Chapter 49: Helpful Yet Greedy

The private dining room of Princess Consort Shinegori Akane was luxurious but not excessive. Soft candlelight illuminated the polished wooden table, where three individuals sat in what could only be described as a delicate power struggle.

At the head of the table, Akane sat with effortless elegance, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. Her confidence was almost amused, like a predator playing with its prey.

On the opposite end, Rin maintained his usual composed expression, but behind his calm demeanor, he knew exactly what this dinner truly was—negotiation disguised as hospitality.

Beside him, Harumi sat tensely, her hands resting lightly on her lap. She wasn't sure why she felt so uneasy, but she could feel something shifting in the air—like two skilled tacticians subtly trying to outmaneuver each other.

As the plates of food were placed before them, Fujiwara Rin, Akane's head maid, bowed deeply and left the room at Akane's silent command. The sound of the door shutting behind her left only the three of them alone.

An unsettling quiet settled over them before Rin finally spoke.

"I appreciate the hospitality, Princess Akane." He offered a polite nod.

Akane's smirk grew slightly. "Formality doesn't suit you, Rin." She rested her chin on her hand, violet eyes glinting with mischief. "You and Harumi may speak freely here."

Harumi blinked in confusion. "Freely? But why—"

Akane turned her gaze toward her, a knowing look in her eyes. "Because Rin and I have a certain... connection."

Harumi frowned, her brows knitting together. "What kind of connection?"

Akane's smile was slow, deliberate. "A cooperative one."

Harumi's confusion deepened.

Rin, however, remained silent, waiting for Akane to elaborate.

The princess elegantly lifted her wine glass, swirling the dark liquid before taking a small sip. "Rin owes me a few favors."

At that, Harumi's head snapped toward Rin. "You—what?"

Rin sighed lightly, setting down his utensils. "It's not as serious as it sounds."

"That's up to interpretation," Akane interjected smoothly. "Having a man of your caliber in my debt is quite an advantage, wouldn't you say?"

Harumi narrowed her eyes at Akane before turning back to Rin. "What exactly do you owe her for?"

Before Rin could answer, Akane took it upon herself to explain. "Rin is... exceptionally talented." She leaned back in her seat. "Having him as an ally benefits me in securing my position for the future. But more than that, it's rare for someone like me to be able to order around someone like him."

Rin let out a quiet sigh. "I will honor my debts, Princess Akane." His voice was calm but firm. "As long as your requests do not exceed the bounds of reason."

Akane tilted her head slightly. "For example?"

"I will not partake in treason." Rin's voice was steady, unwavering. "And I will not harm the innocent."

Akane's smirk faltered for a brief moment before she rolled her eyes. "I still have morals, you know."

Harumi stared between the two of them, completely bewildered. "So let me get this straight... you, a Princess Consort, are actively cooperating with Rin?"

Akane nodded, completely unfazed. "Correct."

"But why?"

Akane's smile was slow, her gaze sharp. "Because Rin is a valuable piece on this political board. And I prefer to be the one holding that piece rather than letting others take him for themselves."

Rin held back a sigh. Akane was being very transparent with her ambitions tonight.

Harumi still looked like she was struggling to process it all.

Then, she narrowed her eyes slightly. "Does this have something to do with the other consorts?"

Akane gave a soft chuckle. "I assume you mean their infatuation with Rin?"

Harumi didn't say anything, but her silence was answer enough.

Akane tapped a delicate finger against her glass. "Those three are rather... troublesome, aren't they?"

Rin's expression didn't change, but his silence spoke volumes.

"I imagine it's difficult for you," Akane continued, her gaze sharp yet amused. "Avoiding them while still maintaining the delicate balance of politics."

Rin finally spoke. "Their affections are difficult to handle, yes."

Akane hummed. "That's putting it lightly." She crossed one leg over the other. "But don't worry. I have no interest in reporting any of this to the Imperial Palace."

Harumi frowned. "Why?"

Akane's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Because Rin is still useful to me."

She glanced at Rin, watching for any reaction.

Rin remained calm, but inside, he understood exactly what she was implying.

She knew.

She knew he was not just a commoner.

She knew his Imperial lineage.

Yet, she said nothing.

Harumi was unaware. If she knew that Rin was actually the second Imperial Prince, her reaction would be completely different.

Akane was keeping that information to herself.

And in doing so—she was securing a future ally within the Imperial Palace.

Rin met her gaze evenly, acknowledging the unspoken understanding between them.

Akane leaned forward slightly, her voice light but carrying an unmistakable weight.

"You should do your best to lean on me, Rin."

Rin gave her a polite smile. "I could not trouble Princess Akane."

Akane's smirk widened, as if she had expected that exact response.

Harumi, now beginning to piece everything together, simply sighed, rubbing her temple. "This is going to be a headache, isn't it?"

Akane merely chuckled. "Oh, you have no idea."

After what felt like a never-ending game of political maneuvering, Rin and Harumi finally returned to the White Flower Palace.

The cool night air was refreshing after the overwhelming presence of Princess Akane. That woman was insistent—far too insistent.

The elegant Princess had practically forced them to eat a feast, despite both Rin and Harumi trying to politely refuse. Akane had simply smiled sweetly, giving them no room to argue.

"It would be an insult to my hospitality if you leave without eating your fill," she had said with a smile. "I insist. After all, it would be such a waste to let this meal go uneaten."

And just like that, they were trapped.

Now, as Rin and Harumi entered their usual servant quarters within the White Flower Palace's kitchen, Harumi groaned and rubbed her stomach.

"I swear, I feel like I ate an entire banquet," she grumbled, slumping into a chair.

Rin exhaled, leaning against the wall. "She really didn't give us a choice."

Harumi let out a tired laugh. "Well, at least she's kind enough to show that she cares for those under her."

Rin glanced at her but said nothing.

He knew that Akane was not cruel—but she was far from kind. She was calculating, pragmatic, and endlessly ambitious. Every action she took had a purpose.

She wasn't showing kindness for free.

Harumi sighed, stretching her arms. "Still, I have to say, it was nice to have a peaceful meal… even if it was forced."

Rin nodded but remained silent.

There were many things he wanted to say.

How Akane clearly knew more than she let on. How she was playing a very long game, and that he was now a piece on her board.

But most importantly—

She knew about his real identity.

Yet she had said nothing.

Rin kept his expression neutral, unwilling to let his thoughts show.

Then, as if sensing his silence, Harumi turned to him with a soft smile. "I know you're hiding something, Rin."

Rin stiffened slightly but remained calm.

Harumi chuckled. "Relax, I don't mean that in a bad way."

She rested her chin on her hand, tilting her head as she gazed at him. "I don't know your past, and I don't think I need to."

Rin's eyes widened slightly.

Harumi's smile softened. "I trust you, Rin. That's enough for me."

At that moment, Rin felt a lump form in his throat.

She trusted him.

Despite everything—despite the lies, despite the secrets—Harumi never questioned him.

Rin clenched his hands slightly, looking down.

He didn't deserve such trust.

Yet…

He made a silent promise to himself.

He would cherish her.

He would protect this trust—this friendship—no matter what.

Harumi stretched again and sighed. "Alright, enough sentimental nonsense. We have more pressing issues to deal with."

She turned toward Rin, a serious expression settling on her face.

"How do we survive this month?"

Rin exhaled. "You're worried about the three consorts."

Harumi deadpanned. "Obviously. They nearly dragged you back to dinner with them tonight."

Rin nodded, rubbing his temple. "They won't give up so easily. I need to tread carefully."

Harumi leaned forward. "And then there's Akane."

Rin's brows furrowed. "She's helping, but we both know she's not doing it out of kindness."

Harumi nodded. "Yeah, the White Princess is the type to hide behind an elegant mask. She's helping you, sure, but in exchange, she's making sure you owe her more favors."

Rin crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "She's gathering power in a very methodical way. If anything, she's the most dangerous of the four consorts."

Harumi nodded in agreement.

Akane wasn't obsessed like Princess Suzuki.

She wasn't relentless like Princess Rei.

She wasn't regretful and desperate like Princess Miharu.

She was calculating.

She knew what she wanted, and she knew exactly how to get it.

That made her the biggest threat.

Rin sighed. "I'll have to keep a balance between all of them."

Harumi smirked, resting her chin in her hands. "Balance, huh? That's a nice way of saying you'll be dodging every advance like your life depends on it."

Rin gave her a dry look. "That's not inaccurate."

Harumi snickered. "Well, as long as you don't seduce Princess Akane, we should be fine."

Rin choked on air. "Excuse me?!"

Harumi laughed. "Come on, she's obviously intrigued by you. You're practically a genius, and she clearly values intelligence. What if she suddenly decides she wants you for herself?"

Rin pinched the bridge of his nose. "Please, don't make my life harder than it already is."

Harumi grinned. "No promises."

Rin sighed, looking up at the ceiling.

A month.

He just needed to survive one month.

…How hard could it be?

As the night deepened, Rin finally returned to his small, modest room in the White Flower Palace. The day had been long—exhausting, even—but as he lay down on his simple bed, sleep did not come easily.

His mind was too restless.

He turned onto his side, staring at the dimly lit ceiling. The flickering candle by his bedside cast dancing shadows on the walls. The silence was almost comforting, yet Rin felt an uneasy weight pressing on his chest.

His thoughts wandered back to the novel's story.

"The Golden Girl's Rise."

A story where the protagonist—the brilliant and beloved Golden Princess—would rise to power, overcoming great trials and forging an Empire that would be stronger than ever before.

But before her rise, there would be destruction.

This point in time—where Rin now found himself—was one of the most dangerous moments in the story.

The Dark Order was preparing to move.

If the story held true, then soon—very soon—the Empire would face an internal rebellion.

Traitors lurked within the nobility and the military, waiting for the perfect moment to strike from within.

The Dark Order, an underground force that had spent years gathering power, would finally launch their attack.

Assassinations. Sabotage. Civil unrest.

It would be a bloody turning point for the Empire.

Rin exhaled sharply, his eyes darkening.

In the novel, this event did not lead to the Empire's fall.

No—the Empire survived this disaster because of one reason.

Emperor Masaki had planned for it.

The Emperor—Rin's father—was no fool. He had long been aware of the corruption festering within the nobility and the government.

So he did something ruthless.

He played weak.

He allowed the Dark Order to believe that the Empire was on the verge of collapse, that the nobility was divided, that the Imperial family had grown too arrogant and complacent.

And when the Dark Order finally took the bait and attacked, the Emperor launched a purge.

A massive internal purge.

Enemies of the Empire were executed overnight.

Cities were set on fire.

The streets ran red with blood.

The traitors were crushed, but at a terrible cost.

Rin clenched his fists against the sheets.

He knew this would happen.

He knew this was inevitable.

But…

He refused to accept it.

The novel had painted this as a necessary moment—a "painful but unavoidable" sacrifice for the Empire's future.

But was it really unavoidable?

Could he really sit back and watch the Empire drown in blood?

He had read about it before. He had accepted it before.

But now?

Now, he was living in it.

He had seen the faces of the people.

He had spoken to them.

He had taught the consorts.

And even though they were his political obstacles, they were still people.

People who would suffer.

Rin slowly exhaled, his golden eyes narrowing with determination.

He wasn't the kind of person to sit by and do nothing.

If this world truly followed the novel's plot, then he already knew what would happen.

That meant he had an advantage.

He could change things.

He could minimize casualties.

He could protect those who deserved to be protected.

Maybe he couldn't stop the purge entirely. That would be impossible.

But he could lessen the damage.

Save whoever he could.

If his father—Emperor Masaki—was setting up the Dark Order, then Rin needed to prepare.

He needed information.

He needed power.

And most importantly, he needed allies.

His gaze darkened as he thought about the four consorts.

They were not just pawns in a political game.

They were future members of the Imperial family.

The Crown Prince's future wives.

If his brother, the Crown Prince, could recognize their worth, then they could become valuable assets in stabilizing the Empire.

But that was a problem for later.

For now, he had one month to prepare.

And in the meantime, he had to survive being the instructor of the consorts…

While also keeping himself from being executed.

Rin closed his eyes, allowing exhaustion to finally take over.

Tomorrow would be another long day.

And soon…

The storm would come.