Chapter 68: Relationships Between Women

The dining hall of the White Flower Palace was unusually tense.

The four princess consorts sat around the grand table, each waiting for Rin's cooking. However, while they were technically in the same room, their thoughts and reactions were vastly different.

Suzuki, Rei, and Miharu were practically dolled up, as if they were about to attend a high-class banquet instead of just having dinner. Their hair was styled with delicate ornaments, their makeup was flawless, and their dresses were undeniably more elegant than necessary for a casual meal.

It was obvious.

They had prepared.

Too much.

And sitting at the same table, watching them with thinly veiled judgment, was Princess Akane.

She rested her chin on her palm, tapping her fingers against the table. "You three are really something, huh?"

Suzuki, who had been lightly adjusting her earring, glanced at Akane with a serene smile. "I don't know what you mean, Akane."

Rei, casually running a hand through her perfectly arranged hair, smirked. "It's just a normal dinner, isn't it?"

Miharu, sipping tea with elegance, added, "It's only natural to look our best."

Akane gave them a deadpan stare.

"Oh, really? Because to me, it looks like you're about to meet an important suitor."

The three consorts didn't even try to deny it.

Suzuki simply smiled. Rei chuckled. Miharu took another sip of her tea, but the slight pink on her cheeks was proof enough that Akane had hit the mark.

Akane sighed, leaning back in her seat.

This was ridiculous.

She glanced down at herself. Unlike the other three, she had done nothing special to her appearance. She was in her usual attire, simple and elegant but without the extra effort of dressing up.

Because, well—

It was just a damn meal.

But looking at the three consorts…

Akane felt something strange stir inside her.

She frowned. No. She wasn't like them. She wasn't trying to get Rin's attention.

This was not some competition for his favor.

Right?

Right.

She shook off the thought and picked up her tea, taking a sip—just in time for the doors to open.

And there he was.

Rin entered, dressed as he always was, with a composed expression and a tray in his hands. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air.

The four consorts straightened their posture.

They didn't say a word.

But their eyes—

They were all fixed on Rin.

Rin moved with calm efficiency as he laid the dishes onto the table. The aroma of his cooking filled the air, making the already eager consorts visibly react.

Suzuki and Miharu, having tasted his cooking before, were the first to comment.

"It's still the best," Suzuki said, her voice smooth as she smiled at Rin. She picked up her utensils, eager to dig in.

"Agreed," Miharu added, already taking her first bite. Her expression softened in delight before she shot Rin a knowing glance. "You really never disappoint."

Rin simply nodded, keeping his usual neutral expression.

Across from them, Rei, who hadn't had the pleasure of experiencing Rin's cooking until now, took her first bite.

And then she froze.

The fork in her hand hovered mid-air, her lips slightly parted in shock. It was obvious—the taste had completely caught her off guard.

Miharu and Suzuki exchanged knowing looks, smirking as they prepared to capitalize on her moment of weakness.

"Oh? You seem surprised, Rei," Miharu teased.

Suzuki placed a hand on her cheek, feigning innocence. "I suppose this means Rin has officially impressed you?"

Rei snapped out of it, scowling lightly as she quickly composed herself. "Hmph, I admit it's good." She gave Rin a sharp glance. "You're wasted as an administrator. You should just be a royal chef."

"I'll consider it," Rin said casually, earning a small laugh from Miharu.

Meanwhile, Akane sat back and watched.

She had expected this to be a disaster. A battlefield where she would have to step in to keep Rin from being dragged too close.

And yet—

Rin was handling it just fine.

It wasn't that he was avoiding them outright. He was engaging them—just enough.

Whenever Suzuki leaned in with a compliment laced with hidden meaning, Rin would deflect with a humble yet firm response.

When Miharu attempted to steer the conversation towards spending more personal time with him, Rin redirected it back to neutral territory.

And when Rei, still trying to assert dominance, threw challenges his way, Rin matched her energy perfectly, countering her words with wit that left her momentarily speechless.

It was an impressive dance, a perfect balance of engagement and distance.

And Akane wasn't needed.

She had spent so much time blocking the other three, acting as Rin's shield. But now, he was facing them head-on, dodging their advances with effortless grace.

Akane should've been relieved.

But instead, she felt—

Lonely.

The realization made her frown slightly. Why?

It wasn't like she wanted to be part of this competition.

Right?

But still…

She took a sip of her tea, watching as Rin continued to maneuver around the consorts with ease.

In the shadows of the grand dining hall, the four headmaids stood watching—each with a different expression as they observed Rin's flawless maneuvering.

From the moment he placed the food on the table, the consorts had set their sights on him. And yet, against all odds, he was handling them effortlessly.

Yori (Rei's Headmaid) crossed her arms and let out a low sigh. "How is this guy managing them so well?" she muttered, watching as Rin deflected, redirected, and balanced his attention among the four consorts with ease.

Rina (Suzuki's Headmaid) chuckled softly. "It's impressive, isn't it? A lesser man would've already been eaten alive."

Fumiko (Miharu's Headmaid) observed with narrowed eyes. "He's not stupid. He knows they all like him. And instead of outright rejecting them, he's… controlling the situation."

Emi, Princess Akane's headmaid, remained silent, her gaze flickering toward her mistress. Akane wasn't intervening—not because she was choosing not to, but because she didn't have to.

It was the first time since she started shielding Rin that he was handling it alone.

And yet, there was something about the way Akane was watching him—a quiet, almost lonely expression—that made Emi frown slightly.

Yori, who had been tapping her fingers against her arm impatiently, let out another sigh. "Honestly, he's just making it worse."

Fumiko nodded. "Exactly. He's putting out the flames before they get out of control, but it's pointless. This won't die down."

Rina smirked. "Of course it won't. How could it? He's being too nice."

The four of them exchanged knowing glances.

They all knew—Rin wasn't blind.

He could see how deep their feelings for him were.

And yet, instead of rejecting them outright or embracing them fully, he was walking a dangerous middle ground.

Fumiko scoffed. "At this rate, he's going to dig his own grave."

Rina smiled knowingly. "Poor thing. No matter what he does, he's doomed."

Yori sighed again, shaking her head. "Either way, he'll die. If he accepts one, the other three will go crazy. If he rejects them all, he's still dead."

Emi, finally speaking up, muttered quietly, "And what about Princess Akane?"

The three others turned to her, raising their brows.

Emi hesitated before continuing, "She's changed. She's putting in so much effort to block the others, but now, she's… just watching."

Yori clicked her tongue. "Tch. You don't think she's starting to like him, do you?"

Emi bit her lip. "No… At least, not yet. She's still acting the same. But…" she glanced back at her mistress, whose gaze remained locked on Rin. "…for how long?"

The other three maids didn't respond.

Because deep down, they all knew the answer.

It was only a matter of time.

As the meal continued, Rin subtly shifted the mood—without the consorts even realizing it.

He turned to Princess Akane, asking in his usual calm tone, "How was today's work? Any surprises?"

Akane, who had been carefully observing the situation, blinked in mild surprise before answering naturally. "Nothing unexpected. Just the usual. The resource reports came in earlier than expected, so tomorrow should be smoother."

Rin nodded. "That's good. If things keep moving this fast, the officials might finally stop complaining."

Akane smirked, tapping her chopsticks against the edge of her plate. "They'll always find something to complain about. But yes, the pace has been improving."

Just like that, the conversation shifted.

The other three consorts, who had been focused on Rin, now found themselves drawn into the discussion.

Suzuki, in a slightly eager tone, spoke up. "Actually, the food distribution efforts have been going well. The workers seem more motivated when they're properly fed. I had to make adjustments, though—some of them need more than the usual serving because of how much work they're doing."

Rin gave her an approving nod. "That's smart. A well-fed workforce is a productive one. Are you running low on supplies?"

Suzuki shook her head. "Not yet, but I might need to request more soon."

Rei, never one to fall behind, crossed her arms. "Materials for construction are still in good supply, but the problem is labor. Some workers are getting sick or injured, so we're slightly behind schedule."

Rin hummed thoughtfully. "We should look into getting more temporary workers, then. Maybe offer incentives for those who can step in to cover shifts?"

Miharu, who had been listening closely, nodded. "That could work. But we'd also need to ensure they have proper accommodations. The White Flower Palace is already housing many workers, but I've been making adjustments so more people can stay comfortably."

Rin smiled slightly. "That's great. Having a well-rested workforce is just as important as feeding them."

Akane, glancing at Rin, found herself leaning in slightly. He had completely changed the atmosphere.

What started as a battle for his attention had become a collaborative discussion.

Even the three consorts, who moments ago had been eager to claim Rin for themselves, were now naturally sharing their duties and concerns.

The conversation flowed smoothly—just as Rin intended.

From their discreet positions, the four headmaids watched the scene unfold.

Yori (Rei's Headmaid) let out a slow breath, shaking her head in disbelief. "He's ridiculous. He just turned a battlefield into a strategy meeting."

Rina (Suzuki's Headmaid) smirked. "And they didn't even notice."

Fumiko (Miharu's Headmaid) crossed her arms, watching Miharu speak so freely. "…This is the first time they've all been this engaged in one conversation."

They had expected tension, jealousy, or another catfight.

Instead, Rin had effortlessly defused it.

But the one who was most affected…

Emi (Akane's Headmaid) wasn't looking at the group.

She was staring directly at Princess Akane.

Akane, who always wore a mask, was talking so comfortably that she didn't even notice how natural it had become for her to speak with Rin.

Her shoulders were relaxed. She wasn't trying to manipulate the conversation or outmaneuver the other consorts.

She was just… talking.

And for Emi, that was terrifying.

"She doesn't realize it…" Emi murmured under her breath.

Yori raised a brow. "What?"

Emi clenched her hands slightly, whispering to herself, "She doesn't realize that she's starting to rely on him."

No.

More than that.

She was getting comfortable.

And that shook Emi to her core.

The meal had gone smoothly—almost too smoothly. Rin had managed to balance the attentions of all four consorts, keeping them engaged yet at a comfortable distance.

Now, as Rin finally took his leave, the three princess consorts sat at the table, clearly still lost in thought.

Their eyes lingered on the door he had just walked through, a dreamy haze settling over them.

They were satisfied… yet not quite.

They had spent time with him. They had spoken with him. They had laughed with him.

And yet, they all wanted more.

Just as Suzuki, Rei, and Miharu seemed ready to make a move, possibly to follow Rin under some excuse—

Princess Akane stepped forward.

She cleared her throat, loud enough to bring the three consorts back to reality.

Akane folded her arms, looking at them with the same cold, assessing gaze she used on officials who wasted her time.

"It's late. You all should retire for the night."

Her tone wasn't rude, but it was firm.

A silent message was conveyed: "Don't push your luck."

The three consorts pouted slightly, their previous dreamy expressions shifting to reluctant ones.

Miharu crossed her arms. "We know. You don't have to act like our mother."

Akane smirked, shrugging. "Well, someone has to keep you in check. If I let you three run wild, who knows what kind of trouble you'd get into?"

Suzuki sighed dramatically. "At least let us enjoy the moment a little longer..."

Rei, ever the strategist, squinted at Akane. "You enjoyed it too, didn't you?"

Akane didn't deny it, but she also didn't confirm it. Instead, she just gave an ambiguous smile. "Unlike you three, I don't let my emotions rule me."

That earned a collective groan from the consorts.

From their positions nearby, the four headmaids watched the interaction unfold.

Rina (Suzuki's Headmaid) chuckled softly. "Princess Suzuki is still glowing... She really has no idea how obvious she is."

Yori (Rei's Headmaid), ever observant, smirked slightly. "They all are. It's almost painful to watch."

Fumiko (Miharu's Headmaid), rubbing her temples, sighed heavily. "Princess Miharu is so obvious it hurts. She actually looked disappointed when Rin left."

But the one most concerned was, as usual—

Emi (Akane's Headmaid).

Unlike the others, she wasn't looking at the three lovestruck consorts.

She was looking at Akane.

And she didn't like what she was seeing.

Akane was composed, as always. She wasn't flustered, and she wasn't acting irrationally like the others.

But…

That tiny smirk she gave when Rei accused her of enjoying the night?

That small flicker of satisfaction in her eyes when Rin included her in the conversation?

That was dangerous.

Emi, gripping the fabric of her skirt, muttered softly, "Princess… Please don't get used to this."

Yori raised a brow. "Talking to yourself again?"

Emi didn't respond.

Because deep down… she had a terrible feeling.

It wasn't Rin she was worried about.

It wasn't the other consorts, either.

It was Akane.

Because if Princess Akane ever realized that she wanted to be by Rin's side more than just as a 'mutually beneficial partner'...

Would she be able to stop herself?

Rin entered the servant quarters, stretching his shoulders as he made his way inside. It had been a long day—work, politics, and dodging the affections of three determined princess consorts.

Now, all he wanted was a bit of peace and—

Exhaustion.

The moment he stepped in, Rin noticed Harumi at the wooden table, her head resting against its surface. A soft wisp of steam rose from her, a clear sign that she had pushed herself too far.

He sighed, walking over and tapping her shoulder. "You're overheating again."

As expected, Harumi lifted her head sluggishly, blinking at him with a sleepy, yet mischievous, smile.

"You're late." Her voice was slightly hoarse, probably from overworking herself.

Rin exhaled sharply, sitting down across from her. "You should've gone to bed."

Harumi shook her head. "Nah. Wanted to stay up just to annoy you first."

Rin pinched the bridge of his nose. "How thoughtful of you."

Harumi chuckled at his deadpan response before rubbing her temples.

"Seriously though, work is piling up, and I was sorting through it all. It's a good thing you've been dealing with the nobles, but it's hell keeping up with the aftermath."

Rin leaned back against his chair. "Then don't overdo it. You're the only competent one here—I don't need you passing out."

Harumi gave him a knowing smirk. "Oh? So you do care about me."

Rin rolled his eyes. "You're useful. That's different from caring."

Harumi gasped dramatically. "Wow. Cold as always. And here I was, thinking you'd cook something for me to make up for coming back late."

Rin glanced at her tired face before sighing.

"Fine. I'll make something light."

Harumi's expression brightened instantly.

"You're the best, Rin."

Rin stood up, already heading toward the small kitchen space. "I know."