Chapter 26: Obstacles To Her Rise

In the quiet solace of the **White Flower Palace**, Miharu sat cross-legged on the polished wooden floor, her arms resting on her knees as she stared blankly ahead. The serene beauty of the palace gardens beyond the open sliding doors offered little comfort to her racing thoughts. Yesterday's events had turned her world upside down, leaving her both stunned and overwhelmed. 

She had kept her composure during the imperial meeting—every word, every bow, every step executed with a calm precision she had mastered under Rin's guidance. But now, in the privacy of the palace, her mask had slipped, and the weight of the situation pressed heavily on her chest. 

Her thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind: 

- The revelation that her lessons with Rin had been secretly recorded left her feeling both betrayed and exposed. 

- Being presented as a candidate for the **Black Princess Position**, a role she never sought nor imagined for herself, was beyond comprehension. 

- And Rin—her mentor, her tormentor—had orchestrated it all, guiding her like a piece on a shogi board without her knowledge. 

Her fingers curled into fists against her knees as she let out a long, frustrated sigh. She didn't hate Rin, but the sting of being blindsided by someone she trusted was hard to ignore. 

Rin's shadow stretched across the floor as he approached, his posture as relaxed as ever, a small smile playing on his lips. He stood over her for a moment, his hands resting lightly on his hips as he observed her sulking form. 

"Well," he said lightly, his voice carrying the same teasing edge it always did, "what lesson did you learn today, Miharu?" 

She tilted her head slightly to glance up at him, her expression half-annoyed, half-resigned. "I learned that you're not kind," she replied flatly, her tone carrying just a hint of rebellion. 

Rin chuckled and, without waiting for an invitation, sat down beside her, stretching his legs out in front of him. His gaze turned toward the garden, but his smile remained. "Good," he said simply, his tone as infuriatingly calm as ever. "If you've figured that out, then you're already one step closer to understanding the world you're about to enter." 

Miharu frowned, her fingers tightening against her knees. "You could've just told me," she muttered. "Why did you have to trick me like that? You made me think all that training was for being your apprentice, not...this." 

Rin tilted his head, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Because if I told you outright, you would've overthought everything, doubted yourself, and maybe even refused. You needed to focus on the tasks, not the expectations. And look where it got you—right where you're supposed to be." 

She scowled but didn't argue. Deep down, she knew he wasn't entirely wrong. Still, it didn't make her feel any better. 

Rin leaned back on his hands, his tone softening just enough to show a sliver of sincerity. "Miharu, this isn't just about me throwing you into the fire for fun. I did it because I believe in you. And you'll see soon enough that you're more capable than you realize. But," he added, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes, "if you don't want to get tricked again, you'd better start learning how to see through people's intentions." 

She sighed, leaning her forehead against her knees. "You're impossible, Rin." 

"And you're improving," he countered, his voice carrying a hint of pride. He stood, brushing off his robes. "Consider this another lesson, Black Princess Candidate." 

Miharu groaned at the title, burying her face deeper into her arms. Rin's laughter echoed as he walked away, leaving her alone with her thoughts once more. She wasn't sure whether to be angry or grateful, but one thing was certain—Rin had a way of pushing her beyond her limits, whether she liked it or not. 

Miharu sat silently in the quiet room of the White Flower Palace, her gaze distant as the memories of the past few months played in her mind like a reel of images. Her journey to this point felt surreal—each step, each lesson guided by Rin, a man whose brilliance seemed limitless yet whose intentions were often shrouded in mystery. 

She couldn't deny that Rin's actions had propelled her forward. His guidance had polished her raw talents into something extraordinary, even if his methods often left her bewildered or frustrated. Yet, as she thought back to the imperial meeting, a gnawing question lingered in her heart: *Why me?* 

It made no sense. She had never aspired to such a position. The thought of becoming the **Black Princess Consort**, a figure of immense power and influence, felt like a gilded cage—one that would separate her from the very people who had become her closest companions. 

Her thoughts drifted to Rin, whose unwavering belief in her had pushed her to achieve things she hadn't thought possible. His pride at her recognition during the meeting was evident, but it only deepened her confusion. Was he truly doing this for her sake, or was there something more to his actions that she couldn't see? 

*Does he know something I don't?* 

She thought back to her first day at the White Flower Palace, a place she had entered with trepidation but had come to see as a sanctuary. Rin had been the first to truly challenge her, his sharp wit and unrelenting expectations forcing her to grow in ways she never imagined. Harumi, with her boundless energy and unwavering support, had become like a sister to her, always there to cheer her on or lend a helping hand. 

The three of them had formed an unlikely bond, their camaraderie an anchor in the ever-changing tides of the palace's demands. Yet now, that bond felt fragile. The path laid before her would lead her far from the White Flower Palace, far from the life she had come to cherish. 

She sighed, her chest tightening at the thought of leaving them behind. Her lessons with Rin had always emphasized the importance of duty and sacrifice, but she couldn't shake the feeling of loss. 

When she had arrived earlier that day, Rin had greeted her with a smile, his eyes shining with pride as though she were a student who had finally proven herself worthy. Yet, that pride felt bittersweet. She couldn't share in his happiness—not when every step toward her future seemed to pull her further away from the people who mattered most. 

Miharu's fingers tightened against the fabric of her robes as she whispered softly to herself, "Why does it have to be me? Why can't things stay the way they are?" 

But deep down, she already knew the answer. Rin had always told her that greatness came with a price. The life she had now, the simplicity and joy of it, was a fleeting dream. Her destiny, whether she liked it or not, lay elsewhere. 

What she could never guess, however, was the true reason behind Rin's actions. She didn't know that her life was intertwined with a story far greater than her own—a story Rin seemed to know intimately. 

To Miharu, it seemed like Rin was merely pushing her to greater heights, but in truth, he was guiding her toward her fate. He knew the story of the **Golden Girl's Rise**, a tale in which Miharu was the protagonist. Rin wasn't just teaching her—he was ensuring she would fulfill the role she was destined for. 

Yet, none of that mattered to Miharu in this moment. What mattered was the growing ache in her heart as she realized that the life she had built with Rin and Harumi, the life she had come to treasure, would soon become a memory.

As Miharu's thoughts settled on the upcoming showcase, a wave of nervous anticipation swept through her. Three days. That was all the time she had to prepare for the contest that would determine her fate. The deliberation had concluded with the announcement of the event, a trial of skill, grace, and intellect that would allow the candidates to prove their worthiness for the position of Black Princess Consort.

The challenge was daunting. The fields of competition—etiquette, tea ceremony, palace rules, and their personal talents—were as vast as they were demanding. Miharu knew the weight of expectation that hung over her. She wasn't just representing herself but also Rin, the White Elder, and the legacy of the White Flower Palace.

Her training with Rin would now take center stage, and Miharu found herself torn by the thought. On one hand, she felt immense gratitude for Rin's guidance and dedication, knowing he would do everything in his power to prepare her for success. On the other hand, the very prospect of succeeding in this endeavor felt like a bittersweet farewell.

She glanced out the window of her room, watching the soft glow of the evening sun bathe the gardens in golden light. The White Flower Palace had become her home—a sanctuary filled with camaraderie and purpose. The thought of leaving it behind, of leaving them behind, filled her heart with an ache she couldn't fully name.

When she arrived at the training hall earlier, Rin had greeted her with his usual composed demeanor, his sharp eyes glinting with purpose. He had already outlined a rigorous training plan for the next three days, one that would ensure she excelled in every aspect of the showcase. His confidence in her was unwavering, but Miharu couldn't ignore the faint shadow of sadness that lingered in her thoughts.

"If I succeed, I might have to leave all of this behind," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible.

Yet, despite her apprehension, a small part of her trusted Rin's words. He had always been honest, even when it hurt. She couldn't shake the feeling that he wouldn't let this be their final goodbye. There was something in his demeanor, a quiet assurance, that made her believe they would see each other again—whether as allies, friends, or something else entirely.

The tea room of the White Tiger Palace was a picture of elegance, with delicate porcelain cups arranged on an intricately carved table and sunlight streaming through the sheer curtains. However, the atmosphere was anything but serene. The tension between the three Princess Consorts was palpable as they discussed the latest development: the unexpected nomination of Urakawa Miharu as a candidate for the Black Princess Position.

Chinen Suzuki sipped her tea delicately, though her thoughts were anything but calm. The announcement of Miharu's candidacy stirred a mix of emotions she was struggling to process.

Suzuki had spent enough time at the White Flower Palace to witness Miharu's training firsthand. She'd initially felt a pang of jealousy watching Miharu work closely with Rin, but she had to admit Miharu was impressive—capable, disciplined, and unusually quick to grasp complex concepts. Now, however, she saw the bigger picture.

Miharu wasn't just a student under Rin's guidance; she was being shaped for this very role. It made sense, considering Rin's dedication to ensuring everything he did was purposeful. Yet, Suzuki couldn't help but feel her heart ache at the thought of how much time Miharu had spent with Rin. Was this all part of some grand plan? she wondered. And why did that thought make her feel so small?

"I have seen her train with Rin," Suzuki began, her voice light but edged with subtle tension. "She's talented. Perhaps even too talented to be a mere apprentice. It seems Rin has been preparing her for this moment all along."

Her eyes flickered to Takigawa Rei, gauging her reaction. If anyone would feel similarly unsettled by this news, it would be Rei.

Rei, however, sat with her lips pressed into a thin line, her hands tightly clasped around her teacup. She hadn't met Miharu in person, but the Azure Princess's description painted an unsettlingly clear picture.

A beautiful, capable apprentice who worked closely with Rin? It was enough to make her feel a pang of insecurity, though she'd never admit it out loud. Rei had always admired Rin's resilience and strength, but her own attempts to lighten his burdens had been met with cold dismissal in the past.

Now, to hear of someone who not only earned Rin's trust but also shared his day-to-day work was almost unbearable. Why her? Rei thought bitterly.

"She must be remarkable if even Rin has devoted this much effort to her training," Rei finally said, her voice carefully measured. "But… don't you think it's unusual? For someone with no background or connections to suddenly rise to such a position?"

Her words were laced with veiled suspicion. Despite herself, Rei couldn't shake the feeling of being threatened—not by Miharu's candidacy, but by her closeness to Rin.

Across from them, Shinegori Akane remained eerily silent, her gaze fixed on the surface of her tea. The mention of Miharu's name was enough to stir a simmering anger within her.

"Urakawa," Akane finally said, her voice cold and clipped. "That name should have been buried with the rest of her family."

Her tone caused both Suzuki and Rei to stiffen, exchanging wary glances. Akane's hatred for the Urakawa name was no secret, though the full extent of her knowledge about the family's downfall remained shrouded in mystery.

"The fact that an Urakawa is even being considered for the Black Princess position is an insult," Akane continued, her knuckles white as she gripped her teacup. "No amount of talent can erase their treachery. If the officials think this is acceptable, they've clearly forgotten history."

While Akane's ire was directed squarely at Miharu's lineage, Suzuki and Rei had their own silent battle brewing. Neither of them would openly admit their feelings for Rin, but the unspoken tension between them was palpable.

Suzuki broke the silence, her voice calm but firm. "Regardless of her past, Miharu is being considered for a reason. Rin wouldn't have trained her otherwise. You've seen how he operates—he doesn't waste his time on the unworthy."

Rei narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing the subtle defensiveness in Suzuki's tone. "Perhaps. But even you must admit it's strange for him to be so invested in her. Don't you wonder why?"

Akane, oblivious to the undercurrents between the other two, scoffed. "It doesn't matter why. If she's truly as capable as you claim, then she'll have to prove it. And when she does, I'll be watching closely. The empire has no room for another mistake."

As the conversation continued, the tea room seemed to grow heavier with unspoken words and unresolved tensions. None of the Princess Consorts were aware of Rin's true identity or the deeper threads connecting him to the Urakawa family. For now, all they could do was speculate and prepare for the storm that Miharu's candidacy would inevitably bring.