Two months had passed since the consorts began their mission.
And every single day, Rin encountered one of them.
Yet, despite their growing skills and relentless efforts—nothing changed for him.
If anything, he had become better at handling them.
Suzuki had toned down her obsessive tendencies, though they still remained.
Surprisingly, she was happier now, even if she still failed to seduce him.
Their time together often revolved around magic.
With Rin as her discussion partner, she had now ascended to Master-tier, gaining proficiency in four elements: psychic, illusion, ice, and plant.
Whenever it was her turn to be with him, their conversations flowed seamlessly, delving deep into magical theory, tactics, and applications.
And though she would sometimes attempt to steer the conversation towards romance—
Rin would always gently guide it back.
She didn't mind, though.
After all—he was still spending time with her.
Rei had remained as forward as ever.
And Rin allowed it.
Their time together often felt like real dates—though nothing truly changed.
Rei was happy just being with him, and Rin appreciated her honesty.
"Rin, do you really not feel anything?" Rei had asked once, her crimson eyes locked onto his.
Rin had only smiled, sipping his tea. "Do I look like a man who's easily swayed?"
Rei clicked her tongue but laughed. "I should've known."
And yet, despite her many failed attempts to stir his heart, she grew stronger in the process.
They often sparred, where Rin would hold back and allow her to unleash her fiery sword techniques.
Her control over the battlefield was growing.
The ground beneath them would crack and shift as she fought, attempting to destabilize his balance.
Yet—Rin remained untouched.
Using only support magic, he negated every disadvantage she tried to place upon him.
But Rei didn't mind losing.
As long as she could continue seeing him smile, she was happy.
Miharu had become a true danger.
Her skills in seduction had vastly improved—enough that any other man would have fallen for her.
Yet, not Rin.
She would throw everything at him—subtle gestures, bold advances, strategic conversations—
And still, Rin would turn the tables each time.
Yet, in return, Rin taught her.
Their conversations were filled with knowledge of infiltration, espionage, and information gathering.
With her specialties in wind, shadow, and lightning, Miharu had honed herself into a true agent of speed and deception.
And yet—no matter how much she learned, no matter how much she tried to outmaneuver him—
She only fell for him deeper.
Akane was the most difficult to deal with.
Unlike the others, she didn't always play fair.
She saw their interactions as a chess match.
But time and time again—Rin won.
Her schemes and manipulations would never succeed because Rin was her equal.
Even so—she had stopped trying to manipulate him.
Now, instead of playing mind games to control him—she simply enjoyed their time together.
She would often lean against him, resting her head on his shoulder.
And Rin allowed it—as long as she never went too far.
Akane, for all her cunning, trusted him.
And in return—Rin trusted her.
It wasn't love.
But it was something.
Rin knew.
No matter how much time he spent with them—he would leave them behind.
He cared for them. He wanted them to be happy.
But deep inside, he already accepted his fate.
Because he knew something that no one else did.
Before he was Hoshimi Rin—
He had lived another life.
A life the Hoshimi Imperial Family knew nothing about.
And in that first life, he had fought against the Absolute Corruption.
That battle had shaped who he was now.
And when the Golden Princess finally appeared—
He would leave.
No hesitation.
No regrets.
Until then—
He would simply spend time with those who were close to him.
Even if it meant letting them love him, knowing he could never return it.
Rin stood before White Empress Asami, listening intently as she laid out his next task.
"Your next assignment is to visit the Crimson Valor Kingdom," Asami stated, her expression calm yet serious. "It's a nation deeply rooted in combat traditions, and your goal is to establish diplomatic connections."
Rin nodded, absorbing the information. "Understood. What specific connections should I focus on?"
"Primarily the Royal Family and their military generals," Asami clarified. "Their kingdom values strength above all else, so they will respect you more if you prove your prowess. That is why we have decided that Takigawa Rei will accompany you. It will be a good experience for her as well."
Rin glanced down at the documents she provided, scanning through the itinerary.
"Four days," he noted. "And there's a ball we must attend?"
"Yes," Asami confirmed. "It's a gathering of nobles, warriors, and key figures of the kingdom. Your role is to observe, interact, and establish trust."
Rin sighed but didn't complain. This was part of his duty. "Are there any specific individuals I should pay special attention to?"
"Yes, but details on them are still incomplete. You will receive more intelligence before you depart."
Rin took a moment to process everything. "Understood. I will meet with Rei later to go over our plans."
Asami smiled softly. "You've become quite reliable, Rin. Make sure to represent the Hoshimi Empire well."
Rin simply nodded before excusing himself.
Now—he needed to find Rei.
In the living quarters of the consorts, Suzuki, Miharu, and Akane all sat in silence, their gazes locked onto Takigawa Rei, who was absolutely beaming with smug satisfaction.
"Four. Whole. Days." Rei repeated with a victorious grin, stretching her arms as if basking in her good fortune. "Four days with Rin. Just the two of us. Traveling together, training together, attending a ball together—"
"We get it," Akane interrupted with a sigh, arms crossed. "No need to rub it in."
"Oh? But you all look so interested," Rei teased, her smirk widening. "Wouldn't want to disappoint my dear rivals now, would I?"
Miharu buried her face in her hands. "Damn it... I should've trained more in swordsmanship."
Suzuki, sitting quietly with a composed expression, simply muttered, "Unfair..." But anyone who knew her well could tell that she was fuming on the inside.
Watching the entire scene unfold, Black Empress Minako could only shake her head and sigh.
"Honestly, this wasn't even about favoritism," she reminded them. "It was a strategic decision. The Crimson Valor Kingdom is a combat-oriented nation, and Rei was the most fitting choice. It wasn't luck or favoritism—it was pure suitability."
Rei smirked, leaning back. "Yes, yes, I was the perfect candidate after all. But hey, don't be too jealous. I'll make sure Rin doesn't fall too hard for me while we're alone together."
Akane's eye twitched. "I hope he makes you carry all the luggage."
Minako let out another sigh, but then added, "There's also another reason. The Grand General of the Crimson Valor Kingdom, Takigawa Yoshito, personally requested Rei to come along."
That got everyone's attention.
"Wait, what?" Miharu raised her head.
"The Takigawa family has its origins in the Crimson Valor Kingdom," Minako explained. "This is also a chance for Rei to reconnect with her roots and learn more about the fighting styles of her ancestral homeland."
Rei blinked in surprise. "...Wait. My father personally requested this?"
Minako nodded. "Yes. He must have wanted you to experience the combat culture there firsthand. That's another reason why you were chosen."
Rei's smug expression softened a little at that. She had spent most of her life in the Hoshimi Empire, and while she was proud of her skills, she knew little about her family's true origins.
"Huh... Well, that's actually kinda cool," she admitted.
Suzuki, Miharu, and Akane all exchanged glances. They were still jealous, but at the same time... they understood.
Akane sighed. "Fine. You win this time, Rei. But when you get back, I will find a way to make up for this lost time."
Miharu nodded in agreement. "Same here. Enjoy your victory while it lasts."
Suzuki's eyes gleamed. "Four days isn't that long. We'll just have to make Rin miss us."
Rei just laughed, full of confidence. "Heh. You all better try your best, then. Because after this trip, Rin might just start looking at me differently~."
Minako massaged her temples. "Good grief… You all need to focus more on supporting him rather than fighting over him."
The consorts only responded with knowing smiles.
After all, wasn't love a battlefield too?
As the tension in the room settled, the door slid open, and the air instantly shifted.
"Good evening, Mother," Rin greeted with a composed smile as he stepped inside, addressing Black Empress Minako with the same natural ease he always had.
Minako raised an eyebrow. "Well, well, you're being awfully polite today."
Rin chuckled. "It's only natural. After all, I'm here to steal one of your consorts away for four days."
His gaze then landed on Rei, who, despite her usual confident demeanor, felt a small rush of heat to her cheeks at his words.
"It seems my partner for this trip is quite eager," Rin teased, his lips quirking into an amused smile.
Rei straightened up, crossing her arms. "Of course I am! Unlike some people, I actually earned this chance!"
At that, Suzuki, Miharu, and Akane all shot her half-annoyed, half-resigned glances.
"Enjoy it while you can," Akane muttered.
"We'll see who gets the next trip," Miharu added with a small smirk.
Suzuki, the most composed of them, simply sighed. "Hmph… Just don't get too comfortable, Rei."
Rin chuckled at their reactions before turning serious.
"Since this will be a public event, many Court Officials will be watching us," Rin reminded Rei. "Not only am I an Imperial Prince, but you—on paper and in the eyes of the court—are still my brother Kazuo's fiancée."
Rei's moment of triumph was quickly dampened as she pouted. "Tch… That's so unfair."
"Fair or not, it's the reality," Rin sighed. "Only the Imperial Family and your Headmaids know the truth about us. We'll need to act accordingly in public."
Minako, amused at Rei's reaction, chuckled softly before adding, "Oh, and Rei… you should know that your father will be joining you two on this trip."
Rei blinked. "Wait, what?"
"Your father, Grand General Yoshito, will be the head of your security," Minako elaborated. "To think that the Grand General himself would lower his position just to protect his daughter… Such a loving father, don't you think?"
Rei's face twitched as she groaned. "Ugh… this means he's going to interrogate me about Rin the entire trip, isn't he?"
Minako smiled slyly. "Oh, absolutely. He's been quite curious about how things are between you two."
Rin hummed thoughtfully. "That's not a bad thing. It's been a while since you've spent time with him, hasn't it?"
Rei sighed, rubbing her temples. "I know, I know. It's just... my father is way too interested in my love life."
Suzuki, Miharu, and Akane all gave her teasing smiles, enjoying her predicament.
Minako then shifted her attention to Rin, a knowing glint in her eyes. "By the way, I have to say, Rin... I'm impressed."
Rin tilted his head. "About what?"
"You've somehow managed to balance all four of these ladies without any major fights breaking out," she pointed out. "Even Masaki struggled with just keeping us four Empresses from killing each other. And that was after we were officially his consorts."
The three consorts nodded in agreement. Even though their rivalry for Rin's affection remained strong, it had become… more manageable. Rin had found a way to satisfy each of them while maintaining a delicate balance.
Minako smiled. "You really are the best candidate for the Crown Prince."
At that, the air shifted. Rin's expression hardened slightly.
"I still can't accept it," he said firmly.
Minako sighed, already expecting this answer. "Because of the Golden Princess, right?"
At the mention of her, all four consorts tensed, their expressions shifting to a mix of wariness and distaste.
Rin nodded. "She holds answers to my fate… and I can't just abandon that. Not when I still don't fully understand what's happening."
Suzuki's fists clenched. "That woman… she'll come for you eventually, won't she?"
Rin remained silent. He didn't need to answer. They all already knew.
Miharu gritted her teeth. "She's going to try to take you away… just like last time."
Rei's excitement from earlier faded, replaced with a determined fire. "I won't let her."
Akane exhaled, her calculating mind already running through possible countermeasures. "Then we need to tie you down before she gets to you."
Minako, watching the fiery determination in their eyes, couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, that's certainly one way to put it."
Rin sighed but didn't argue. Deep down, he knew that no matter how much they tried… fate had a way of pulling him toward the Golden Princess.
But for now… he could still enjoy the moments he had with them.
As Rin took Rei's hand, her heart skipped a beat. The warmth of his touch sent a rush of excitement through her, and she couldn't help but smile—smugly, of course.
Behind them, Suzuki, Miharu, and Akane all watched the scene unfold, their glares practically burning a hole through Rei's back.
Rei, sensing their stares, turned back with a victorious smirk. "Don't be too jealous, ladies. I'll make sure Rin doesn't forget about you while we're gone."
"Tch," Miharu scoffed, arms crossed. "Enjoy it while you can. Four days isn't long."
"She's acting way too happy about this," Suzuki muttered.
Akane simply sighed, shaking her head. "This isn't over."
Rin, ignoring the brewing tension, spoke up. "Let's discuss some things before we leave. You can bring Yori with you."
Niwa Yori, Rei's headmaid, who had been quietly standing by, gave a small nod and immediately followed as Rin escorted Rei out of the room.
The door slid shut behind them, leaving the three consorts to stew in their emotions.
"...I hate this," Miharu muttered, plopping down onto a cushion.
"We all do," Suzuki agreed, sighing.
Akane, ever the strategist, simply smiled. "Well, four days is plenty of time to prepare for our turns, don't you think?"
At that, Suzuki and Miharu exchanged glances before nodding. Even if Rei got her moment now… they'd make sure Rin wouldn't forget about them.
Meanwhile, in the adjacent room, Rin, Rei, and Yori sat down at a small table.
"Alright," Rin began, pouring tea for the two of them. "Let's go over the details before we leave."
Rin sat across from Rei and Yori, sipping his tea as he laid out their objectives.
"First things first, let's go over why we're going," Rin began, his tone even.
"My objective is straightforward: make connections within the Crimson Valor Kingdom. Strengthening our alliance is crucial." He sighed, rubbing his temple. "That said, I really hope I don't end up accidentally seducing anyone. Managing four secret fiancées is already exhausting—I don't need another one."
Rei laughed, resting her chin on her palm. "Then you better stick close to me, Rin. I'll scare away all the bad women for you."
Rin gave her a deadpan look. "You are one of those 'bad' women."
Rei pouted, but before she could retort, Rin picked up a small sweet from the table and fed it to her, effectively shutting her up.
Rei blinked, cheeks flushing slightly before she took the snack into her mouth. She enjoyed the gesture more than she'd ever admit.
Rin, satisfied with her temporary silence, continued.
"Your objective, Rei, is to learn more about the Takigawa family's ancestral roots. It's important, considering it's been five generations since your family officially became part of the Hoshimi Empire."
Rei's expression grew serious at the reminder.
Rin tapped his fingers on the table. "The Takigawa family, much like the Shinegori family, has been a close ally of the Hoshimis. But unlike the Shinegoris, your bloodline didn't originate from the empire itself—you came from outside its borders. Your ancestors were renowned for their combat skills, and even now, you carry that legacy. Understanding that history could be valuable for you."
Rei nodded, taking in his words. "I never thought too deeply about it, but it is strange that we were accepted so easily into the empire despite being outsiders."
Rin nodded. "It's worth looking into."
Next, he addressed another important matter.
"Then there's the ball. Since we'll be in a different culture, our formal attire will need to match theirs. We'll have to adapt accordingly."
Yori nodded, already making a mental list of what Rei might need.
Rin moved on to the final topic.
"Now, about our support during the trip. You'll only bring Yori with you, Rei. The fewer people who know about our… situation, the better."
Rei tilted her head. "What about you? Who are you bringing?"
Rin smirked. "No one."
Rei frowned. "What? How will you prepare everything by yourself?"
Rin leaned back. "The Hoshimi siblings don't rely on attendants to take care of them. That's how we were raised. Besides…" he gave her a knowing look, "I spent years as a commoner. I know how to handle myself."
Rei huffed, crossing her arms. "Fine, fine. I get it. Just don't make me look bad when we arrive, alright?"
Rin chuckled. "I should be telling you that."
Yori, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "In that case, I'll make sure Lady Rei is properly prepared for everything. We'll be ready."
Rin finished his tea, setting his cup down. "Good. Then let's make sure this mission goes smoothly."
Rin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "There's also the matter of the formal dance."
Rei tilted her head. "What about it?"
Rin gave her a tired look. "Even if we're not officially engaged in public, we'll still have to dance together at the ball. That means you do know how to dance… right?"
Rei laughed, leaning back in her chair. "I mean, I can try."
Rin sighed even deeper this time, then stood up, holding out his hand to her. "That answer isn't reassuring."
Rei blinked at his outstretched hand before smirking. "What, you wanna start practicing now?"
"I don't want to embarrass myself in front of an entire noble court just because my partner has two left feet," Rin said dryly. "So yes, we're starting now. Get up, my dear fiancée."
Rei huffed but took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet.
Rin studied her stance for a moment before nodding. "I'll assume you have a basic understanding. I'll drill it into you properly."
Rei rolled her eyes. "You make it sound so serious."
Rin smirked. "Because it is. First, I need to get a feel for your habits so I can adjust my steps accordingly. It'll help me compensate for your mistakes."
Rei pouted. "I won't make that many mistakes."
"Let's put that to the test."
He placed a hand on her waist, guiding her into position. Rei followed his lead, though she seemed a little stiff at first.
"Loosen up," Rin instructed, adjusting her posture. "You're not wielding a sword."
"Feels like I'm about to, with how serious you're being," she muttered.
Rin ignored her complaint. "I prefer letting my partner take the spotlight, so by the end of the dance, I'll make sure your name is the one being whispered in the crowd."
Rei blinked at him in surprise, her expression softening slightly. "You really have a way with words, don't you?"
Rin smirked. "I try."
He took the first step, leading her into a slow, steady rhythm. Rei stumbled at first but quickly adjusted, her natural agility helping her keep up.
"Not bad," Rin murmured. "But I'll trust you not to step on my foot, alright?"
Rei grinned. "No promises."
The two continued their practice, their movements gradually syncing as Rin patiently guided her through the steps. Despite her earlier resistance, Rei was actually enjoying herself.
Maybe this ball wouldn't be so bad after all.
Yori stood by the doorway, quietly observing her mistress and the 2nd Imperial Prince as they danced.
Rei, usually so brash and straightforward, was laughing—genuinely laughing—as Rin guided her through the steps. There was no forcefulness, no awkwardness. He led with ease, adjusting his movements to fit Rei's, ensuring that even her mistakes flowed seamlessly.
It wasn't the first time Yori had seen her mistress enjoy herself with Rin, but ever since the truth about his identity as the 2nd Imperial Prince came to light, moments like these had become more frequent. Rei, who once saw Rin as just a fellow warrior, now carried a deep affection for him—one that had only grown stronger with time.
Yori sighed internally. So this is how the Hoshimi Empire has lasted for 2,000 years.
It wasn't about bloodline purity or sheer political power. It was something far more instinctive.
The Hoshimi Imperial Family drew people in. Their charisma, their ability to nurture talent, their way of making people feel seen—it was what made them worthy rulers. They didn't just sit on their thrones and command obedience. They cultivated the right people, helped them flourish, and in turn, those people remained fiercely loyal.
And Rin… he embodied this perfectly.
The 2nd Imperial Prince had unknowingly captured the hearts of four consorts—women with incredible talents and strong wills—without ever intending to. He had won their affections without revealing his identity, without the weight of his title.
Watching him now, effortlessly leading Rei, Yori finally understood.
The Hoshimi Family lived to gather talented individuals and ensure they bloomed in the right way. It wasn't about control—it was about trust. And because of that, people naturally respected them, admired them, and followed them.
Rin was no different.
And as Rei smiled up at him, her usual sharpness softened by something far more genuine, Yori knew—this wasn't just duty anymore.
This was love.
And as much as the consorts bickered and fought for Rin's affection, in the end, all of them were his.
Not because they were bound to him, but because they had chosen him.
And Yori had no doubt—Rin would protect and cherish them in his own way, even as he prepared to walk a path that might one day take him far away.