Chapter 20: The Warrior That Was Once A Prince

It had been six hours since the kidnapped citizens were returned, and an emergency meeting was convened in the Imperial Palace's grand meeting room. The atmosphere was tense, the air heavy with unspoken concern and lingering exhaustion. The room itself was regal yet austere, its twelve seats arranged in a semi-circle around a central dais. Each chair represented a pillar of the Empire's governance.

On one side of the table sat six generals, the backbone of the Empire's military might. Their uniforms were immaculate, their expressions grim as they discussed the logistical and security failures that had allowed such a disaster to occur. At their head sat Takigawa Yoshito, the Grand General and father of the Vermillion Princess. Known for his commanding presence and sharp mind, Yoshito exuded an air of authority that demanded respect. Despite his composed demeanor, there was an unmistakable undercurrent of anger in his gaze—anger at the audacity of the Dark Magician and at the failure to protect not only the citizens but also his daughter.

On the opposite side sat six civil officials, each representing the administrative heart of the Empire. They were the strategists, diplomats, and policymakers tasked with maintaining order and ensuring the Empire's smooth operation. Their leader, Minister Arata Shigenori, was a shrewd and calculated man who often clashed with Yoshito on matters of priority. While Yoshito demanded immediate military action, Shigenori urged a more measured approach, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and understanding of the artifact used in the attack.

At the head of the room sat Emperor Hoshimi Masaki, his golden robes signifying his supreme authority. His usually serene visage was marred by a deep frown, his sharp eyes scanning the gathered officials. The return of the Crown Prince and the Vermillion Princess had alleviated some of the immediate crisis, but the attack had exposed vulnerabilities within the Empire that could not be ignored.

Yoshito was the first to break the silence, his deep voice resonating through the room. "This was not just an attack. It was a statement—one meant to undermine the Empire's strength and unity. We must ensure there are no further breaches, and that starts with a full mobilization of the military to root out any remnants of the Dark Magician's forces."

Minister Shigenori leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "While I agree security must be tightened, we must also address the artifact itself. If this...subspace creation device can be replicated, it poses a far greater threat than the Dark Magician alone. We cannot afford to act without understanding."

The room erupted into murmurs of agreement and dissent, the generals siding with Yoshito and the civil officials aligning with Shigenori. The Emperor raised a hand, and silence fell instantly.

"This meeting is not for infighting," Masaki said, his voice calm but commanding. "We will address both concerns. General Takigawa, you will lead an immediate investigation into any potential collaborators or remaining threats. Minister Shigenori, I expect a full report on the artifact's mechanisms and possible origins within the week."

Both men bowed their heads in acknowledgment, though their tension was palpable.

The discussion shifted to the treatment of the kidnapped civilians. Reports confirmed that, unfortunately, there were deaths among those abducted from areas outside the town. The testimonies provided painted a grim picture of the ordeal, but they also brought attention to two key individuals: the mysterious Golden Palace maid who saved the Crown Prince, and **Shimuzu Rin**, the warrior who had orchestrated the survival of the town and the eventual defeat of the Dark Magician.

When it came to the Crown Prince's account, his voice was devoid of emotion, his eyes hollow, yet he firmly acknowledged the bravery of the maid who had shielded him during the chaos. "She is the reason I am here. Her sacrifice ensured my survival," he stated, leaving a sense of mystery and reverence surrounding the unknown maid.

The Vermillion Princess, on the other hand, passionately recounted Rin's actions. She spoke of his decisiveness in locating the Dark Magician, his cunning in breaking part of the artifact to free everyone, and his selflessness in fortifying the town before heading into the heart of danger. Her descriptions painted Rin as a man of unparalleled bravery and strategic brilliance. She also highlighted the resilience of the townspeople who fought for their survival, crediting Rin for buying them the time and morale to hold the line until the artifact was destroyed.

As the meeting progressed, the focus naturally shifted to **Shimuzu Rin**.

One of the civil officials, a man with spectacles and a sharp voice, read aloud Rin's record: 

*"Shimuzu Rin, warrior employed at the White Flower Palace. Apprentice of the White Elder, renowned for mastery in mana control and swordsmanship. Known for his reserved nature and dedication to his craft."* 

The room buzzed with murmurs. Such a capable individual, yet so unassuming, had gone unnoticed by many until now. The mere mention of the White Elder's name added significant weight to Rin's credibility, given the elder's legendary status.

Curiosity grew among the officials. Several generals began whispering about recruiting Rin for more prominent roles within the military, while civil officials speculated about using his talents in strategic or diplomatic capacities. 

The Emperor sat silently, observing the officials' growing interest in Rin. He sighed inwardly, knowing well how Rin had consistently avoided positions of power and influence. The young warrior had always valued his independence, staying out of political and military entanglements. 

"Shimuzu Rin," one general said aloud, "is a rare talent. His mana control and swordsmanship are extraordinary for someone of his age. We must ensure his skills are used for the greater good of the Empire." 

Another official chimed in, "Agreed. A man like that could tip the balance in our favor in future conflicts. His loyalty and courage are already proven." 

The Emperor raised a hand, silencing the room. "Shimuzu Rin has proven himself a hero today, but he is still a young man. His body has endured great strain to protect the citizens of this Empire. Let him recover before we overwhelm him with offers and responsibilities." 

His voice was firm, but his thoughts were conflicted. *How long can Rin's identity as a prince remain hidden? And when the truth comes to light, what will these officials think of the hero they now admire?* 

For now, the Emperor resolved to shield Rin from the political chaos brewing around him. The young warrior had already given so much—more than anyone could have asked.

Rin sighed heavily, shifting uncomfortably in the pristine recovery bed as the minutes dragged on. His impatience grew unbearable, his fingers drumming on the blanket. Despite the lingering soreness in his body, his mana had replenished enough for him to cast a high-tier healing spell, mending most of his injuries.

"Seriously, how long am I supposed to just lie here? I'm not made for this kind of inactivity," Rin muttered to himself. His gaze fixated on the ceiling, frustration bubbling inside him. "Ken's probably going to lecture me again if I sneak out... but this is torture."

The door to the recovery room creaked open, breaking his train of thought. Terada Ken stepped inside, his expression calm yet subtly carrying a weight of urgency.

"Still restless, I see," Ken remarked, adjusting his glasses as he walked over to check on Rin.

"Restless is an understatement," Rin shot back, sitting up straight. "I've been staring at this ceiling for thirty minutes, Ken. I feel like I'm losing my mind."

Ken shook his head, suppressing a smirk. "Well, it seems your wait is over. His Majesty, Emperor Hoshimi Masaki, has arrived to see you."

Rin froze at the mention of his father. His easygoing demeanor faltered for a moment, replaced by a more reserved expression.

"He's... here?" Rin asked, his tone quieter.

Ken nodded. "Yes, and it seems he has much to discuss with you. I'd suggest you keep things respectful, despite your current... frustration."

Before Rin could respond, the door opened wider, and in stepped Emperor Hoshimi Masaki. His regal presence filled the room instantly, his sharp gaze falling on Rin with a mix of sternness and something softer, almost imperceptible. He dismissed Ken with a small nod, leaving father and son alone.

"Rin," Masaki began, his voice steady but firm. "You've been through quite the ordeal."

Rin, for once, sat silently, his usual casual demeanor giving way to an air of respect. Yet, his eyes held a flicker of defiance, as if daring his father to say more.

The Emperor stepped closer, his expression unreadable. "We need to talk."

The Emperor regarded Rin with a calm but firm gaze, waiting for his son's response. Rin, knowing the gravity of the situation, sat upright and maintained a respectful tone.

"What does being exposed mean, Father?" Rin asked, a faint hint of concern creeping into his voice.

Masaki sighed, rubbing his temples as if the weight of the situation were tangible. "The incident in the subspace has brought significant attention to you. Your actions, your swordsmanship, your mana control—they've all been brought up during the meeting. People are asking questions, Rin."

Rin frowned, his fingers tightening around the blanket on his lap. "Questions like what?"

"The officials have noted your exceptional capabilities and your connection to the Vermillion Princess. They're wondering who you are, where you received your training, and why someone so skilled is serving as a mere warrior in the White Flower Palace. It doesn't help that you defeated Seta Tadao, a Class A Dark Magician, and returned the kidnapped civilians," Masaki explained, his tone laced with both pride and worry.

Rin sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "So you're saying my cover might be blown because I did my job?"

Masaki chuckled softly, his stoic mask slipping momentarily to reveal a fondness only a father could have. "Yes, you did your job, but far too well. You've drawn too much attention to yourself, Rin."

Rin leaned back against the headboard, his mind racing. "And what do you suggest I do? Lay low? Disappear? Go back to being a nobody?"

"No," Masaki said firmly. "You're too valuable to hide now. But I need you to be cautious. Keep a low profile whenever possible and avoid unnecessary interactions with high-ranking officials. If anyone presses too hard about your background, leave the explanations to me."

Rin nodded slowly, absorbing his father's words. "Understood. But what about the Vermillion Princess? She already knows me as her sparring partner. I can't exactly avoid her."

Masaki smiled knowingly. "Rei seems to trust you. Use that to your advantage but remain discreet. 

Masaki's smile widened briefly before returning to seriousness. "And about Seta Tadao..."

Rin's expression darkened. "He sought revenge for my purge when I was still a prince. He recognized me, but I cut him down before he could expose my identity. It's unsettling to know that remnants like him still linger even from my past."

Masaki nodded, his eyes narrowing. "We'll ensure no further threats arise from his connections. But this serves as a reminder, Rin—you may have asked for a life away from the palace, but your responsibilities and your past will always find you."

Rin sighed but offered a faint smile. "Story of my life, huh?"

The Emperor's expression softened, and he reached out, placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "You've done well, Rin. I'm proud of you. Just... take care of yourself, will you? Even I have limits to how much worry I can endure."

Rin nodded at the words of his father. "What about brother (Crown Prince)? Is he alright?" Rin asked, his voice full of genuine concern, the weight of his brother's well-being pulling at his thoughts.

The Emperor, who had been silent for a moment, finally nodded. "He's fine, physically at least," he said, though his tone was a mixture of sadness and worry. "But... his eyes, Rin. They're filled with hopelessness. He doesn't seem like the same person anymore. Sometimes, I feel like you're much better suited to be the Crown Prince. You're calm, collected, and always think through things carefully. You're able to handle pressure and make the right decisions under difficult circumstances. Honestly, sometimes I think you'd be a far better leader than he could ever be."

Rin could feel his chest tighten at his father's words, not from arrogance, but from the weight of responsibility that would come with such a title. He could sense the sincerity in his father's voice, and it almost made his heart ache. His gaze faltered as he glanced down, trying to avoid his father's piercing eyes. "Please don't... That position is bad for my health, Father..." he muttered, his voice a mixture of discomfort and a subtle hint of fear.

The Emperor's expression softened, though there was still a touch of a smile at the corners of his lips. "Aw, come on... You'd have four consorts with you—well, three for now, but you never know. They may be selected by the officials, but you'd at least find one of them to love. You would have your own family, your own empire to protect and care for."

Rin froze at the mention of the consorts, his heart dropping at the thought. He could already picture it—surrounded by political figures, forced into alliances for the sake of power, each choice potentially shaping the rest of his life. His mind immediately flashed to the Azure Princess, Chinen Suzuki, whose affection for him was already a delicate subject. If anyone found out about the dynamics between them, it would not only make his life even more complicated, but it would also attract the attention of the court, and potentially force him back into the life he had chosen to escape from.

"Father... please don't joke like that," Rin responded with a slightly uncomfortable laugh, though the tension in his voice was clear. "I don't want to be the Crown Prince. I can't go back to that life. It's not who I am anymore. If you find out about... well, everything, then I'll have no choice but to return to that world." His hands clenched slightly in frustration, but he quickly steadied himself. "I can't... I can't lose what I've fought for, the freedom to live a life of my own choosing. The political games, the responsibilities... it's not the path I want to walk."

The Emperor sighed, looking at his son with a combination of understanding and quiet regret. "I know, Rin. I know. But sometimes I wish... I wish you could see yourself the way I see you. You've already proven yourself capable of so much. Your strength, your kindness, your wisdom... you carry the heart of a true ruler. Don't sell yourself short, son."

Rin shook his head, forcing a small, strained smile as he looked back at his father. "I'm not suited for it, Father. I never will be. I've already chosen my path. I just want to live it on my terms."

The Emperor was quiet for a long moment, as if weighing his words carefully. "I only want what's best for you, Rin. But I will respect your choice, as I always have." He placed a hand on Rin's shoulder, a rare gesture of affection. "But remember, no matter what happens, you are my son. And you will always have a place here, should you ever need it."

Rin met his father's gaze and nodded, a mix of gratitude and uncertainty in his eyes. "Thank you, Father. But for now, let's focus on what's in front of us. I still have my work to do, and I can't afford to let the past drag me down."

The Emperor gave him a final, understanding look before turning to leave. As he walked away, Rin remained still, his thoughts swirling. He had made his choice, but the path ahead was never as clear as it seemed.