Chapter 74: Real Faces of the Imperial Siblings

As the opening event concluded, the grand hall buzzed with movement. Nobles and dignitaries exchanged final pleasantries, laughter echoing beneath the high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers.

Izumi let out a small breath, tilting her head toward Aya. "Well, that was shorter than I expected."

Aya gave a small nod, her violet eyes scanning the departing guests. "At least it was entertaining."

Rin, standing just behind them in his position as their personal guard, remained composed. He had kept an eye on everyone who had approached them throughout the event, memorizing faces, gauging reactions.

He finally spoke, his tone neutral but firm. "We should leave before the halls become too crowded. No need to draw more attention than necessary."

The sisters exchanged a glance before nodding. With a final bow to the remaining nobles who sought their attention, they made their way toward the exit.

The sky had turned into a blend of deep purples and soft oranges, the last rays of sunlight fading into the horizon. The festival had only just begun, but for them, the night was over.

The Hoshimi Imperial Carriage awaited them at the front steps, its sleek dark blue and gold design a stark contrast to the surrounding architecture.

A few nobles still lingered at the entrance, eyes subtly watching as the two Imperial Princesses approached their carriage with their silent yet ever-present guard behind them.

As the carriage door opened, Izumi let out an exaggerated sigh, stepping in first. "That was a lot of smiling today. My cheeks actually hurt."

Aya followed behind, adjusting the sleeves of her elegant kimono. "You should train your face more."

Izumi pouted. "Unlike you, I don't have a permanent 'elegant and mysterious' expression."

Aya simply smirked, not denying it.

Rin stepped in last, closing the door behind them before sitting across from his sisters. His eyes briefly flickered toward the window, scanning for any stragglers before allowing himself to relax slightly.

Izumi stretched her arms lazily. "Well, no more nobles for tonight. Thank the heavens."

Rin raised an eyebrow. "You say that, but this was just the introduction. The festival is a week-long event, and you'll be mingling with nobles every day."

Izumi groaned. "Don't remind me!"

Aya chuckled softly, hiding her amusement behind her hand. "You're the one who wanted to come."

Izumi huffed. "I wanted to see the swords, not entertain pompous nobles with fake laughs."

Rin smirked slightly. "Then next time, try not to smile too much. You're giving them the wrong idea."

Izumi gasped dramatically. "Are you saying I lead them on, Brother?"

Rin simply closed his eyes, leaning back against his seat. "I'm saying you're too charming for your own good. Both of you."

Aya gave him a small knowing look. "You sound just like Father when he warns us about that."

Rin cracked one eye open. "Because I'm the one cleaning up after you two when it happens."

The three shared a quiet chuckle, the tension from earlier finally dissolving.

As the carriage rolled forward through the cobblestone streets of the Raksha Sword Kingdom, the siblings watched the city unfold before them.

The elegant spires and medieval-style architecture were vastly different from the traditional Japanese-styled structures of the Hoshimi Empire. Stone castles, large stained-glass windows, and decorative knights lined the streets. The roads were lively with festival lanterns and street performances, the city's people embracing the celebration with full enthusiasm.

Izumi leaned her cheek against her hand, gazing outside. "It really is different here."

Aya nodded in agreement. "It's like looking at a storybook come to life."

Rin, who had traveled before, simply observed. "The Raksha Kingdom has always been known for its European influence. Unlike our Empire, their traditions are heavily tied to knightly chivalry rather than noble etiquette."

Izumi turned to him, grinning. "Does that mean we might get a handsome knight confessing his love under the moonlight?"

Aya raised an eyebrow. "You already have too many admirers in our own Empire. You don't need to collect more."

Izumi laughed. "You're just saying that because you're worse than me when it comes to turning down suitors."

Aya looked away. "...I have high standards."

Rin sighed. "I pray for the men who try."

Their laughter continued as the carriage made its way toward their destination. The first day in the Raksha Kingdom had ended, but the real games were only about to begin.

The moment the Imperial Carriage passed through the gates of the Hoshimi Delegation Headquarters, the atmosphere shifted. The tension, ever-present during their time in the Central Manor, melted away into something warmer, more familiar.

The workers and attendants, dressed in formal attire, stood in attention as the carriage doors opened. Their gazes, filled with anticipation, immediately softened when they saw the one stepping out first.

Hoshimi Rin.

For a long time, he had been absent. His departure from the Imperial Palace had left many uneasy, even if they understood that it was a decision no one, not even the Emperor, could stop. But now, here he was—standing before them, wearing the insignia of the Imperial Guard but with the presence of an Imperial Prince they had sworn loyalty to.

Some of them couldn't help but smile, their usual formality momentarily broken by a sense of relief.

An older attendant, one who had once tended to Rin as a child, stepped forward, his voice filled with a mix of respect and emotion. "Welcome back, Your Highness… It has been far too long."

Rin's black eyes softened slightly, his posture still disciplined but carrying an air of familiarity. "It has." He scanned the faces in front of him, noting how some had aged, how others were newer but bore the same unwavering loyalty. "You've all done well holding down the fort."

A younger staff member, who had once been saved by Rin during an incident in the past, clenched his fists before bowing deeply. "Your Highness… if only you could have stayed—"

Another worker nudged him before he could finish. They all knew why Rin had left. It wasn't something they could change.

Rin simply shook his head. "There's no point dwelling on what-ifs. The present is what matters."

There was a quiet pause, before the older attendant sighed with a smile. "Even after all these years, you haven't changed."

Izumi, who had stepped out of the carriage by then, rolled her eyes. "He's changed a little. He used to be more fun."

Aya, standing beside her, smirked slightly. "More patient, you mean."

Rin shot them a glance before addressing the butler in charge. "We'll discuss any updates tomorrow. For now, let's rest."

The butler nodded in understanding. "Of course, Your Highness. Your rooms have already been prepared."

As expected, the Imperial siblings did not require attendants. They had been raised to be independent, capable of handling their daily lives without relying on servants. Still, that did not stop the staff from ensuring their stay was comfortable.

After settling into their rooms, the three siblings gathered in the large, elegantly decorated living room.

Izumi stretched out lazily on one of the sofas. "We've been talking to nobles all day. I don't feel like eating inside."

Aya sat beside her, crossing her legs as she rested her chin on her hand. "I agree. The festival's still lively outside. Eating out sounds better."

Rin, who had just returned from changing into a commoner's outfit tailored in the Raksha Kingdom style, gave them a pointed look. "You two are insatiable."

Izumi grinned mischievously. "Oh, come on! It's been ages since we last snuck out together!"

Aya, though more reserved, nodded in agreement. "Besides, we have disguises. No one will recognize us."

Rin sighed, rubbing his temples. "This is exactly why the butler gets headaches."

As if on cue, the butler walked into the room, his expression already weary. "You're going out, aren't you?"

Izumi and Aya nodded without hesitation.

Rin shrugged. "They're impossible to stop. Might as well keep them from getting into trouble."

The butler let out a long sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You do realize that, even in disguise, if someone figures out who you are, it'll be a diplomatic nightmare?"

Aya tilted her head slightly. "That's why we have Rin with us."

Izumi grinned. "No one would dare mess with us if he's around!"

The butler narrowed his eyes at Rin, who remained unfazed. "And you, Your Highness? Are you really allowing this?"

Rin shrugged again. "Not allowing it. Just preventing them from causing too much damage."

The butler exhaled in defeat. "Fine. But at least be back before midnight. And try not to cause an international incident."

Izumi pumped her fist in victory. "Yes! Let's go!"

Aya smiled lightly before following her energetic sister toward the door.

Rin, before stepping out, glanced back at the butler. "I'll keep them in check."

The butler gave him a tired look. "That's what I'm afraid of."

And with that, the three Imperial siblings disappeared into the night, blending into the festival crowds as nothing more than wandering travelers.

The streets of the Raksha Sword Kingdom were bustling with life, the air filled with laughter, music, and the aroma of sizzling street food. Lanterns of various colors hung above, illuminating the pathways as festival-goers weaved through the crowd.

Rin followed closely behind Izumi and Aya, his expression composed despite the lively atmosphere. His sisters, however, were completely immersed in the festivities, their eyes wandering from one stall to another.

Of course, Rin was the one holding the money. It was the only way to ensure they wouldn't run off and lose themselves in the excitement.

"Rin! Buy me that!" Izumi suddenly pointed at a stall selling skewered meat.

Aya, not far behind, sighed but smirked. "You could at least ask nicely."

Rin, with a tired but amused look, handed over a few coins to the vendor before passing the skewer to Izumi. "At least finish what you're already eating first."

Aya chuckled as she took a small bite of her own treat. "You're spoiling us too much, Rin."

"No, I'm keeping you two from running off." He retorted, scanning the crowd carefully as they walked.

They continued strolling until they reached the central square, where a large crowd had gathered around an open space. In the middle, a fire sword dance was being performed—a breathtaking display of swordsmanship mixed with flames that danced to the rhythm of the performers' movements.

The flickering fire, the swift yet elegant swings of the swords—it was a sight to behold.

Izumi and Aya watched in awe, their eyes reflecting the blazing light.

"That style…" Izumi muttered.

Aya nodded. "It reminds me of Mother."

Rin, watching the flames swirl around the performers, knew exactly what they meant. The Flaming Sword Style—a technique mastered by their mother, Vermillion Empress Hikari.

Before becoming part of the Hoshimi Imperial Family, Hikari had been from the Raksha Sword Kingdom. She was once a nameless sword prodigy who escaped her homeland and found refuge in the Hoshimi Empire. Their father—back when he was still the Crown Prince—had recognized her talent with the sword and taken her in as a consort.

A foreign woman becoming the Vermillion Empress and the mother of an Imperial Princess—it was a story that few could believe, yet Hikari had made it reality.

"She must have seen this festival too, back when she was still here," Aya mused.

Izumi smiled slightly. "It's funny… I always think of her as the elegant Empress, but I sometimes forget she used to be a wandering swordswoman too."

Rin crossed his arms. "She still trains with the sword. If anything, I doubt anyone in the palace could beat her in a fight."

Their conversation shifted to another name—one that held great weight in the current Imperial Palace.

Takigawa Rei.

The current Vermillion Princess Consort.

"Speaking of the Vermillion Empress," Izumi started, "I heard that the new Vermillion Princess Consort is quite talented as well."

Aya nodded in agreement. "Takigawa Rei… She possesses the same swordsmanship and fire affinity as Mother, doesn't she?"

Rin, who had personally witnessed Rei's abilities, responded with a small nod. "She's skilled. She's already at high-tier magic with her fire element. At her current level, she's about the same as Mother when she was her age."

Izumi and Aya exchanged glances before grinning mischievously.

"Oh? That's high praise coming from you, Rin." Izumi teased.

Aya smirked. "Didn't you help her during the Crown Prince's birthday celebration? The sword dance performance, wasn't it?"

Rin raised an eyebrow. "You two are making it sound like something more than it was."

Izumi chuckled. "We're just saying, you rarely give compliments unless someone actually deserves them."

Aya leaned slightly toward Rin. "And from what I've heard, you've helped all four of the consorts in your own way."

Rin's expression remained neutral, but he knew his sisters were enjoying this far too much.

"I only did what was necessary," he said simply.

Izumi and Aya, however, smiled knowingly. They understood Rin well. Even though he kept his distance from the consorts due to the dangerous position they were in, he still held his own opinions on them.

Especially now, when their brother—the Crown Prince Kazuo—was in the midst of despair.

The festival continued, but in their conversation, a deeper truth lingered.

The consorts. The Imperial Family. The burdens placed on those who lived in the palace.

For tonight, however, they chose to enjoy their time together.

As the night deepened, the once lively festival streets grew quieter, the warm glow of lanterns flickering in the gentle evening breeze. The trio made their way back toward the Hoshimi Delegation Headquarters, their disguises still intact but their energy slowly fading.

Aya, having eaten far too much, now found herself draped over Rin's back, half-asleep.

"Ugh… I regret nothing…" she mumbled, resting her chin on Rin's shoulder.

Rin sighed, adjusting his grip on her. "I told you to pace yourself."

Izumi, walking beside them, let out a soft laugh. "She never learns. Every single time we sneak out, she always overeats."

Aya waved a lazy hand. "You two are just jealous you didn't eat as much as me…"

Rin shook his head. "Jealous? No, I'm the one carrying you back because of it."

Aya chuckled weakly but didn't argue, instead snuggling against his back. "Hmm… your back is comfy though."

Izumi glanced at Rin with a smirk. "At least she's not making you carry her and all the souvenirs she bought."

Rin shot her a look. "Don't give her any ideas."

By the time they reached the Hoshimi Delegation Headquarters, the butler was already waiting at the entrance, arms crossed. The moment he saw them, he let out a long sigh of relief.

"Welcome back, Your Highnesses." His sharp gaze landed on Rin, who still had Aya on his back. "I assume everything went as expected?"

Rin nodded. "No trouble. Just a lot of unnecessary purchases."

Izumi grinned. "And an overstuffed little sister."

Aya lazily lifted a hand. "Hey…" she muttered weakly.

The butler simply rubbed his temples. "As long as you all returned safely." He then signaled to some of the attendants to help with their belongings.

With the festival behind them, the three finally retreated to their respective rooms. As Rin placed Aya down gently onto her bed, she murmured sleepily.

"Thanks, Rin… I had fun."

Rin paused for a moment before giving a small nod. "Get some rest. Tomorrow's another long day."

Izumi, peeking from the doorway, smiled at the sight before stepping away to her own room.

And with that, the day ended.

Tomorrow, once again, they would return to their roles—as the Imperial Princesses of Hoshimi and their ever-watchful protector.