Chapter 66: An Mutually Beneficial Relationship

The scratching of quills on parchment and the quiet shuffling of documents filled the office as Rin and Akane worked side by side.

At first, Akane had assumed Rin would take time to catch up—after all, he'd been bedridden for a month.

She was wrong.

Within an hour, Rin had completely caught up with everything that had been done and was already suggesting solutions to current problems.

He would glance at a report, process the details almost instantly, then explain his findings clearly and efficiently.

"This report on supply distribution," Rin said, tapping a parchment in front of him, "shows a bottleneck due to road congestion here." He circled a location on the map. "If we divert excess cargo to this secondary route, we can ease the strain and prevent delays."

Akane blinked, processing his words. "That makes sense. The alternate route is a bit longer, but it's much more reliable."

Rin nodded. "Exactly. And since we've had complaints about shortages in this area, this adjustment will solve two problems at once."

Akane smirked. "You really do your homework, huh?"

Rin gave her a sidelong glance. "I don't do homework—I solve problems."

She chuckled. "Same thing."

With each passing hour, Akane found herself enjoying the back-and-forth exchange. Rin's explanations were always concise, logical, and easy to understand.

And the most shocking part?

He kept up with her pace.

She was used to working faster than most officials, but Rin matched her stride for stride—maybe even outpaced her.

She had already known that Rin was an outstanding swordsman, a powerful magic user, and a cunning tactician, but now?

He was also a terrifyingly capable administrator.

"Tch… So unfair," Akane muttered under her breath.

Rin glanced up. "What was that?"

She quickly waved him off. "Nothing."

The Imperial Officials, who were usually buried under mountains of paperwork, suddenly realized they were finishing early—something that never happened.

One official leaned toward another. "Are we… done?"

The other official stared at his empty desk, still in disbelief. "I think so…?"

By the time the last document was signed and processed, everyone sat back, stunned.

Akane stretched, a satisfied smile on her face. "That was surprisingly fun."

Rin exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Work shouldn't be fun. But if it is, you're doing something right."

She glanced at him. "You really are something else, Shimuzu Rin."

Rin smirked slightly, but he didn't reply. Instead, he stacked the last of the documents neatly.

As Akane watched him, she felt an unfamiliar thought creeping into her mind.

"...I could get used to working like this."

The halls were still bustling with movement, but for Rin and Akane, it was a rare moment of peace.

With documents signed and duties finished early, the two had been given an unexpected chance to leave early, courtesy of the impressed Imperial Officials.

Rin had bowed politely to the officials in thanks, while Akane had simply nodded in acknowledgment.

Now, they walked down the marble hallways, the soft glow of lanterns casting warm hues along the intricate carvings of the palace walls.

Rin trailed slightly behind Akane, keeping a respectful distance as per court etiquette.

Akane, however, was keenly aware of the contradiction in that action.

This man was an Imperial Prince.

And yet, he acted lower than her—walking behind her as if his status truly was beneath hers.

It almost annoyed her.

She broke the silence. "So, what are you planning to do now?"

Rin sighed, rubbing his temple. "Check on the White Elder… then probably go back to bed."

Akane raised a brow. "Tired already?"

Rin shot her a look. "I've been in bed for a month. Even just sitting up earlier felt like a victory."

She chuckled, but then she noticed his expression shift into something more wary.

"I just hope I don't run into the three consorts for now." Rin muttered. "They'll probably drag me into something again."

Akane smirked, crossing her arms. "You say that like they're dangerous criminals."

Rin looked at her, deadpan. "You weren't there."

She laughed but then waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry. I'll keep them in check."

Rin narrowed his eyes slightly. "I don't want you gaining more favors over me."

Akane rolled her eyes. "I don't want your favors anymore."

Rin raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh?"

She stopped walking, turning to face him fully. "I want a mutually beneficial relationship, Rin."

Rin's expression became unreadable. "Mutually beneficial?"

Akane nodded. "Yes. You're an Imperial Prince, even if you're hiding it. That means you have access to information about the Hoshimi Imperial Family."

Rin folded his arms. "And why would you need that?"

Akane's golden eyes glimmered under the lantern light. "Because I don't want to make unintentional enemies while I pursue my own goals."**

She could feel Rin analyzing her words, his gaze sharp.

"I have no intention of harming the Imperial Family," Akane added. "But I also refuse to be caught in political crossfires blindly."

Rin remained silent for a moment, then finally asked, "And what exactly are your goals, Princess Akane?"

Akane exhaled slowly. "Power."

Rin tilted his head. "Why?"

Her fingers curled slightly. "Because I want to live."

Rin frowned. "You're a princess consort. You already have status and security."

Akane let out a small, humorless laugh. "Status? Security?" She shook her head. "I have neither. I'm the least remarkable of all the consorts, Rin."

He didn't interrupt, so she continued.

"I have no magic talent. No swordsmanship skills. I'm not kind like Suzuki, not a warrior like Rei, not adaptable like Miharu. If I stay as I am, I'll always be a pawn—someone easily discarded."

Her voice was calm, but Rin could hear the underlying steel in her tone.

"The only thing I'm good at is administration. And even that—" she gestured vaguely to the hall they had walked through "—only helped because I was born into the Shinegori family."

She met Rin's gaze. "I don't want to be a pawn. I want to be a player."

Silence settled between them.

Then, Rin closed his eyes briefly and let out a quiet chuckle.

Akane frowned. "What's funny?"

He opened his eyes again, his expression more relaxed than before. "You."

Akane's brow twitched. "Care to explain?"

Rin turned slightly, glancing at the lantern lights above them. "Most people in power either never realize they're weak, or they refuse to admit it."

He looked back at her, his voice quieter now. "But you acknowledge your weaknesses. You want power because you know you don't have it yet."

There was no mockery in his tone. No sarcasm.

Only genuine respect.

"That's what makes you strong, Princess Akane."

Akane froze.

She had expected Rin to argue. To dismiss her.

But instead, he… respected her?

She quickly composed herself, flicking her hair back. "Hmph. I could've told you that from the start."

Rin smirked slightly. "And yet, I had to figure it out myself."

She rolled her eyes, but deep inside…

She felt something warm spread through her chest.

She wasn't sure what it was.

But she didn't dislike it.

Rin and Akane had resumed walking, the lantern-lit corridors casting long shadows behind them.

Akane's arms were crossed, her golden eyes narrowed as she spoke. "So? What does the great Second Imperial Prince think of my deal?"

Rin let out a soft breath. "It's fine."

Akane raised a brow. "That's it? No counteroffers? No negotiating?"

Rin tilted his head slightly. "No need. It's a fair exchange."

Akane scoffed. "Tch. You're surprisingly easygoing about this."

Rin half-smiled. "More than that, I'm surprised you actually dropped your mask in front of me."

Her brows twitched. "That's your fault."

Rin chuckled. "Oh?"

Akane sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It all started with that damned illusion."

Rin listened quietly as Akane recounted the moment in Rin's room, how she had lashed out at his younger illusion, how he had hugged her despite her cruel words.

"He told me I was cruel and manipulative…" Akane muttered, her expression unreadable. "And yet, he said he liked me."

Rin hummed in thought. "I see…"

Akane side-eyed him. "You 'see' what?"

Rin glanced at her with a knowing look. "That illusion was a fragment of me. A piece of my true personality."**

Akane exhaled. "Yeah, I figured."

"Then you should already know the answer," Rin continued.

She frowned. "Answer to what?"

Rin stopped walking and turned to face her, his deep eyes calm yet piercing. "Why he trusted you."

Akane met his gaze but remained silent.

"I'm the type of person who sees people for what they are," Rin explained. "And if someone shows me their real self… I choose whether or not they're worth saving."

Akane's eyes widened slightly.

"...That's a terrible way to judge people." She muttered.

Rin smiled lightly. "Maybe. But it's how I live."

Akane clicked her tongue and looked away. "So… you think I'm worth saving?"

Rin didn't hesitate. "Yes."

She flinched.

Her fingers curled slightly at her sides. "You're an idiot."

Rin chuckled. "You're not the first to say that."

Akane turned away, continuing to walk. Rin followed beside her, his pace now even with hers.

She felt something unfamiliar stirring inside her.

And she hated how it made her heart feel so damn light.

Just as Rin and Akane were about to turn the corner, soft footsteps echoed from ahead.

The moment Rin laid eyes on the approaching figure, he instinctively masked his expression into one of calm indifference.

But deep inside?

("Oh no…")

There she was—Black Princess Urakawa Miharu.

Her dark hair swayed as she gracefully turned the corner, and the instant her violet eyes landed on Rin, her face lit up like the morning sun.

"Rin!" Miharu's voice carried a warmth that made Rin's inner panic worsen.

("Why is she here?!")

With elegant steps, Miharu closed the distance between them. Before Rin could even react, she was already standing in front of him.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice gentle, concern etched on her face.

Rin forced a polite smile. "I'm fine. A bit tired, but nothing serious."

Miharu sighed in relief. "That's good to hear. I was so worried about you."

She fidgeted slightly, as if gathering her courage. "Rin, if it's not too much trouble… would you like to have tea with me? I recently bought a special blend—it's good for soothing the mind and aiding recovery."

Just as Miharu reached out to touch Rin's arm,

—A sudden barrier formed between them.

Akane had smoothly stepped in, her hand blocking Miharu's path.

"Unfortunately, Rin has other duties to attend to," Akane said smoothly, her tone polite but firm.

Miharu blinked in surprise, then narrowed her eyes slightly. "Oh? I wasn't aware. What kind of duties?"

Akane smiled but didn't step aside. "Important ones. That don't involve tea."

Miharu's charming expression twitched.

The air between the two princesses tensed—a silent battle of wills had begun.

Miharu: "Surely, just a short tea break wouldn't hurt."

Akane: "Ah, but health comes first. Rest is more important than tea, wouldn't you agree?"

Miharu: "Then wouldn't a calming tea help with rest?"

Akane: "But excessive socialization can be exhausting, no?"

Rin, standing awkwardly between them, internally sighed.

("This is ridiculous…")

Eventually, Akane gained the upper hand, smoothly grabbing Rin's wrist and pulling him away.

Miharu could only watch helplessly as her chance slipped away.

As they turned another corner, Akane finally let go, grinning at Rin.

"There, I saved you. You can thank me later."

Rin sighed heavily, rubbing his temple. "I wasn't in any danger."

Akane tilted her head. "Really? Because your face just now screamed 'help me'."

Rin glanced at her, unimpressed. "And here I thought we were supposed to have a 'mutually beneficial relationship.'"

Akane smirked. "Exactly."

She then stretched lazily, casting him a teasing glance.

"Since we're partners now, please use me well, Rin."

Rin paused at her words, then sighed.

"I'll do my best to help you reach your goals," he said, his tone sincere. "Maybe even… protect you in the future."

Akane froze.

Her teasing expression vanished instantly, replaced by a flicker of shock.

"Hah?"

Rin looked at her curiously. "What?"

She stepped back slightly, looking away. "You… shouldn't say stuff like that so easily."

Rin raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

Akane crossed her arms, avoiding his gaze. "Because it messes with people, that's why."

She bit the inside of her cheek, frustrated at how strangely warm she felt inside.

Rin smirked slightly. "Not my problem."

Akane glared at him. "It is now."

Despite her sharp words, Rin could tell—

She was smiling.

The tension at the dining table was palpable.

Suzuki, Rei, and Miharu sat across from Akane, their eyes practically burning holes into her skull as she calmly sipped her tea.

For the past few weeks, Rin had been working closely with Princess Akane, and to the dismay of the three consorts, he didn't seem to mind it at all.

That was the problem.

Princess Akane was a wall—a barrier they had to get through just to see Rin.

And she was damn good at her job.

The three princesses were fuming.

Akane, however, remained as composed as ever.

Miharu, as the most confrontational of the three, finally leaned forward and set her cup down with a loud clink.

"Princess Akane, may I ask you something?" Miharu said, her tone sweet but her eyes anything but.

Akane lifted an eyebrow, unbothered. "You already are."

Miharu's eye twitched, but she continued. "Why exactly have you been spending so much time with Rin?"

Rei, tapping her fingers against the table, added, "Yes, it's a bit strange, isn't it? Considering you have no… obligation to him."

Suzuki, always the quiet observer, simply stared at Akane with an unreadable expression.

Akane exhaled, setting her cup down. "Because we work well together."

Miharu's eyebrow twitched again.

"Oh?" she hummed. "That's funny because before, you didn't seem to have any interest in working with him at all."

Akane leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms.

"That was before he got sick," she stated simply. "I had to step in to keep the palace running. Naturally, after his recovery, we kept working together because it was efficient."

Suzuki finally spoke, her voice calm but sharp. "Efficient, you say… but isn't it a little odd that Rin doesn't seem to mind your presence? He doesn't let just anyone get close to him."

Akane met Suzuki's gaze head-on. "Maybe that just means he likes having me around."

A tense silence fell over the table.

Miharu, Rei, and Suzuki stiffened.

Akane took a small sip of tea before adding, "Or maybe… he just finds me useful. Either way, it works, doesn't it?"

Miharu's smile thinned. "Do you even like him, Akane?"

Akane didn't even blink.

"Not in the way you three do."

That, at least, was an honest answer.

Rei's lips pursed. "Then why are you standing in our way?"

Akane chuckled softly, shaking her head.

"Standing in your way? I'm not doing anything. I'm just doing my job."

Miharu narrowed her eyes. "Your job?"

Akane smirked. "Yes, my job. Making sure the White Flower Palace runs efficiently. If that just so happens to mean that I spend time with Rin while doing so, then that's just how it is."

Rei frowned. "But—"

Akane interrupted, her voice smooth as silk.

"Besides, are you sure you should be complaining about this?"****"Think about it. If I stopped working with Rin, his workload would slow down. That would mean longer work hours. And what does that mean?"

She gave them a pointed look.

"Less free time for you to chase after him."

The realization sank in immediately.

The truth was brutal.

Without Akane, Rin would be drowning in work again.

With Akane, he finished earlier—giving him the freedom to do other things.

If they forced Akane out, it would only backfire on them.

A beat of silence.

Suzuki, ever the calculated one, finally sighed, rubbing her temple. "So… you're saying that keeping you around is the best option for us?"

Akane smiled. "Exactly."

Miharu clicked her tongue in frustration, but even she couldn't argue with the logic.

Akane took one last sip of her tea before placing the cup down.

She glanced at the three consorts, amusement twinkling in her crimson eyes.

"In other words… if you want Rin's attention, you'll have to go through me first."

The three gritted their teeth.

And so, Akane remained an immovable wall.