The Royal Chrysanthemum Hall was silent, save for the gentle rustle of silken banners swaying from the ceiling. Shisui stood tall before the throne, his newly upgraded Ceremonial Archguard robes fluttering with subtle pulses of magnetic energy.
Seated high above, the Daimyō of the Land of Flowers, Masaki Morinaka, regarded his son with steely calm. His sharp eyes—much like Shisui's—betrayed little emotion.
"Shisui," Masaki said, voice firm but fatherly. "You are thirteen now. A master of Arch Ninjutsu. The people revere you. The nobles envy you. And the other nations... watch you."
Shisui remained silent, though tension coiled in his chest.
Masaki continued, "The Daimyō of the Land of Verdant Valleys has extended an offer of alliance—sealed through marriage. His youngest daughter, Lady Himeya, will arrive in a fortnight."
Shisui's jaw tensed. "You already arranged one engagement—with Naoko."
Masaki's expression did not shift. "The world changes. And alliances must evolve. You are my heir, Shisui. A pillar of peace or a weapon of war. I will not allow sentiment to endanger the stability of the Land of Flowers."
Shisui bowed slightly, keeping his storming thoughts in check.
> "I will meet her. But I won't be a pawn, Father. I am more than a bargaining chip."
Masaki gave a rare smile. "Good. Because Lady Himeya is no ordinary girl. I think you'll find her… radiant."