Chapter 34: The Final Decision

Inside the ornate meeting room, the atmosphere was one of focus and deliberation. The four Empresses—Azure, Vermillion, White, and Black—sat together, their expressions thoughtful as they discussed the three candidates who had competed for the esteemed position of the Black Tortoise Consort. Their voices carried the weight of wisdom and experience, honed by years of their own trials as consorts to Emperor Masaki.

The discussion revolved around the candidates' performance in the four events. While all three had shown merit, it became clear to the Empresses that one candidate stood out—Urakawa Miharu.

The Azure Empress was the first to voice her thoughts. "Urakawa Miharu has shown an admirable blend of strength and humility. Her performance in the Palace Rules event was particularly striking. To challenge the narrative of her family's downfall while maintaining respect and composure speaks volumes of her character. She possesses the courage to question authority when necessary, a trait that is essential in a consort who will stand by the future emperor."

The Vermillion Empress, known for her stern demeanor, nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Her handling of the tea ceremony also demonstrated a balance of conviction and adaptability. She did not falter under my harsh questioning, nor did she cling stubbornly to flawed beliefs. That flexibility, combined with her determination, makes her a strong candidate for the Black Tortoise position."

The White Empress, whose eyes carried a spark of inspiration, added, "And then there was the personal talent event. Miharu's performance was breathtaking. To fend off the illusion of Shimuzu Rin—a figure whose prowess we all know well—and to do so with grace and precision... It showed not only her strength but also her connection to her roots. The illusion of Rin reminded us of his own brilliance as the former Prince Hoshimi Rin. Miharu's movements reflected the rigorous training she must have undergone, likely under his guidance. She is not merely skilled—she has a deep understanding of the values we hold dear."

The Black Empress, whose voice carried the finality of judgment, concluded, "Her resilience and poise have been consistent throughout the contest. She carries the weight of her family's name with dignity and uses it as a source of strength rather than a burden. In doing so, she mirrors the qualities we all exhibited when we were chosen as consorts. The future Black Tortoise Consort must be a pillar of wisdom and strength, someone who can provide balance and stability to the Emperor. Miharu has proven she is more than capable of fulfilling that role."

The four Empresses exchanged knowing glances, their decision unspoken but unanimous. They each recognized in Miharu a reflection of the ideals they themselves embodied. Her ability to rise above her circumstances, her calm under pressure, and her grace in the face of challenges made her the clear choice.

"Urakawa Miharu," the Azure Empress said softly, a hint of a smile gracing her lips. "She is the one."

The others nodded in agreement. They knew this decision would shape not only Miharu's future but also the future of the empire. Despite the trials and the shadows of her past, Miharu had proven herself to be a candidate of unparalleled promise—a beacon of hope and strength for the generations to come.

As the four Empresses sat in deliberation, the conversation turned toward the challenges Urakawa Miharu would face once she stepped into the role of the Black Tortoise Consort. While they had unanimously agreed that Miharu was the most deserving candidate, they knew that the path ahead would be fraught with difficulties, particularly with the current three princess consorts: the Vermillion Princess Takigawa Rei, the Azure Princess Chinen Suzuki, and the White Princess Shinegori Akane.

The Azure Empress was the first to voice her concerns. "While Miharu has proven her strength and grace, the current consorts are formidable in their own rights. Takigawa Rei, with her commanding authority and mastery of the sword, may see Miharu's rise as a challenge to her position as the Emperor's closest shield. Miharu will need to navigate their inevitable power struggles with tact and wisdom."

The Vermillion Empress nodded but added with a smirk, "Rei respects strength, though. Miharu's performance in the personal talent event likely earned her a sliver of that respect already. But she will need to demonstrate that her strength is not just physical but also mental and emotional—qualities Rei values even if she won't admit it openly."

The Azure Empress turned her gaze toward the White Empress. "But it is not Takigawa Rei who concerns me the most. It is Shinegori Akane. The Shinegori clan suffered greatly during the rebellion of the Urakawa family. Many of their members perished in the chaos, and Akane herself bears the weight of those losses. Though she exudes inspiration and grace, the wounds of the past still linger. How do you think she will react to Miharu's ascension, Akane?"

The White Empress closed her eyes, her voice quiet but heavy with thought. "Shinegori Akane is kind at heart, but her loyalty to her clan is unwavering. To her, the memory of the Shinegori members lost during the rebellion is a scar that has yet to heal. While the Imperial Family may know the truth of the Urakawa family's innocence, Akane does not. She still believes that her clan's loss was the result of Urakawa betrayal. Miharu will need to tread carefully. Any sign of disrespect or failure to acknowledge that pain could create an irreparable rift."

The Black Empress, ever the voice of pragmatic wisdom, interjected. "But there lies the opportunity for growth. If Miharu can show Akane that she understands her grief, that she too carries the burden of her family's history, and that she seeks to honor the fallen rather than deny their sacrifice, it may open the door to reconciliation. Akane is not unreasonable—she will not ignore sincerity and strength. However, Miharu must be prepared to face Akane's skepticism head-on."

The Vermillion Empress crossed her arms, her fiery demeanor shining through. "As for Chinen Suzuki, the Azure Princess, she will likely test Miharu in her own way. Suzuki is perceptive and deeply tied to the Imperial traditions. She will want to see if Miharu can honor those traditions while bringing her unique perspective. If Miharu falters in understanding the weight of her role, Suzuki won't hesitate to challenge her."

The Azure Empress smiled softly. "And yet, I believe Suzuki will be the first to see Miharu's potential. After all, she is not so different from Miharu—both are resilient and unyielding in the face of adversity. Their connection to Rin, whether directly or indirectly, may also serve as a bridge."

The four Empresses fell silent for a moment, their gazes contemplative. The path ahead for Miharu was fraught with trials not only from the external pressures of the court but also from the interpersonal dynamics with the current consorts. Yet, they had no doubt she could rise to the occasion.

"She will need to prove that she is not just a consort for the Emperor," the Black Empress finally said, her voice steady. "She must prove that she can stand alongside the others, heal old wounds, and unite them under a common purpose. Only then will she truly embody the spirit of the Black Tortoise—a pillar of strength and unity."

The others nodded in agreement, their resolve firm. They knew that their decision to support Miharu would shape the empire's future, and they had faith that she would succeed, even against the odds.

The air in the meeting room grew thick with a mix of nostalgia and concern as the four Empresses shifted their conversation to the topic of Hoshimi Rin. The mention of his name brought back a flood of memories—of his early years in the palace, his innate brilliance, and the subtle, yet undeniable shift in his fate that had taken him away from the Imperial family and toward the mysterious White Flower Palace.

The Vermillion Empress was the first to speak, her voice tinged with admiration. "Hoshimi Rin… The genius who outshone everyone else. A child prodigy who could do magic at a level that most adults could never dream of. At such a young age, he understood strategy, leadership, and the delicate balance of power in ways even we struggled with. There were moments when I would watch him train with his sword or perform some complex spell, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was destined for something far greater than any of us."

The Azure Empress's eyes softened as she spoke next, her voice carrying a weight of both pride and sadness. "He was my son. My firstborn. It was so clear from the beginning that he would surpass even the greatest of our expectations. He was strong, wise, and always so self-assured—like a reflection of the very essence of the Empire itself. His intellect, his compassion, his ability to connect with people… it was all so extraordinary. Yet, when he came to us with his plea to leave…" Her voice trailed off, the memory still fresh in her mind.

The Black Empress's expression hardened, but there was a subtle vulnerability in her eyes as she spoke. "That plea still haunts me. To ask to leave the palace, to walk away from the life that was meant for him—was it a cry for freedom or a decision made out of something deeper? Even now, I find it hard to believe that someone as capable as Rin could be content with such a life away from the throne."

The White Empress sighed heavily, her voice almost a whisper. "It was a decision none of us could truly understand. The letter from the Golden Princess… it was a rare document, one that only a handful of people knew existed. For Rin to be called away from the palace to the White Flower Palace, to train there and live as a commoner—it was… a fate none of us could foresee."

The four of them were silent for a moment, reflecting on the time when Hoshimi Rin, at the tender age of seven, had approached the Emperor with his request. The letter from the Golden Princess had been clear—Hoshimi Rin was needed elsewhere, and it was his destiny to forge his path in the White Flower Palace, far from the political tensions and expectations of the Imperial throne.

The Azure Empress continued, her tone firm. "It was clear from the moment he left that he would never return to the Imperial fold, not in the way we had envisioned. He would remain a mystery, a figure who defied all expectations. And yet… he chose to support the empire in his own way. He chose to become Shimuzu Rin, the warrior of the White Flower Palace, the protector of the people."

The Vermillion Empress clenched her fist, her gaze narrowing. "He's more than just a warrior, though. He's the former prince, the one who has knowledge that could change the very balance of the empire. And now, he stands behind Miharu, guiding her, training her for this contest. It's strange, knowing that this genius, who was once supposed to inherit the throne, is now playing this role—quiet, hidden, and yet so powerful."

The Black Empress gave a subtle smile, her thoughts deep. "Perhaps Rin's true role was never meant to be that of a prince or a crown prince. Maybe his purpose was always meant to be one of balance, of ensuring that the Empire would not be led by a single person, but by those who understand the complexities of leadership, of justice, and of love for the people."

The White Empress sighed, shaking her head. "What we know now, though, is that Miharu's rise will not be without its consequences. Her ascent to the position of Black Tortoise Consort has Rin's influence all over it. He may have walked away from the throne, but in his heart, the empire is still a part of him. And through Miharu, he is shaping the future of the Empire."

There was a long pause as the Empresses considered this, each of them reflecting on the choices Hoshimi Rin had made and the legacy he had created. The fact that Rin had chosen to help Miharu, the very child of the family whose downfall had shaped so much of his life, was a testament to his character—a person who could move beyond personal suffering and work for the greater good.

Finally, the Vermillion Empress spoke, her voice tinged with admiration and a touch of amusement. "He may have abandoned the Imperial title, but Rin's influence still looms large. And Miharu, whether she realizes it or not, will have to carry that weight. It is Rin who stands behind her, guiding her through these trials. She will rise to become the Black Tortoise Consort, but it will not be without the shadow of Rin's genius and his legacy as a former prince."

The Azure Empress gave a soft chuckle, a fond smile tugging at her lips. "Perhaps the Empire was never meant to be ruled by one. Perhaps it was meant to be shaped by those like Rin, who know when to lead and when to step aside, and by those like Miharu, who have the strength to question, to challenge, and to rebuild."

The four Empresses exchanged knowing looks, a sense of resolve settling over them. Whatever the future held, they knew that the legacy of Hoshimi Rin—whether as the former Imperial Prince or the warrior Shimuzu Rin—would never be forgotten. Through Miharu, his influence would live on, shaping the future of the Empire in ways they could never have imagined.

The discussion about Hoshimi Rin had come to an end, but the ripples of his choices would continue to affect the Empire for years to come.

As Rin and Harumi made their way back to the White Flower Palace private stands, Rin kept sneezing repeatedly, an odd sensation washing over him, as if someone was talking about him. Harumi, noticing, teased him. "You're allergic to something today, huh? Are people gossiping about you?"

Rin chuckled, brushing it off. "It's nothing," he said, trying to hide his discomfort.

Harumi raised an eyebrow. "You sure? You've been sneezing a lot." She smirked. "Admit it—someone's talking about you!"

Rin smiled, trying to shift the topic. "Maybe I'm just tired. Watching all these events can wear anyone out."

Harumi laughed, then softened her tone. "I think Miharu did great today. She really stood out. If anyone can handle this, it's her."

Rin's expression grew serious. "She has more potential than she realizes. I hope she's ready for what comes next."

Harumi nodded. "You've got her back, right?"

Rin blushed slightly. "She'll find her own way."

As they reached the stands, Rin reflected on his odd feeling, unaware that the Empresses were indeed discussing him. For now, though, his focus remained on Miharu's performance.