Chapter 30: A Growth Of A Young Tortoise

Rin stood before the Ravens, his presence commanding the air around him. His combat uniform fluttered gently in the breeze, and his glowing purple eyes reflected an aura of power and danger. The activation of his Quantum Eyes was unmistakable, and the eerie glow seemed to amplify the sense of fear that started to ripple through the group.

The Ravens were no strangers to rumors. They had heard of the warrior from the White Flower Palace—rumors of a man who had single-handedly ended the Subspace Kidnapping incident, slicing the head off a dark magician without hesitation. A warrior recognized by none other than the Vermillion Princess, Takigawa Rei. The fact that he stood before them now, composed but clearly radiating an aura of quiet intensity, made them hesitate. The calmness on his face was unsettling, for it only heightened the danger they felt.

For Miharu, seeing Rin like this was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. She had always known him as the kind, supportive figure who had helped her through countless struggles. But now, in front of these mercenaries, he was something else entirely. His calmness was laced with an undeniable fury, the kind of calm that only appeared when someone was pushing the very limits of their restraint.

"I'm impressed that you managed to corner Miharu," Rin said, his voice cold but steady. "The Ravens may not be famous, but it seems your planning is quite good." His gaze swept over the group of assassins, the flicker of anger barely hidden behind his calm demeanor. It was clear he was more than willing to take on these mercenaries, and they could feel the weight of his words.

"I'll give you a chance to surrender. Ten seconds." Rin's voice was calm, but the weight behind it was enough to make even the most seasoned assassin hesitate.

The leader of the Ravens snarled, pressing a knife to Miharu's throat as a warning. He sneered, daring Rin to make a move. But Rin remained unfazed, continuing his countdown without a flicker of hesitation.

"Ten... nine... eight..."

The tension in the air was thick. The leader's eyes narrowed in fury, his hand tightening around the knife. The Ravens, sensing their leader's command, lunged forward, rushing toward Rin with blades drawn.

"Five... four..."

But just as the countdown neared its final moments, Rin raised his hands. In a single, fluid motion, he cast a spell with the elegance of a master.

"Shadow Manifestation: Eternal Darkness."

The world seemed to evaporate into blackness. The forest, the Ravens, and everything else vanished in an instant. For a split second, there was nothing but darkness, a suffocating, overwhelming void.

When the light returned, the scene had changed. The Ravens had been erased from existence—nothing remained but a faint trace of shadow on the ground where they had once stood. Only Miharu and Rin were left in the eerie stillness.

Rin approached Miharu, his expression softening as he kneeled beside her. He carefully removed the cloth from her mouth, his touch gentle but purposeful.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice quieter now, full of concern. The calmness he exuded in battle remained, but his eyes betrayed his care for her safety.

Miharu's emotions finally broke free. After all the fear, the pain, and the uncertainty, she couldn't hold back the tears anymore. As Rin cut the ropes binding her, she lunged at him, her arms wrapping tightly around his waist. "I was scared..." she whispered through her sobs, her voice thick with emotion as she buried her face in his shoulder.

Rin, though his face remained composed, returned her hug with gentle firmness. He could feel the weight of her fear and desperation, and for a brief moment, he just held her, letting her cry it all out. He didn't rush her, knowing that sometimes the only thing needed was someone to be there.

As he pulled away slightly to examine her, he noticed the redness on her face from the slap she'd received. His eyes softened. Without a word, he reached up and gently held her bruised cheek, murmuring a quiet incantation under his breath.

A soft glow surrounded his hand as he cast the healing spell, the warmth of the magic easing the pain and fading the redness. The magic hummed as it worked, his touch tender but confident.

Miharu felt the sting slowly dissipate, the warmth from Rin's magic grounding her. She remained silent for a moment, still holding onto him, but this time, it was as though she was drawing strength from his presence. Her tears slowly subsided, but her heart was still heavy with everything that had happened.

She waited for him to speak, the words she desperately wanted to hear, but she didn't know how to ask. Instead, she just stayed there, clinging to him as though he was the only thing keeping her steady in the storm of her emotions.

When Miharu finally calmed down, Rin spoke, his voice calm and resolute. 

"Seeing you like this, you're not in a condition to participate in the contest. I'll inform Harumi that we'll be withdrawing."

The words hit Miharu harder than she expected. She stared into Rin's eyes, surprised by his decision. Her heart sank for a moment, but as she took in his steady gaze, something in her clicked. She knew that by withdrawing, the two remaining candidates would likely win. The very ones who had orchestrated the attack on her—the ones who would gain more power and influence over the empire. 

Miharu felt a surge of determination rise within her. She knew what Rin was implying, and that's when it became clear to her—she couldn't let this happen. She had to stand her ground. 

With a deep breath, she met Rin's gaze. "No," she said firmly, shaking her head. "I don't want to withdraw. I won't let them win."

Rin raised an eyebrow, sensing the resolve in her voice. "What do you mean?"

"I've realized something." Miharu's voice grew stronger as she continued, her eyes steady and full of conviction. "I don't want to let those evil people gain power over the empire. Not after everything they've done. You, Harumi, the White Flower Palace—you've all supported me, believed in me. I can't just run away. I have to fight for this position, not just for myself, but for all of you, and for the empire."

She paused, her heart pounding as she found the courage to voice her feelings. "I've been protected by all of you, and I can't just stand by while those who would harm the empire and the people I care about gain even more power. I want to fight. I want to protect you, and I want to protect the empire. Becoming the Black Princess, this position, it's a step I need to take. It's a step I want to take."

Rin watched her, his eyes softening as he saw the fire in her gaze. 

Miharu looked down for a moment, her voice quieter but filled with meaning. "I can't let you, Harumi, and the White Flower Palace fight for me anymore. I need to fight for all of you, for the people we care about... For a better empire."

Rin remained silent for a beat, then nodded. He could see it now—the resolve in Miharu's heart. She had found her purpose, and it was stronger than fear or doubt.

"If that's your choice," he said, a calm smile touching his lips, "then we fight together." 

Miharu nodded, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. She was ready to stand and fight—not just for the position, but for the future they all wanted to create.

Rin gently scooped Miharu up into his arms, holding her in a princess carry. Miharu's heart skipped a beat at the sudden closeness, her cheeks flushing. She didn't expect to be carried like this, especially not after everything that had happened, but the warmth and steadiness in Rin's arms made her feel safe.

"Hold on tight... We might still make it with an hour left to prepare you for the contest." Rin's voice was calm, but there was an underlying urgency as he spoke. His focus was unwavering.

With a quick gesture, Rin cast his enhancement magic, his body becoming even faster and more agile. He dashed through the forest, moving with incredible speed but still carefully maneuvering through the trees as if the world around him had slowed down. Miharu barely had time to process how quickly they were moving, but she could feel the smoothness in his actions—each step calculated, yet effortless.

As they sped through the woods, Miharu couldn't help but watch his face. There was a calm determination in his expression, a quiet strength that made her feel as though everything would be okay. She had seen Rin in many situations before, but never like this. The way he acted—his selflessness, his care for her—it made her heart flutter in a way she hadn't anticipated.

She blushed, trying to look away, but couldn't tear her gaze from him. "Thank you, Rin..." she whispered softly. Her voice was barely audible, but Rin, focused on their path, seemed to understand the meaning behind her words without needing to hear them.

As Rin arrived at the designated room, Harumi looked up from where she was preparing and instantly noticed Miharu in Rin's arms. A smile spread across her face, though she raised an eyebrow at the sight. Rin, ever the serious figure, sighed, his voice soft but firm.

"Harumi, get her ready. Miharu wants to continue the contest."

Harumi nodded, quickly moving to assist Miharu. "Alright, let's get you cleaned up," she said gently, her expression serious yet warm. She gestured for Miharu to follow her to the bath area.

Miharu, still a bit overwhelmed by the whirlwind of events, managed a small smile at Harumi's words. "Thank you, Harumi," she said quietly.

Harumi smiled back as she led Miharu to the bath, but before they entered, she turned to Rin. "You'd better get her new outfit ready," she said with a teasing smile. "Her current one's been through a lot."

Rin gave a small nod, his expression unreadable but the slightest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. "Understood," he replied before stepping away to prepare the outfit.

Inside the bath area, Harumi helped Miharu undress carefully, taking note of the bruises and cuts from the earlier struggle. "You're tough, Miharu," she said, her tone light despite the serious circumstances. "But it's time to get you cleaned up and ready for what comes next."

After Miharu stepped out of the bath, Rin was waiting by the door, standing guard as always. His presence was a steady reassurance in the whirlwind of the past hours. On the clothes rack beside him hung a beautiful outfit, carefully chosen to match the grand occasion.

Harumi, seeing the clothes, couldn't help but laugh. "I have to admit, Rin, you do have good taste when it comes to picking clothes." With that, she hurried to get Miharu dressed, helping her into the stunning outfit. It fit perfectly, accentuating Miharu's grace and beauty.

Once Miharu was ready, Harumi grabbed Rin by the arm, dragging him into the room with an amused grin. Rin's eyes softened when he saw Miharu, her beauty enhanced by the elegant attire he had selected for her.

"That looks beautiful on you," Rin said, his voice sincere.

Miharu's cheeks flushed at his compliment, and she quickly lowered her gaze. Harumi, ever the playful one, teased, "Looks like Rin's got you blushing already, Miharu!"

Rin sighed nonchalantly, rolling his eyes at Harumi's antics. Miharu's blush deepened, and she bit her lip in an attempt to hide her flustered expression.

With only a few minutes left until the contest began, Harumi made sure Miharu rested for a moment, sitting her down and offering her some water. Rin, seeing Miharu's anxious expression, sat beside her, his presence calming her nerves.

"Miharu," he began, his voice serious yet gentle, "You don't need to win, alright? Just show them who you are and what you're capable of. To us in the White Flower Palace, you will always be our family."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a gem-shaped necklace, its design simple yet elegant, with a shimmer that matched the tone of her outfit. He handed it to her with a small smile. "Follow your heart, and you will succeed."

Miharu held the necklace in her hand, the weight of Rin's words sinking in. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude and determination.

"We at the White Flower Palace will be rooting for you," Rin added softly, his expression unwavering in its support.

Miharu smiled, the last of her nerves slipping away as she clutched the necklace. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling a newfound strength rise within her. "I won't let you down." All of them left the room to let the contest begin.

Miharu walked with purpose, her every step measured and graceful. Harumi and Rin followed closely behind her, a silent but supportive presence. The once uncertain Miharu, whose heart had been weighed down by doubt and fear, was now resolute in her decision. She had come to understand what she needed to do—protect what she loved, and in doing so, make the empire a better place.

As they approached the holding room, Miharu took a deep breath and straightened her back. She adjusted her posture, her shoulders back, and a serene smile on her face. Rin's lessons had stuck with her, guiding her not only in combat but in the way she carried herself in this world. Every little detail mattered—her movements, her presence, her strength.

She entered the room with the grace of someone who belonged there, despite the anxiety she had just moments before. The other two contestants, who had been waiting, turned to face her. One of them looked momentarily shocked, a fleeting expression that quickly morphed into something more controlled. Miharu could sense it—she was expected not to make it, to be out of the running. But that thought would not hold her back.

With a quiet, confident nod, she ignored the other contestants' reactions and focused on what truly mattered. She was here now, and she would give everything she had to this moment. The contest was about more than just power—it was about securing a future for the empire, for the people she cared about, and for the legacy she wanted to leave behind.

Miharu set her gaze forward, her resolve stronger than ever. Today, she would show them who she truly was.