The Emperor Kakashi Asahi remained silent for a few moments, his thoughtful gaze fixed on the empty space before him.
Then, without turning toward Kagemi Kuroi, he spoke, his voice slightly lower but filled with resolve.
"This situation must be handled with extreme care," the Emperor began. "If word of Kyōi's fall spreads unchecked, it will not only weaken his position but also bring disgrace upon the entire Imperial Family. The other families could exploit this moment of weakness."
Kagemi nodded, understanding the urgency of the problem.
"Yes, Your Majesty. A rash move could destabilize the already fragile power dynamics within the Empire. We must find a way to control the narrative."
"Exactly," the Emperor continued. "We cannot allow people to think that Kyōi was humiliated or cast out. It must appear as a strategic decision, a planned move."
Kagemi pondered for a moment, then bowed slightly and suggested:
"Perhaps we could spread the word that Kyōi has been sent on a mission to strengthen his abilities, to train and gain experience in distant lands. A prince who departs for a noble purpose is always seen as a wise decision, rather than a punishment."
The Emperor slowly turned toward the advisor, a glimmer of approval in his eyes.
"Exactly. A prince who leaves not as one disgraced, but as one embarking on a journey of personal growth. We must ensure the rumors are spread strategically."
Kagemi nodded, understanding the delicacy of the situation.
"I can disseminate these rumors through secure channels. We'll start with subtle whispers among courtiers and nobles, and soon they will spread among the populace. They will believe that Suzuki Kyōi has been sent to train across the world, a respected tradition for members of the nobility."
The Emperor nodded slowly.
"Good. But we must ensure the story remains vague in detail. No one must know the true nature of his failure."
"I understand, Your Majesty. The rumors will be carefully controlled. No one will suspect the truth. Kyōi will have time to redeem himself, and when he returns, he will do so as a hero."
Kakashi Asahi turned back toward the throne, sitting slowly.
His gaze grew distant, as if already contemplating the future.
"This will give Kyōi the chance to rise again. But if he fails, this time there will be no redemption."
The Emperor Kakashi Asahi sat on the throne, his gaze still distant as his mind wandered through the many implications of what had transpired that day.
Kyōi's fall was only one piece of the complex mosaic of challenges the Empire now faced.
Kagemi Kuroi, the Imperial Advisor, stood before him, waiting respectfully, fully aware that there was still another urgent matter to address.
It was the Emperor who broke the silence, his voice once again filled with weight and responsibility.
"Let us now turn to the matter of the debt owed to Ryushin Tenkū."
Kagemi nodded, already aware of the difficulty this challenge posed.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The bet that Kyōi lost obliges us to pay a heavy tribute. We must deliver a Dragon Heart to Ryushin and grant him access to one of our gold mines for several Origin Cycles."
The Emperor closed his eyes for a moment, his face impassive.
"It's true that this tribute is not a fatal blow to the Empire... but it is still a significant cost, especially as our ancestors are the source of these Dragon Hearts."
Kagemi Kuroi, with his usual calm tone, intervened.
"A Dragon Heart is one of the rarest resources we possess. While we still have some, and receive more from the ancestors, each Dragon Heart lost reduces our influence and protection over the other clans, and we lose a very valuable resource for the younger generation."
"Furthermore, granting Ryushin access to a mine for several Origin Cycles is equally problematic: it not only deprives us of valuable resources but also strengthens their economic position."
The Emperor opened his eyes, fixing them on Kagemi.
"We cannot allow the Ryushin family, through Ryushin Tenkū, to use this victory as a springboard to consolidate their power and become the dominant force on this planet. We cannot show weakness. Yet, we also cannot ignore the terms of the bet Kyōi lost."
"A complicated situation, Your Majesty," Kagemi acknowledged.
"If we pay without taking countermeasures, we give them more power than can be managed in this delicate political moment," Kagemi Kuroi concluded, his tone reflective but devoid of emotion.
The Emperor remained silent for a long moment, his hands clasped on the armrest of the throne as he stared into the void before him.
Then, with a slight nod of his head, he spoke with cold calculation.
"We cannot back out of our obligations," he said, "but nothing prevents us from setting the terms of the payment on our conditions."
Kagemi nodded, his mind already working to devise a strategy.
"Delivering a Dragon Heart is inevitable, so we must decide whether to give him a pre-Origin or post-Origin heart. As for the mine, as previously discussed, one of the marginal options could be the solution."
The Emperor tilted his head slightly toward the advisor, his gaze now more focused.
"Speak."
"The pre-Origin Dragon Heart is valuable for its high compatibility with other divine abilities, while the post-Origin Dragon Heart is powerful but highly selective, making it incompatible with all divine abilities."
The Emperor Kakashi Asahi pondered Kagemi's words, his gaze growing sharper as he considered the implications of the choice.
Both types of Dragon Hearts—pre-Origin and post-Origin—had their advantages and disadvantages, but the decision required careful consideration.
"The pre-Origin Dragon Heart is more versatile," the Emperor said slowly, his voice measured.
"It's useful for training the new generation since it adapts better to multiple divine abilities. On the other hand, the post-Origin has greater power but is limited in its applications. Only those with already developed abilities can benefit from it."
Kagemi nodded.
"Exactly, Your Majesty. Ryushin Tenkū may desire the pre-Origin Heart for its flexibility. Using it, he could train young talents and strengthen his house. But, at the same time, offering him a heart less powerful than the post-Origin could soften the blow of the defeat, as he would not immediately gain superior power."
The Emperor leaned forward slightly, observing his advisor carefully.
"If we offer him the pre-Origin Heart, we're giving him something of great value for growth, but not a power he can immediately use against us."
Kagemi thought for a moment, then spoke cautiously.
"Exactly, Your Majesty. We can always obtain another pre-Origin Heart more easily, especially thanks to our connection with the ancestors. While it's precious for training our young, it's still a manageable sacrifice compared to a post-Origin Heart, which is much rarer and harder to replace."
The Emperor nodded slowly, considering the proposal.
"So, granting the pre-Origin Heart will be a significant gesture without overly compromising our strategic position. Ryushin Tenkū will receive a symbol of power, but not an immediate weapon against us."
The Emperor fixed his gaze on his advisor for a long moment, then spoke with cold resolve.
"Let it be done. We will offer Ryushin Tenkū a pre-Origin Dragon Heart. And as for the mine, you will select one of the less productive ones, as discussed earlier. The debt will be paid, but on our terms."
Kagemi bowed deeply, his face serene.
"I will immediately see to the preparation of the Dragon Heart and the selection of the appropriate mine. It will be done as you have commanded."
The Emperor remained seated on the throne, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
There was no room for further mistakes.
Every decision, every step had to be carefully calculated to preserve the Empire's integrity.
"Remember, Kagemi," the Emperor said finally, his voice low and measured.
"Ryushin Tenkū may see this victory as a means to expand his power, but we are always one step ahead. This is only the beginning of the game."
The advisor Kagemi nodded once, fully understanding the warning behind those words.
"Yes, Your Majesty. We will ensure that the Empire remains in control of the situation, as always."
With a silent nod, the Emperor dismissed his advisor, and the room grew even quieter.
Kakashi Asahi, left alone, continued to reflect on the political chessboard on which the pieces moved.
Every choice made now would have repercussions for years to come, and there was no room for hesitation.