Chapter 80: Both Sides of the Imperial Courtship

Rin adjusted the high collar of his Red Palace uniform, frowning slightly at his reflection in the polished bronze mirror. The deep crimson fabric contrasted against his fair skin, the golden embroidery of the Empire's insignia subtly catching the light.

"I swear, I feel like I'm wearing a costume." He muttered under his breath.

Beside him, Officer Tsutomu crossed his arms, grinning.

"You sure don't look out of place, though. Damn, you wear that uniform better than most of the Red Palace Warriors."

Rin scoffed.

"Not my fault they have bad posture."

Tsutomu let out a hearty chuckle.

"Still, it's weird seeing a White Elder's apprentice dressed as one of us. But I guess I can't complain when you make me look bad just by standing next to you."

Rin smirked.

"I can slouch if that helps?"

"Please don't." Tsutomu sighed dramatically.

As they walked through the bustling Red Palace barracks, Rin couldn't help but question his placement.

"Why am I even your assistant in the Advance Squad?"

Tsutomu shrugged.

"General Yoshito's orders. Said you were too skilled to be wasted elsewhere, and since I'm leading the Advance Group, that means you're under me."

Rin hummed, already piecing it together.

"So basically, General Yoshito set this up to keep me under someone he trusts."

It wasn't surprising. Takigawa Yoshito knew his identity as the 2nd Imperial Prince and likely wanted to ensure Rin's safety without being obvious. The safest way to do that was placing him under Tsutomu, someone competent but unaware of his royal lineage.

Still, Rin couldn't help but wonder—how would Tsutomu react if he found out he had been casually talking down to the 2nd Imperial Prince?

"Would he freak out? Start apologizing? Or worse—would he start acting formal? That'd be annoying."

Well, not like Rin cared. He wasn't a prince anymore. Titles didn't matter.

The past two days had been relentless.

Being Officer Tsutomu's assistant meant Rin was working directly with the Advance Squad, managing training drills and sparring sessions.

Initially, some of the warriors questioned why a so-called commoner was placed in such a high position. But those doubts disappeared the moment Rin picked up a sword.

He was fast. Too fast.

His technique was flawless.

The moment they sparred with him, they understood. He was on another level.

Rumors had already spread about him being the former personal escort of the Imperial Princesses, and the stories of him holding back a Lord-Class Demon had only fueled their admiration.

And yet, despite his skills, Rin never acted superior.

He taught them techniques. He helped them improve their formations. He treated them like equals.

Slowly but surely, they started looking at Shimuzu Rin as a model warrior—not just because of his strength, but because of his humility.

"The White Elder's 1st Apprentice is really something." They whispered amongst themselves.

And Rin?

He barely noticed.

Now, with the event about to start, Rin and Tsutomu made their way to the stables, where the horses were being prepped.

The Advance Squad had to move out ahead, sweeping the roads before the convoy set off. They would be the first line of defense, ensuring a clear path for the Crown Prince Kazuo and the four consorts.

Rin adjusted his gloves, exhaling.

"Well, let's get this over with."

Tsutomu smirked, patting Rin's shoulder.

"You say that now, but who knows? You might enjoy the event."

Rin shot him a deadpan look.

"I highly doubt that."

With that, they mounted their horses, joining the Advance Squad as they rode out towards the Imperial Convoy, ready for the beginning of the Imperial Courtship Event.

The Imperial Waiting Room was filled with the soft rustling of silk and the gentle scent of fragrant oils. The four consorts sat in front of ornate vanity mirrors, their head maids working tirelessly to freshen them up before their first official meeting with Crown Prince Hoshimi Kazuo.

Yet, despite the importance of the event, the atmosphere was… off.

"Sigh…"

A deep sigh echoed.

Then another.

And another.

The head maids exchanged awkward glances as their mistresses continued to sigh, shift uncomfortably, or gaze into the distance, their expressions ranging from bored to completely uninterested.

Princess Suzuki sat elegantly, her hands folded in her lap as Rina adjusted the ornaments in her hair. Yet, that graceful, gentle smile she always wore? Completely forced. Her eyes lacked warmth, betraying how detached she felt.

Princess Rei tapped her fingers impatiently against the wooden armrest of her chair. Yori, her head maid, hesitated before tying the final knot on her obi, sensing the barely contained frustration radiating from her mistress.

Princess Miharu sat stiffly, barely responding as Fumiko carefully combed through her long dark hair. Her lips were slightly parted, her thoughts clearly somewhere far, far away.

Princess Akane was the only one who seemed calm, but Emi knew better. Her mistress was too quiet. No unnecessary words, no playful remarks, just… quiet contemplation.

The head maids were sweating.

They knew the reason behind this unnatural lack of enthusiasm—Shimuzu Rin.

Each of their mistresses was hopelessly in love with the same man, and today, they were about to meet the person they were supposed to devote themselves to instead.

"This is going to be a long day…" Rina thought, tightening the final hairpin into Suzuki's elaborate updo.

As the maids finished their work, they stepped back, bowing slightly.

"The Crown Prince will be arriving soon, Your Highnesses." Emi reminded them gently.

There was a beat of silence.

Another sigh.

The maids wanted to groan.

This was not going to be easy.

The moment the doors swung open, a graceful yet commanding presence filled the waiting room.

Standing at the entrance were Imperial Princesses Izumi and Aya, their poised smiles carrying an air of mischief, yet their gazes held a deeper, knowing glint.

"Oh my, you all look absolutely stunning," Izumi commented, clasping her hands together as she admired the four consorts.

"Indeed," Aya added with a teasing tone, her sharp eyes catching every little fidget of unease from the four young women before her. "This will be quite the unforgettable experience, won't it?"

The consorts stiffened.

They already didn't want to be here, and now the Imperial Princesses were openly enjoying their discomfort.

And then—

"Allow us to introduce the Crown Prince of the Hoshimi Empire… Hoshimi Kazuo."

The room fell silent as a tall figure stepped forward, dressed in regal layers of deep red and gold, his posture upright, exuding nobility.

But it wasn't his attire that captured the attention of the consorts.

It was his eyes.

Deep black, a shade that should have been warm, familiar—yet they were empty.

No warmth. No light.

Just a void.

A shadow of something that once existed.

It was an unsettling sight, one that none of them had expected.

The silence in the room stretched, thick and unyielding.

Izumi and Aya, ever the observant sisters, immediately noticed the subtle tension in the air—the way the four consorts seemed caught off guard, the way their eyes hesitated on Kazuo's face.

His empty eyes.

"Now, now, Kazuo," Izumi said with a gentle nudge to his arm, her voice light but edged with concern. "These lovely ladies will be your companions for the Imperial Courtship. You should at least try to make an impression, don't you think?"

Aya, standing at his other side, sighed playfully and crossed her arms. "Come on, brother, where's that charm? You used to be quite the talker before."

Kazuo blinked once.

Then, with stiff precision, he stepped forward, his expression unreadable, his black eyes devoid of light.

"I am Hoshimi Kazuo," he said, his voice smooth yet lacking warmth. Neither friendly nor unkind—just empty. "It is an honor to meet you all."

He offered a polite bow.

And then—nothing.

No follow-up. No small talk. No emotion.

Just silence.

Even the head maids, usually the masters of composure, found themselves momentarily speechless.

The consorts, already uneasy about this entire event, couldn't help but exchange uncertain glances.

This was the man they were supposed to court?

Even Akane, who had been mentally preparing herself for this meeting, found herself unable to read into his demeanor.

Izumi and Aya, seeing the growing discomfort, stepped in once more, their smiles unwavering but their eyes filled with silent worry.

"Kazuo," Izumi said softly, as if trying to coax something out of him. "I'm sure the ladies are curious about you. Perhaps you could share something about yourself?"

Aya, ever the playful one, tapped a finger against her chin. "Oh! Maybe your hobbies? What you enjoy? What you're looking forward to in this Imperial Courtship?"

Kazuo hesitated.

For the briefest moment, there was a flicker of something buried deep within—but then, just as quickly, it vanished.

He lifted his lips into a smile.

But it was a hollow expression—a practiced gesture, not a genuine one.

"I enjoy painting," he said simply.

That was all.

His voice held no excitement. No passion.

It was as if he were reciting a fact rather than sharing a piece of himself.

Another wave of silence settled.

The consorts, already trapped in a duty they wished to escape from, felt an even heavier weight settle upon them.

And in the eyes of Izumi and Aya, a deep worry remained.

The grand doors of the waiting room swung open, revealing the vast courtyard beyond.

Lined up in perfect formation, the Red Palace warriors stood at attention, their gleaming armor reflecting the morning sunlight. The Imperial Convoy awaited them—a procession of elegant carriages, draped in the gold and crimson colors of the Hoshimi Empire.

The ceremony had officially begun.

Izumi and Aya, standing at either side of Kazuo and the four consorts, maintained their regal smiles, though their hearts were weighed with concern.

The moment was meant to be grand, a celebration of the beginning of the Imperial Courtship—yet the heavy silence lingering around Kazuo dampened its brilliance.

His emotionless gaze never wavered, not even as the trumpets blared, signaling the start of the procession.

Aya, ever the lighthearted one, clasped her hands together, her voice soft but teasing as she glanced at Kazuo.

"Brother, at least pretend to look excited. This is your Imperial Courtship, you know?"

Kazuo blinked slowly, his face unreadable.

"I am here," was all he said.

Izumi sighed, glancing at the four consorts, who had remained quiet and unreadable themselves.

Suzuki's hands were clenched at her sides, Rei stood stiffly, Miharu's expression was carefully neutral, and Akane… Akane was watching Kazuo closely, her sharp eyes trying to read something beyond the emptiness.

Izumi decided to try a different approach, turning her attention to the consorts.

"Well, ladies," she said with a warm smile, "this is the moment you've been preparing for. A journey meant to deepen your bonds with the Crown Prince."

She could tell the words made three of them flinch.

Rei, who usually had a fearless aura, seemed visibly uncomfortable. Suzuki avoided her gaze. Miharu had a distant look in her eyes.

Only Akane managed a composed nod.

Aya, seeing their hesitation, leaned in with a playful grin.

"Don't be so tense. Who knows? Maybe you'll have some fun on this trip."

That was met with a collective silence.

The head maids, standing dutifully behind their mistresses, exchanged knowing glances—as if they, too, understood exactly why their ladies were so reluctant.

It wasn't Kazuo they had hoped to spend time with.

Aya, catching the mood, resisted the urge to sigh. It's all because of Rin, isn't it?

Izumi placed a gentle hand on Kazuo's shoulder, her expression softening.

"Brother… whatever happens, just remember—we're hoping for the best for you."

Kazuo's empty eyes flickered to her. There was no response.

Finally, the ceremonial escorts arrived.

One by one, the consorts were led to their respective carriages, each one a display of the Empire's elegance and prestige. Their head maids followed closely behind, ensuring everything was in order.

Kazuo entered his own carriage without a single word, his movements precise and mechanical.

Izumi and Aya remained outside, watching as the procession prepared to depart.

The trumpets blared once more, and the grand gates of the Imperial Palace slowly opened, revealing the road that would take them to their week-long journey beyond the Imperial Capital.

As the convoy began to move, Izumi and Aya exchanged one final glance—and, at the same time, whispered the same prayer in their hearts.

Let this plan work. Let Kazuo wake up.

And with that, the Imperial Courtship had begun.

Rin rode ahead with the Advance Group, his black eyes scanning the dense forests lining the road as their horses moved swiftly.

The artifact in his hand flickered to life, sending invisible pulses outward, scanning the surroundings for any unusual movement.

Beside him, Officer Tsutomu kept a steady pace, his posture relaxed but alert. He was an experienced leader—one that even Rin had to admit was capable and disciplined.

"How's the scan looking?" Tsutomu asked, his voice carrying over the sounds of galloping hooves.

Rin glanced at the artifact, observing the faint blue glow of its inscriptions before replying, "So far, nothing unusual. No signs of hostile movement within a five-mile radius."

Tsutomu nodded. "Good. Maintain formation. We're keeping this route clean for the Imperial Convoy."

The Advance Group continued their steady sweep, soldiers spaced out strategically to cover as much ground as possible. The mission was clear—eliminate threats before they became a danger to the convoy.

Yet, even as they rode through seemingly peaceful terrain, Rin couldn't shake the uneasy feeling creeping up his spine.

He turned his gaze back toward the Imperial Convoy, still distant but steadily following their cleared path.

"Something feels off," he murmured to himself.

The Imperial Family's decision to place him here—to force him into the Red Palace Guards, despite him having no official ties to them—was too deliberate.

It was as if…

As if they were forcing him to be present for something inevitable.

His fingers tightened around the reins.

He didn't know what the Four Empresses were planning, but whatever it was, it had been carefully orchestrated.

"Why go this far?" he thought.

And worse, his mothers were involved.

Rin exhaled sharply, pushing the thoughts aside. No matter what, he had one absolute priority—

"Avoid the four consorts at all costs."

The last thing he needed was to get entangled with them again.

Let the Imperial Courtship play out as it was meant to.

He had his own mission to focus on.

And with that, he urged his horse forward, keeping pace with the Advance Group as they continued their sweep.