Chapter 70: The White Princess

The servants' dining room was smaller than the grand halls of the White Flower Palace, but it had a warmth to it. The scent of freshly brewed tea drifted through the air, mixing with the faint smell of wood and herbs.

Miharu, seated at the modest wooden table, felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her.

This place...

It was here that she had watched Harumi and Rin bicker endlessly.

Harumi, always trying to cook, only to fail spectacularly.

Rin, always sighing in exasperation, yet still stepping in to fix the disaster.

The memories made her chest ache.

This was his world. A place where he wasn't seen as a consort's obsession, an apprentice of the White Elder, or a mystery to be unraveled. Here, Rin was just… himself.

And now, Harumi was about to reveal something about him that they all wanted to know.

Harumi placed the tea cups in front of each of them before finally taking her own seat. She rested her chin on her palm, her expression unreadable.

And then—it happened.

The question that had lingered on all their minds was finally spoken.

"Harumi… do you see Rin as a man?"

The words hung in the air, and Akane felt her heartbeat slow.

Harumi, however, did not look surprised.

She expected this.

She leaned back in her chair, exhaling lightly before her gaze darkened in thought.

"Rin?" she scoffed, looking to the side as if recalling something unpleasant.

"He's rude. He's annoying. He's carefree to a fault. And worst of all—he's better than me at everything."

The three consorts flinched.

They had not expected that.

Harumi was the closest person to Rin, yet here she was—insulting him without hesitation.

Rei frowned. "You're making it sound like you hate him."

Harumi's lips curled slightly, but there was no bitterness in her voice.

"No," she admitted. "I don't hate him."

She looked off into the distance, her amber eyes lost in a memory.

"Because even if he's all those things... Rin is the kind of person who will lend a hand when he sees someone worth saving."

A sharp silence followed.

Each of them felt that sentence settle deep in their chests.

Because they all knew it was true.

Suzuki's grip on her cup tightened.

Rin had saved her.

He had healed her when she was suffering from an illness that no one else could cure.

Rei's lips parted slightly.

Rin had saved her.

When she was drowning in guilt over an incident that could have taken lives, he had been the one to pull her out of that darkness.

Miharu lowered her gaze.

Rin had saved her.

He had given her a second chance when her ties to the fallen Urakawa family should have condemned her.

And finally—Akane.

She remained silent, watching Harumi carefully, but she, too, had been saved.

Rin had unmasked her.

In her pursuit of power, survival, and influence, he had been the only one who saw through her—who stripped away the layers of her manipulative nature and faced her as an equal.

Harumi took a slow sip of her tea before speaking again.

"You're lucky, you know?" she said, eyes flickering between them. "All of you."

Her tone was light, but there was something sharp beneath it.

Something dangerous.

Then, with the same unshaken confidence she had always carried—

Harumi gave them her answer.

"If you want to know how I feel about Rin, then I'll tell you plainly."

She placed her cup down, looking each of them in the eyes.

"Yes, I love him."

The room froze.

Suzuki's breath hitched. Miharu's fingers twitched. Rei's eyes widened.

And Akane—

Akane's nails pressed into her palm beneath the table.

The air shifted.

It was like a knife had been drawn—the first real battle line drawn between them.

Harumi did not waver.

She was declaring war.

And now—the battlefield had changed.

Harumi smiled—a knowing, almost amused expression on her face.

As if she had expected all of this.

The lingering silence in the room stretched, the tension undeniable.

And then, she spoke again.

"I don't care how many people fall in love with Rin."

The words were spoken so calmly, so confidently, that it unsettled the three consorts.

Harumi's voice was soft, but there was an underlying certainty in it.

"In the end, when the time is right… Rin will take his place in this world once more."

Suzuki frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

Harumi merely chuckled, her fingers tapping lightly against her tea cup.

"Rin has always been someone who moves forward. He never stops. He never slows down."**

Her golden eyes flickered toward them, sharp and unwavering.

"And time is running out."

A chill ran through the room.

Rei's brows furrowed, but Miharu—who knew Rin best after Harumi—seemed to understand something deeper.

"…So you're telling us," Miharu muttered, "that we have to keep chasing him if we want to keep up?"

Harumi nodded. "Exactly."

She reached into her sleeve, pulling out four small books and placing them gently on the table.

Each one was bound in simple leather, unassuming—yet mysterious in what they could contain.

"If you really want to take a shortcut to his heart, then read this."

The three consorts stared at the books.

Harumi smirked. "Although… I wouldn't recommend it."

The words lingered in the air, their meaning unclear.

But before any of them could reach out, before any of them could even think about what was inside—

Akane moved first.

Without hesitation.

Her hand shot out, fingers curling around all four books.

Her voice was calm—too calm.

"This shouldn't be shared."

She stood from her seat, her movements fluid and purposeful.

"Rin is still a person. His privacy should be respected."

She turned on her heel, stepping toward the small furnace by the side of the kitchen.

The other consorts watched, eyes wide, confused—

Until they saw the flames.

The moment the books hit the fire, the parchment curled inward, turning black as the flames devoured them.

A hush fell over the room.

The crackling of burning pages was the only sound.

Harumi… smiled.

A quiet, satisfied smile.

"Four out of four," she murmured.

The three consorts turned to Akane, their gazes sharp, questioning.

Akane's hands were clenched at her sides, her breath just a little too unsteady.

She had reacted too fast.

She had acted too strongly.

And now—everyone was looking at her.

Like they knew.

Like they had realized something she had not wanted to face.

Harumi leaned forward, resting her chin in her palm, her smile never fading.

"Now, why would you do that, White Consort?"

Akane flinched.

Why… why did she burn those books?

They contained Rin's secrets.

Perhaps even his heart.

And the thought of anyone else knowing—of anyone else taking advantage of Rin in ways he wouldn't allow—

She couldn't stand it.

It hit her then.

Like a blade driven deep into her own chest.

She liked him.

No—she had fallen for him.

Far too much.

Far too deeply.

And for someone like her—a woman who had always been manipulative, always seeking power, always controlling others—

That realization was nothing short of terrifying.

The flames in the furnace crackled, devouring the last remnants of the books that could have unraveled Rin's secrets.

The silence that followed was deafening.

Harumi, still wearing that knowing smile, leaned back and stretched.

Then, without a second glance, she stood up.

"Welcome to the group, Akane."

Her voice was light, almost teasing—but the meaning behind it wasn't.

She turned on her heel, stepping toward the exit, her footsteps echoing in the room.

And just like that, Harumi left.

Leaving Akane alone.

Alone with three consorts who were now staring at her with unmistakable killing intent.

The air had shifted.

Akane could feel it.

A cold, dangerous feeling settled into the room.

Suzuki, Rei, and Miharu weren't fools.

They had seen everything.

They had seen how fast she reacted—how she had burned the books before any of them could even think.

Why?

Because she didn't want anyone else to have Rin's secrets.

Because she wanted to protect them.

Because she—

No.

No.

This isn't happening.

Akane quickly forced on her usual smile, raising her hands as if to calm them down.

"Now, now—there's no need to look at me like that," she said smoothly. "I was simply thinking of Rin's privacy. It would be unseemly if any of us tried to—"

"Akane."

Rei's voice was sharp.

She didn't fall for it.

None of them did.

Rei leaned forward, her golden eyes burning with a deadly seriousness.

"Say it, then."

Akane blinked. "Say what?"

Miharu's gaze was just as piercing.

"Say that you don't love Rin."

The words were simple.

The demand was clear.

Suzuki folded her arms, her expression unreadable.

"It should be easy for you, right?"

Akane felt something tighten in her throat.

Say it.

She parted her lips, the words ready to leave—

But then—

A flash of a memory.

Black eyes watching her.

A gentle smile, warm and full of love.

A hand reaching out to her cheek.

Lips brushing against her own.

"You've worked hard today… My White Empress."

Akane choked.

The words—they wouldn't come out.

Her throat felt tight, her hands clenching at her sides.

No—this was ridiculous.

She didn't love Rin.

She was simply using him.

Right?

…Right?

The three consorts watched.

Suzuki smirked, shaking her head. "I thought so."

Rei exhaled through her nose, arms crossed. "Tch."

Miharu merely sipped her tea, eyes half-lidded, but there was a look of understanding there.

Akane had lost.

Akane hissed, her usual composed demeanor cracking as she glared at the three women before her.

"This is all your fault," she spat, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. "If you hadn't been so obsessed—so fixated on Rin—I wouldn't have even given him a second thought!"

Suzuki smirked, resting her chin on her palm. "Oh? So now it's our fault you fell for him?"

Rei snorted, arms crossed. "Tch. Classic Akane. Always looking for someone else to blame."

Miharu merely sighed, shaking her head. "It's not a bad thing, you know," she murmured. "Loving someone."

Akane gritted her teeth.

This wasn't fair.

She wanted to deny it, to push back and claim that she was still in control—that this was nothing more than a passing interest.

But the problem was…

She couldn't even insult Rin properly now.

The words wouldn't come.

Even if she wanted to act indifferent—even if she wanted to convince herself that Rin was nothing more than a pawn in her climb for power—

She couldn't.

Even now, as he wasn't even here, she couldn't bring herself to think badly of him.

Damn it.

She was already in too deep.

Her mind raced. How could she possibly face him after this?

Would he notice?

Would he see through her like he always did?

No—no, no, no.

This wasn't how things were supposed to go.

She just had to distance herself.

Yes. That was the answer.

Tomorrow, they would all return to their palaces.

She would be back in White Tiger Palace, away from this chaotic mess.

Away from him.

She just had to forget.

Forget these feelings.

Forget him.

Akane inhaled deeply, forcing a composed expression back onto her face.

Her sharp eyes flickered toward the three consorts, her voice cool and steady.

"Our duty," she stated, "is still to the Crown Prince."

The words left her lips easily.

But the moment they did—

A dull, twisting pain settled in her chest.

As if she was betraying herself.

Her fingers curled tightly into the fabric of her sleeve, but she kept her expression impassive.

Suzuki, Rei, and Miharu all stared at her.

And in their eyes, she saw it.

Pity.

They already knew.

Akane was lying to herself.

The bustling streets of the Imperial Capital Market were alive with energy—merchants calling out their wares, the scent of grilled skewers and fresh tea filling the air, and noblewomen haggling over fine silks.

Rin weaved through the crowd effortlessly, a small parchment list in his hand.

Harumi had, of course, dumped this errand on him, saying something about how she was too busy and how, as her "trusted idiot," he should handle it.

Rin sighed, tucking the list into his pocket. Typical.

Still, he didn't mind. It gave him some peace away from the palace—away from the suffocating gazes of the consorts and their endless attempts to get closer to him.

Well, all except one.

His dark eyes flickered as he thought of Akane.

Unlike the others, she didn't try to woo him—she wasn't interested in love.

No, she was far more interested in power, in gaining influence, in using him to reach greater heights.

And strangely enough… Rin didn't mind.

She was a breath of fresh air compared to the others—sharp, intelligent, and ruthless in her own way. She saw him as a partner, not a prize.

Which was why, after all she had done to help him survive this chaotic ordeal, he figured…

A gift wouldn't hurt.

Just a token of thanks.

His gaze wandered over various stalls, searching for something that suited her.

Then—he spotted it.

An antique hairpin, simple yet elegant, with a faintly glowing protective engraving woven into its design.

Rin picked it up, examining it carefully.

It wasn't flashy. It wasn't overly sentimental.

But it was practical—perfect for Akane, who had no combat ability.

Something to protect her.

Something he could give her without second-guessing himself.

Yes. This would do.

He paid for the item without hesitation, slipping it carefully into his sleeve.

His plan was simple—he'd pass it to her head maid, Emi, when they left. A quiet gesture. Nothing more.

And yet…

As he turned to leave, a strange heaviness settled in his chest.

A sense of unease.

The sky above was still bright, but in the distance, dark clouds loomed—whispers of a storm brewing on the horizon.

Rin exhaled sharply, brushing the feeling aside.

It was nothing.

Nothing at all.

The courtyard of the White Flower Palace was lively with movement as officials and servants prepared for departure. The reconstruction efforts had stabilized, and it was time for everyone to move on to the next phase.

Rin stood beside Harumi, his arms crossed as he watched the flow of people.

"Finally over," he muttered, exhaling.

Harumi smirked. "For now."

Rin scoffed, shaking his head. "You could at least let me pretend it's over."

"Where's the fun in that?" Harumi teased, nudging him.

Rin chuckled but said nothing. The morning air was crisp, and for the first time in months, he felt like he could breathe.

But then—

Harumi's gaze subtly shifted, and a knowing smile crept onto her lips.

"You do realize," she murmured, "they're staring at you, right?"

Rin blinked. "Huh?"

She tilted her head toward a certain group of women standing in the distance.

Suzuki, Rei, Miharu.

And, of course—

Akane.

They weren't approaching him, but their intense stares were impossible to ignore.

They wanted to talk.

Even Akane, who usually had no problem walking up to him, was oddly silent.

No, more than silent—she was outright ignoring him.

She was focused on preparing to leave, giving no indication that she even acknowledged his presence.

That was… strange.

Rin's eyes lingered on her.

Normally, Akane was the type to engage him easily, using her smooth words and cunning nature to turn any conversation to her advantage. Their relationship was one of mutual benefit—she helped him, he helped her. Simple.

But now?

Now she was acting like he didn't exist.

Rin frowned slightly, his gaze narrowing.

Something had changed.

And for the first time in a long time—

He wasn't sure what it was.

Rin turned away without hesitation, leaving with Harumi to resume his usual duties.

He didn't spare another glance at Akane.

And yet, when she saw him disappear from sight, she felt an unexplainable relief wash over her.

A slow, deep breath left her lips.

Good.

Now she could finally compose herself.

But her moment of peace didn't last long.

When she turned, three pairs of eyes were watching her intently.

Suzuki, Rei, Miharu.

They weren't saying anything outright, but their gazes held a new intensity.

A silent acknowledgment.

She was now one of them.

A rival.

Akane clicked her tongue.

This was ridiculous.

She wasn't like them.

She wasn't hopelessly chasing after him, yearning for his attention like some lovesick fool.

She was different.

She only wanted to use Rin.

That was the whole point of their relationship.

Mutual benefit.

He gained from her. She gained from him.

That was it.

…Right?

But then, why did she feel warm whenever she thought about how much he trusted her?

Why did she feel proud knowing that Rin—out of all people—chose to confide in her instead of the others?

Why did it feel so satisfying that he actively avoided the other consorts but never her?

Damn it.

She was fond of him.

And now that she realized it, it was getting harder to keep a straight face.

But it didn't matter.

Akane inhaled sharply, forcing her expression back into place.

She would continue being the same Akane.

Manipulative. Clever. Calculated.

That was her strength.

And if she played her cards right…

Perhaps she could have more than just power.

The side of the courtyard was quieter than the rest of the palace grounds, away from the rush of departing officials and servants.

Here, the four consorts stood together, their belongings being prepared for their return to their respective palaces.

The conversation, however, was anything but peaceful.

"So," Suzuki started, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "You can drop the act now, Akane."

Akane, who had been calmly adjusting the sleeve of her robe, paused before glancing at her with a raised brow. "What act?"

Rei scoffed. "Oh, please. You've been acting weird all morning. And don't think we didn't notice how relieved you looked when Rin left."

Miharu folded her arms, her gaze quiet but sharp. "You like him, don't you?"

Akane snapped her fan open with a flick of her wrist, hiding the lower half of her face. "You're all delusional," she said smoothly. "Unlike you three, I actually have self-control."

Suzuki leaned forward. "Right. That's why you burned the book Harumi gave us."

Akane's fingers twitched.

Rei smirked. "And that's why you've been avoiding eye contact with us this whole time."

Miharu simply sighed. "Akane. Just admit it."

Akane's jaw tightened.

Admit it?

Never.

She refused to be like them—desperate, unstable, hopelessly chasing after Rin's attention.

She was different.

Wasn't she?

She opened her mouth to retort—

But the words wouldn't come.

Instead, the memory of Rin's absence this morning lingered in her mind.

And for the first time, she hated how empty it felt without him there.

Akane clicked her tongue, snapping her fan shut with an elegant clack.

"This conversation is over," she declared, turning away.

The other consorts exchanged glances.

They weren't buying it.

But for now, they let her be.

They all knew the truth.

Even if Akane wasn't ready to say it out loud.