the problem is…" Akane's eyes narrowed. "They will now start approaching him openly. Suzuki, Rei, and Miharu will push forward—hard. They know that Kazuo is giving them the chance, and they will take it. They will try to pull him in."
She exhaled softly, then smiled.
"Which means I need to change my strategy."
Emi raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
Akane's expression softened.
"I will stay the same."
Emi blinked.
"…What?"
Akane leaned back, her golden eyes flashing with amusement.
"They will all try to push him." She tilted her head. "But I will be different. I will be the one person who never forces him to move."
Emi felt a headache forming.
"So… you're going to play the 'gentle sanctuary' role?"
Akane smiled.
"Of course."
She reached for her fan, snapping it open gracefully.
"While they all overwhelm him with attention… I will be the one place he can rest."
Emi pinched the bridge of her nose.
"You really are the same as ever."
Akane hummed, clearly pleased with herself.
"If he needs to talk, I will listen. If he needs to escape, I will provide him an excuse. If he needs a hug, I will give it."
Her golden eyes flickered with something more mischievous.
"And if he really wants… I wouldn't mind if he pushed me onto the bed."
Emi coughed violently. "…Princess."
Akane laughed.
"I'm only half-joking."
Emi rubbed her temples. "So your plan is to make him rely on you?"
"Not just rely on me," Akane corrected smoothly. "To realize that I am the only one who truly understands him."
She gently closed her fan, eyes twinkling.
"While the others fight for his love… I will make him see that I am already standing beside him."
Emi exhaled.
"You truly are terrifying, my lady."
Akane simply smiled.
The servants' quarters kitchen had been quiet for a full week. Too quiet.
Harumi, the second apprentice of the White Elder and a maid of the White Flower Palace, scrubbed the counters absentmindedly.
It had been eight days since Rin left for the Imperial Courtship.
Eight days without someone to banter with.
Eight days without someone to annoy.
She huffed, drying her hands.
She had heard the Imperial Convoy arrived earlier that day—but Rin still hadn't returned.
Harumi's fingers tightened around the cloth.
She whispered to herself, voice barely audible.
"It's almost time again."
And so, she stepped outside.
As she approached the entrance of the White Flower Palace, she stopped.
Her eyes widened.
Because there he was.
Shimuzu Rin.
Standing at the entrance carrying bags—probably filled with food and souvenirs.
His expression relaxed, his posture familiar.
Then, with a carefree grin, he raised a hand and waved.
"Yo. Long time no see."
Harumi stared for a moment.
Then, with a playful smirk, she straightened her back, clasped her hands, and bowed formally like a proper palace maid.
"Greetings, Sir Rin. What brings you to—TWAK!"
A karate chop landed on her head.
Harumi yelped, rubbing the sore spot.
"Ow! Mean! What was that for?!"
Rin grinned. "Missed annoying you, that's all."
Harumi pouted, then grinned back.
"Same here."
And just like that, it was as if nothing had changed.
As Rin moved inside to settle in, Harumi helped him—while making sure to annoy him just as much.
Because, after all—
some things never change.
As Rin settled his things, Harumi moved around the room, casually tidying up as an excuse to linger.
The familiar rhythm of banter and teasing had returned so naturally, as if the past eight days had never happened.
But as she wiped down a table near him, she suddenly paused.
"Harumi."
The way he said her name was different this time. Softer.
She turned to him, raising an eyebrow.
"What's up?"
Rin looked at her for a moment, as if searching for the right words. Then, with an almost tired—but genuine—smile, he simply said:
"Thank you."
Harumi blinked.
"For what?"
His golden eyes met hers, steady and unwavering.
"Everything."
For once, Harumi had no comeback.
The room felt quiet—warm.
She opened her mouth, then closed it again. Instead, she simply smiled, reaching out to lightly flick his forehead.
"Idiot. No need to thank me."
Rin chuckled, rubbing the spot she flicked.
And just like that, the moment passed—but the weight of his words lingered.