Chapter 64: A Innocent Trust

Suzuki clenched her fists.

Rei bit her lip.

Miharu exhaled slowly.

Akane kept her expression unreadable.

What… was this?

The way Rin acted with Harumi…

It wasn't like how he interacted with them.

It was… different.

Nao, however, was the most unreadable.

Her gaze was sharp, her expression neutral—

But there was something dangerous behind her eyes.

Something deeply analyzing the interaction before her.

Finally, Suzuki broke the silence.

"…Why is he calling you that?"

Harumi blinked.

"Hawumi?"

Suzuki nodded stiffly.

Young Rin, still hugging Harumi, responded before she could.

"'Cause Hawumi is Hawumi."

Suzuki frowned. "That doesn't explain anything."

Harumi smiled faintly.

"It seems like this version of Rin… is one that lost his childhood."

The consorts all froze.

Harumi continued, her voice quieter now.

"Perhaps… this is the side of him that never got to be a normal child."

Nao's fingers twitched.

Her gaze stayed on the young boy clinging to Harumi.

She didn't say anything—

But something in her eyes shifted.

Something unreadable.

Something painful.

Young Rin peeked from behind Harumi, his big black eyes filled with hesitation as he looked at the four consorts.

His tiny fingers clutched onto the fabric of Harumi's sleeve, as if seeking protection.

Suzuki, Rei, Miharu, and Akane stiffened slightly.

He was… scared of them?

After everything they had been through with him, why?

Why was Rin fine with Harumi but afraid of them?

Just then, Nao moved.

The Azure Empress knelt down, lowering herself to his level.

A warm, gentle smile spread across her face.

"Hello, Rin."

Her voice was soft, careful—almost motherly.

Young Rin blinked. His fingers loosened slightly from Harumi's sleeve.

For a second, there was only silence.

And then—

Young Rin's expression lit up.

Without hesitation, he ran into Nao's arms, hugging her tightly.

"Naowie!"

Nao's eyes widened for a fraction of a second.

Then, she smiled.

Her arms wrapped around him, pulling him close.

She held him tightly, as if savoring the moment.

"…Yes, it's me."

The four consorts watched in disbelief.

First, it was Harumi.

Now, Nao?

Suzuki, Rei, and Miharu exchanged glances.

Nao wasn't just any noble—she was an Empress.

And yet, she was treating Rin like…

Like a precious child.

Akane's lips pressed into a thin line.

She had already pieced it together before.

And now, she was sure.

Nao was Rin's mother.

That's why Rin's eyes looked like hers.

That's why Nao wanted to see him so badly.

That's why she had been watching them so carefully.

She wasn't just here as an Empress—

She was here as a mother.

As Nao held Young Rin, she gently stroked his hair.

He nuzzled into her touch, completely comfortable.

The room was silent—

Except for the sound of Rin's small, happy laughter.

Suzuki, Rei, and Miharu couldn't hide their mixed emotions.

Akane remained expressionless, but her mind was racing.

Harumi stood beside them, watching the scene with her usual calm demeanor.

And Nao…

She held her son close, as if she had been waiting for this moment her entire life.

Harumi crossed her arms, watching as Young Rin continued to nuzzle against Nao's embrace.

Her voice was calm as she spoke.

"Every time I step into Rin's room, I'm met with resistance."

The four consorts turned their attention toward her, their expressions filled with curiosity and doubt.

"Every version of Rin… every illusion… has something it wants. Something it needs before the illusion breaks."

Harumi's eyes softened slightly.

"I don't know if he's aware of it… but deep inside, these illusions show different parts of himself. The burdens he carries. The desires he suppresses."

Nao gently stroked Young Rin's hair, her gaze distant.

Harumi's words made her grip her son just a little tighter.

She had already noticed it.

This illusion…

It wasn't something to be broken.

It was something that needed to be fulfilled.

For once in his life, even if it was just in an illusion—

Rin was acting like a normal child.

And Nao didn't want to take that away from him.

Her voice was quiet, but firm.

"I won't break it."

The four consorts stiffened slightly.

Suzuki was the first to speak.

"…You could, though. You're stronger than Rin."

Nao smiled faintly.

"Of course."

She glanced down at Young Rin, who was now peacefully holding onto her sleeve, as if afraid she would disappear.

"But I don't want to."

A cold sensation ran through Suzuki, Rei, and Miharu's chests.

They suddenly understood.

Harumi…

Harumi had been dealing with these illusions all alone.

The disheveled clothes, the tired but satisfied expression—

It wasn't exhaustion.

It wasn't what they had assumed.

It was because she had witnessed Rin's real self.

And instead of breaking the illusions, she had made peace with them.

Akane remained silent.

Unlike the other three, she hadn't judged Harumi so harshly before.

But now she knew—

Harumi wasn't just some maid.

She had seen a side of Rin that even they, as consorts, hadn't.

And that…

That made her dangerous.

The four consorts had experienced Rin's illusions before.

That first illusion—

The one filled with rage, suffering, and fear.

That young Rin had pushed them down, suffocated them under his pain.

But this Rin…

This Rin was something they didn't understand.

He was happy.

He was carefree.

And yet—

Why did that make them feel uneasy?

The moment Young Rin's small voice spoke, the atmosphere shifted.

"Naowie… why are there four people with dark desires behind you?"

A heavy silence fell over the room.

Harumi and Nao both turned to the four consorts, their expressions unreadable.

Young Rin clung to Nao's sleeve, his wide black eyes staring at the princess consorts.

"I'm scared of them…"

Suzuki, Rei, Miharu, and Akane flinched.

"They look like they want to kidnap me…"

Yes—

For Suzuki, Rei, and Miharu… their feelings for Rin were possessive.

They wanted him for themselves.

They wanted him to see only them.

It wasn't kidnapping… but it wasn't far from it.

And Akane?

She knew.

She was the closest to having the darkest desire.

Unlike the others, it wasn't love that fueled her interest in Rin—

It was the desire to bind him.

To make him owe her.

To force his dependency on her.

And yet—

Young Rin had seen through them so easily.

Nao smiled.

But her tone was amused yet sharp.

"Oh my… are they bad girls, Rin?"

Young Rin shook his head immediately.

"No… They're weird."

It was as if an arrow struck their hearts.

Weird?!

That was worse than being called bad!

Suzuki covered her mouth, mortified.

Rei looked away, pretending to check her nails.

Miharu tightened her grip on her dress, refusing to react.

But Akane?

Akane twitched.

Her smile darkened.

Akane narrowed her eyes.

"…And why is that?"

She kept her tone calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it.

Young Rin pointed at her.

"The white-dressed girl is making an evil face."

A vein popped on Akane's forehead.

Her instincts took over.

"You little brat."

She crossed her arms, her voice dripping with irritation.

"You're the most annoying person I've ever met."

Young Rin tilted his head.

Akane gritted her teeth.

"You're making things so hard for me! How am I supposed to get you to do what I want if you're like this?!"

The room fell deathly silent.

Akane froze.

Her eyes widened.

She just realized what she said.

Right in front of—

Nao.

The Azure Empress.

Rin's mother.

Nao was watching her.

Her smile didn't change, but her black eyes had narrowed slightly.

A chill ran down Akane's spine.

Suzuki, Rei, and Miharu were too stunned to even laugh at her mistake.

But then—

Young Rin suddenly ran toward Akane.

And—

Hugged her.

Akane's entire body stiffened.

Her mind went blank.

"You're cruel and manipulative," Young Rin mumbled against her.

Akane's eye twitched.

"…Tch."

But then—

His grip on her tightened.

"But you have a kind heart."

Akane's breath hitched.

She stared down at the little boy hugging her.

"I like you."

Suzuki, Rei, and Miharu stared.

Their envy was palpable.

Harumi blinked.

Nao chuckled softly.

Akane was receiving all of their jealous glares.

And for once in her life—

Akane had no idea how to respond.

Young Rin tilted his head up, his black eyes gazing at Akane with pure innocence.

Then—

"I trust you."

Akane's breath caught in her throat.

And before she could even process his words—

Young Rin's small form began to glow.

His body slowly dissolved into light.

The warmth of his embrace faded.

The illusion shattered.

The room shifted.

The soft glow of the illusion vanished.

And now—

They were back.

Back in Rin's actual room.

Rin lay on the bed, still asleep.

His breathing was steady but still strained.

Harumi let out a quiet sigh.

Nao simply watched Rin's sleeping face, her expression unreadable.

Akane remained still.

Her arms hung loosely by her sides.

Suzuki, Rei, and Miharu were staring at her.

Their emotions?

A mix of envy, disbelief, and frustration.

Suzuki crossed her arms, clicking her tongue.

"…Tch. I should've gone up to him first."

Rei rubbed her temple.

"That's unfair, Princess Akane."

Miharu pouted, arms crossed.

"…He likes you already?"

Akane ignored them.

Instead, she slowly clenched her fist.

The warmth of Young Rin's embrace still lingered.

And those words…

"I trust you."

Her chest tightened.

Nao's calm voice broke the silence.

"It seems Rin has acknowledged you."

Akane looked up.

Nao was watching her closely, as if evaluating her.

Then, the Azure Empress smiled.

"Take responsibility for that trust, Princess Akane."

Akane felt a shiver run down her spine.

Nao's words—

They weren't just a suggestion.

They were a warning.

Nao stood by Rin's bedside, watching his sleeping form.

His breath was slow, but steady.

His body was weak, yet—

He was fighting.

Fighting to live.

The Azure Empress let out a quiet breath.

"Good."

Harumi, who had been standing by the door, bowed respectfully.

Nao turned to her.

"Harumi."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Continue doing what you've been doing."** Her gaze softened slightly.** "Take care of him."

Harumi nodded firmly.

"Of course."

Harumi stepped forward, gesturing politely.

"If Your Majesty and the Princess Consorts would follow me, I will escort you out."

Nao gave Rin one last glance before turning and walking toward the door.

The four consorts hesitated, lingering for just a moment longer before following.

Their steps were silent.

Their thoughts? Loud.

Harumi led them through the halls of the White Flower Palace.

The atmosphere was strangely tense.

Suzuki, Rei, and Miharu exchanged glances.

Akane walked in deep thought.

Nao, walking ahead of them, didn't turn back.

Once outside, Nao stopped and turned to the consorts.

Her black eyes studied each of them carefully.

"The White Flower Palace is in good hands."

A small smile graced her lips.

"You are all doing well in your duties. Continue to do so."

The consorts straightened slightly at the encouragement.

Nao's gaze lingered on Akane for a second longer than the others.

Then—

"I will take my leave now."

With that, she turned, her imperial robes flowing behind her, and walked toward her carriage.

The grand doors of the White Flower Palace closed.

Nao's carriage slowly disappeared down the path.

The four consorts remained silent.

Until—

Suzuki sighed, running a hand through her hair.

"…That woman is terrifying."

Rei nodded in agreement.

"I felt like she could see through my soul."

Miharu crossed her arms, frowning.

"She basically told us to stay in our lane."

Akane, however, said nothing.

Her hand unconsciously touched her arm—

Where Young Rin had hugged her.

And in her mind, the words still echoed—

"I trust you."

Akane collapsed onto her bed, her arms spread out as she stared at the ceiling.

Her mind replayed the moment over and over—

That child version of Rin—

His small arms wrapped around her.

His innocent voice whispering—

"I trust you."

She groaned, covering her face with a pillow.

"Ugh… Trust, huh…"

She turned onto her side, frowning.

That Rin had been an illusion, a fragment of his personality—

But it felt real.

His emotions, his fears, his honesty—

Everything.

Akane exhaled sharply.

"Why me?"

She had literally just bad-mouthed him in front of his own mother—

And yet, he still trusted her?

How? Why?

That kind of trust—

A trust from an Imperial Prince—

Was not something that was easily obtained.

Harumi had it—without even knowing Rin's true identity.

She clenched her fists, feeling a strange warmth in her chest.

And then—

A small, unconscious smile appeared on her lips.

…Only for her to immediately slap herself.

"Get a grip, Akane!" she scolded, shaking her head.

She tried to think rationally—

To strategize, to figure out how to use this trust—

But for some reason…

She couldn't.

Because deep down—

She wasn't just satisfied.

She was happy.