Chapter 28: Before The Contest

The Black Tortoise Palace was alive with energy, its grand halls bustling with activity as the day of the contest to select the new Black Princess had arrived. The air was thick with anticipation, and servants hurried to prepare the palace for the arrival of distinguished guests. Lively chatter echoed through the corridors, with people from all corners of the empire making their way into the palace, each eager to witness the spectacle. The ornate rooms were adorned with rich tapestries and shimmering lights, setting the stage for what would surely be a momentous occasion.

Inside one of the participant rooms, Miharu sat in front of a large mirror, her hands resting on her lap as she took in the scene around her. The room was quiet, the only sound being the soft rustle of fabric as Higashi Harumi moved around her, helping with the final touches. Harumi's hands were skilled, and though Miharu already had an undeniable natural beauty, Harumi worked with gentle precision, fixing her hair, adjusting the layers of her outfit, and applying a light touch of makeup. Miharu's features were delicate, her eyes bright, but it was the way she carried herself—her presence—that made her stand out. Harumi knew that any additional embellishment wasn't necessary; Miharu was already stunning in her own right.

It was still early, nearly six hours before the contest would officially begin. Harumi was calm as she worked, but Miharu felt a flutter of nervous energy in her chest. This was it. The moment she had been preparing for had finally arrived.

Rin had already come and gone. He'd been helping Miharu for the past three days, coaching her, offering guidance, and being a steady presence as she prepared for the contest. He had left just moments ago, telling them both that he had something else to attend to. Miharu couldn't help but feel a little empty without him there, but she knew he had done all he could. It was up to her now.

As Harumi finished with the last of Miharu's hair, she stepped back and looked at her with a satisfied nod. "You're ready," Harumi said, her tone warm and encouraging. "Just stay calm, Miharu. You've got this."

Miharu smiled softly at her friend's reassurance but couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that still lingered. Harumi had been a constant source of support for her, but today was different. Today, everything would change, and Miharu wasn't sure if she was ready for it. She was going into the contest not because she wanted the position of Black Princess, but because she wanted to prove herself. She wanted to show the empire that she was more than just the burden of the Urakawa name.

Her heart had opened to Rin during the last few days. They had talked—really talked—about what it would mean if Miharu won. She had been honest with him, telling him she didn't want to become the Black Princess, despite how much the contest meant to so many. It wasn't the title she sought. It was the freedom to carve out her own path, to be recognized for her talents without the weight of her family's legacy holding her back. Rin had accepted her choice, never pushing her toward the position, but urging her to showcase her abilities to the empire so she could find a place in the world that wasn't dictated by her name.

He had understood. And that had meant everything to Miharu. He wasn't asking her to change who she was; he just wanted her to be able to live her life with dignity and opportunity, no matter what happened in the contest.

"Are you nervous?" Harumi asked, breaking Miharu's thoughts. "You've been so focused these past few days. I know you've got this, but I can see you're still unsure."

Miharu nodded slowly, taking in a deep breath. "I'm nervous, yes," she admitted. "But more than that, I'm... I'm wondering what comes next. After this, after the contest, what happens to me?"

Harumi smiled gently, her eyes full of understanding. "Whatever happens, you'll figure it out. You've already come so far, Miharu. Today is just another step on the path."

Miharu smiled back, feeling a little lighter. The quiet moments in this room with Harumi, preparing for the contest, had helped ground her. Today wasn't just about the Black Princess title—it was about her future. Whatever happened, she knew she had people who believed in her. 

Rin sat perched on the rooftops of the Black Tortoise Palace, his figure blending into the shadows as he observed the bustling event stage below. The selection for the new Black Princess was a grand affair, the air alive with energy and anticipation. Yet, amidst the noise and excitement, Rin remained calm, his gaze steady as he watched the proceedings. Despite Miharu's heartfelt confession that she didn't want to become the Black Princess, his expression betrayed no surprise.

Deep down, Rin had always known the path Miharu would take. It was her fate, after all. In the story of *The Golden Girl's Rise*, she would come to realize the hidden darkness within the Hoshimi Empire. As the protagonist, her unwavering conviction to protect the people and things she loved would ultimately drive her to embrace the role of the Black Princess. It wasn't something anyone could force upon her—it had to be a choice she made on her own.

Rin's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. He had no doubt that Miharu would face trouble today. Trouble always seemed to find her, as if the world itself conspired to test her strength and resolve. She was the protagonist of this tale, after all, and every hardship was a stepping stone on her journey to greatness. His role was clear: to support her, to guide her, and to ensure she became the best version of herself. The rest, he knew, was up to her.

Leaning back slightly, Rin tilted his head to gaze at the sky above. It was breathtakingly beautiful, painted in soft hues of blue and white. This second life of his, though filled with its own challenges, had been a gift—a chance to live without the regrets that had once haunted him. His first life had been a tapestry of trials, sacrifices, and bittersweet victories. Yet, in the end, he had found happiness, even as he stood at death's door.

The memory of his little sister's tear-streaked face as she knelt by his side in his first life came rushing back to him. It was a moment forever etched in his soul. His final words to her, spoken with a faint smile and fading strength, echoed in his mind: *"Continue living, despite every difficult loss."*

He had lived those words himself, cherishing every moment he had shared with the people he loved. His one regret was that he hadn't had more time with them, but even so, he had no doubt he had made those moments count.

Rin exhaled softly, his gaze returning to the lively stage below. The contest would soon begin, and Miharu's journey would take its next pivotal turn. Whatever trials awaited her, Rin would be there, just as he had promised himself. This time, he wouldn't leave anyone behind—not her, not Harumi, and not the bonds he had come to treasure in this life.

The two men wearing event organizer uniforms approached the room where Urakawa Miharu was staying. It was three hours before the start of the event, and the palace halls had quieted down, with most preparations already in place. The perfect time to strike.

Their orders were clear: kidnap the girl named Urakawa Miharu and ensure she missed the contest. They didn't know the identity of their employer, nor did they care. What was clear from their leader's description was that the client was backing one of Miharu's competitors.

These men were part of the Ravens, a shadowy mercenary group specializing in espionage, assassinations, kidnappings, and torture. They weren't famous, but their reputation for handling underhanded jobs made them a trusted name for clients who wanted discreet results.

As they stood in front of Miharu's door, they exchanged a brief nod. The taller of the two knocked firmly. Moments later, the door opened to reveal Higashi Harumi, the maid of the White Flower Palace. She regarded them with a mixture of surprise and suspicion, her sharp eyes scanning their uniforms.

"What brings two organizers here?" she asked, her tone polite but firm.

The taller man offered a practiced smile. "We're here to check the preparations of the candidate, Urakawa Miharu. May we come in?"

Harumi tilted her head slightly, as if weighing their words. It was unusual for organizers to make such visits this early. Still, she nodded. "I see. However, before I let you in, may I see proof that you are indeed event organizers?"

The men exchanged a glance, clearly not expecting the question. The taller one replied smoothly, "Our uniforms should be proof enough."

Harumi's polite smile didn't waver. "Event organizers are required to carry tablets to confirm their identity. If you can show me yours, I'll gladly let you in."

The room fell silent, tension building as the two men stood motionless. Harumi's smile sharpened ever so slightly.

In the next instant, the taller man's hand darted into his robe, producing a dagger aimed directly at Harumi. She reacted instantly, raising her hand and casting a shimmering defensive barrier just in time to block the blade. Sparks flew as the dagger clashed against the magical shield.

"Wrong answer," Harumi said coldly, her expression no longer friendly.

The second man moved quickly, delivering a powerful kick that pushed Harumi back, forcing her to stumble against the wall. Taking advantage of the moment, the first man threw the door open.

Inside, Miharu had been preparing herself when the commotion reached her ears. She rushed to the entrance, alarmed by the noise, only to find Harumi with a dagger in hand, standing protectively in front of her in a defensive stance.

"Harumi! What's happening?" Miharu exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock.

Harumi didn't turn her head, keeping her focus on the two intruders. "Miharu, you need to escape! They're after you," she said urgently. Her voice carried both determination and a protective edge.

The taller man smirked, his dagger glinting in the dim light. "You're quick, maid. But you should've stayed out of this."

"Don't worry about me," Harumi continued, ignoring him. "Just go. Now!"

Miharu hesitated, torn between running and staying to help her friend. But the resolve in Harumi's voice left no room for argument. Taking a shaky breath, Miharu turned and bolted toward the window at the far end of the room, determined to find a way out.

Behind her, the sound of steel clashing against magic filled the air as Harumi engaged the intruders, her unwavering determination to protect Miharu driving her every move.

Seeing Miharu slip out through the window, the two men chuckled darkly as they squared off against Harumi. 

"You think she can escape us?" the taller one sneered. "We've cast silence magic around this area. No one will hear you scream, little maid. And just so you know, we're not the only ones involved. This plan was tailored for the White Flower Palace. You've got no reinforcements coming." 

Harumi sighed, raising her dagger. Her other hand glowed with a golden shimmer, a small yet formidable barrier spell flickering like a shield ready to deflect incoming attacks. Her stance was steady, her expression calm despite the odds. 

"My duty is to protect my friend Miharu," Harumi said, her voice even, though there was a faint smile on her lips. "She can handle herself… probably." 

Even in the tense atmosphere, Harumi couldn't help but make a joke. It was her way of keeping the upper hand, even psychologically. 

The shorter man snorted. "Confident, aren't you? Let's see how long that lasts." 

What the men didn't realize was that Harumi's confidence wasn't born of arrogance. Rin had already warned her in advance that someone might make a move against Miharu. What Harumi hadn't expected was the sheer thoroughness of the plan—a testament to the caliber of the mercenary group. Still, she had faith. 

"This must be the work of some *great* mercenaries, huh?" Harumi quipped, her tone almost conversational as she adjusted her stance. "Well, lucky for me, I'm no ordinary maid." 

She charged forward, her dagger a blur of motion as it clashed against the taller man's weapon. The golden barrier around her other hand intercepted an incoming strike from the shorter man, sparks flying as the magic shield absorbed the blow. 

Harumi's movements were precise, each step calculated to keep the two men at bay. Despite their attempts to corner her, she maintained a tight grip on the fight, her agility and skill honed through years of training under the White Flower Palace's roof. 

Her mind, however, wasn't entirely on the fight. She trusted Miharu to find her way to safety, but more than that, she trusted Rin. He always seemed to have contingencies in place, and Harumi was confident he'd already accounted for whatever twists the mercenaries had planned. 

"Let's see how well your *plan* holds up," Harumi muttered under her breath as she deflected another attack. Her golden barrier shimmered brightly, a testament to her unwavering resolve. "After all, you're not the only ones who've prepared for this." 

Miharu landed nimbly on the rooftop of one of the Black Tortoise Palace houses, her breath quickening as she glanced over her shoulder. Harumi's parting words echoed in her mind, urging her to run, to leave her behind. She hated the idea of abandoning her friend, but the urgency of the situation left her no choice.

As she sprinted across the rooftops, she became acutely aware that the two attackers from before were not the only threat. Turning back, she caught sight of four figures now pursuing her, their movements swift and deliberate. Panic gripped her chest, but she forced herself to stay focused.

Miharu clenched her fists, the urge to cry out for help welling within her. Yet, she bit her lip, suppressing the instinct. If I scream, it might put innocent people in danger, she thought, her resolve hardening. Instead, she redirected her course, aiming for the palace walls. Her plan was simple: escape into the forest, far from the bustling palace grounds, where the attackers would have fewer opportunities to harm anyone else.

As she leaped from rooftop to rooftop, her thoughts swirled with doubt. What will they think of me? Rin, Harumi, and everyone else who trusted me? She swallowed the lump in her throat. They'll understand... won't they? My life is at stake. Running away is the only thing I can do right now.

Her thoughts drifted to Harumi, who was likely still fighting the two attackers, and Rin, who had mysteriously left earlier. A part of her felt betrayed by fate—how could this happen now? She didn't want to believe this was deliberate, yet the coordinated attack suggested otherwise. She silently prayed for their safety, even as she pushed her body to its limits.

A quick glance back made her heart sink further. The number of pursuers had doubled—eight now trailed her, their movements relentless. Miharu's pulse raced as she realized she was being herded. She grit her teeth, determined not to let them close in.

Miharu's path led her to the palace walls, and with a burst of speed, she launched herself toward them. Her movements were graceful, her clothes fluttering like butterfly wings as she landed on the wall's edge. Without pausing, she made another leap, disappearing into the dense forest beyond.

She darted through the trees, her senses heightened and her body moving on instinct. Each step took her deeper into the forest, away from the palace and any bystanders who might become collateral damage.

Unbeknownst to Miharu, this precise scenario had been foreseen by Rin. His preparations, subtle and methodical, had already begun to unfold. But for now, Miharu was alone, relying on her own strength and determination to outrun the danger that loomed ever closer.