Rin and Harumi returned to the White Flower Palace after their week-long task at the Azure Dragon Palace, and life quickly returned to its usual rhythm. The palace, always tranquil, felt like a haven after the tense days they'd spent at the Azure Dragon Palace.
Rin stood in the kitchen with his arms crossed, staring at the two bags of ruined meat on the counter. His gaze was cold and calculating, as though he was trying to find some way to justify what had happened, but there was nothing. He let out a frustrated sigh, his eyes narrowing. "How do you manage to mess up meat twice in a row, Harumi?" His voice had an edge to it, a mixture of disbelief and disappointment. "You're supposed to be a maid at the White Flower Palace. Cooking is supposed to be part of the job, yet here we are, with two bags of perfectly good meat ruined."
Harumi stood by the counter, her head lowered in shame. She could feel Rin's gaze burning into her, and every word he spoke hit her harder than the last. She had been confident when she took on the task of preparing the meals, but once again, she had failed. The scent of burnt meat lingered in the air, a constant reminder of her mistake. She knew this wasn't the first time it had happened, but hearing Rin's disappointment in his voice made it sting even more.
"I'm sorry," she muttered, barely loud enough for him to hear. "I thought I could manage, but I... I just can't seem to get it right."
Rin took a deep breath, trying to keep his frustration in check. His mind was already racing with ways to salvage the meal, but his anger wasn't just about the ruined meat—it was the repeated mistakes that seemed to plague every attempt she made in the kitchen. "It's not about managing, Harumi," he said, his tone softening just slightly, though still tinged with frustration. "It's about paying attention to the details. You can't keep making the same mistakes and expect different results."
He paused, his gaze shifting from the meat to Harumi, who was still standing with her head bowed. He let out another sigh, exasperated, but also realizing that part of the blame was his for not being more patient with her. "Look, I'll cook the meal this time," he said, his voice more resigned than angry. "But you've got to start learning how to handle this properly. Otherwise, we'll be stuck in this same situation every time."
Harumi nodded quietly, still feeling the weight of his words. She knew he was right, but it didn't make it any easier. "I'll do better next time," she promised, though she wasn't sure if she could fully live up to that.
Rin didn't respond at first, instead turning to grab another set of ingredients. "You better," he muttered under his breath, though there was no real malice in his words, just the frustration of dealing with the same issue yet again. It wasn't just about the cooking—it was the fact that Harumi, despite her hard work in other areas, couldn't seem to get this one thing right. And it frustrated him more than he cared to admit.
As Rin set to work cooking, Harumi quietly stepped aside, feeling both ashamed and determined. She had a lot to learn, and Rin was right—she couldn't keep making the same mistakes. It was time to prove that she could handle the responsibility she'd been given.
Rin glared at Harumi, his frustration evident in his eyes. His gaze was sharp, making Harumi instinctively take a step back, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the weight of his disappointment pressing on her, and it stung more than she wanted to admit.
"I'll go do the laundry instead," she said quickly, her voice a little shaky. "I don't want to get in the way." She turned away, hoping that she could at least avoid making things worse.
Rin let out a long, tired sigh as he watched her retreat, the tension slowly leaving his body. His irritation was still there, but he didn't want to drive her away completely. "Harumi," he called after her, his tone softer than before. "I didn't mean to make you feel like that. Just… focus on the tasks you're good at, alright?"
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded, grateful for the slight change in his tone. She couldn't shake off the feeling of failure, but she didn't want to make this any harder than it already was. "Alright," she said quietly, before turning and walking towards the laundry room.
Rin watched her go, feeling a pang of guilt. He had been hard on her, and while she had made a mistake, it wasn't like her to mess things up on purpose. She worked hard, even if her cooking skills left much to be desired. Rin shook his head, trying to focus on the meal. Harumi would get better with time—he just had to be patient, even if it was difficult.
For a while, the kitchen remained quiet, with only the sounds of Rin preparing food and Harumi quietly working in the laundry room. Rin, still a bit agitated by Harumi's previous cooking blunders, continued to focus on his task. Harumi, on the other hand, tried to shake off the awkwardness of their earlier exchange, though her mind kept drifting back to Rin's disappointed expression.
The peace was interrupted when Harumi suddenly rushed back into the kitchen, her eyes wide with excitement. "Rin!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with urgency. "A carriage from the Azure Dragon Palace just arrived! I saw it from the window!" Her words caught Rin off guard, and he immediately stopped what he was doing, his brow furrowing in confusion. "The Azure Dragon Palace? What would they be sending someone for?" he asked, a hint of suspicion creeping into his tone. "We haven't heard anything from them recently."
Harumi shook her head, her hands wringing nervously. "I don't know, but it looks official. Maybe it's for you? Or maybe a message?" Rin's thoughts quickly shifted as he wiped his hands on his apron and glanced at Harumi. "Stay here, just in case they need something. I'll go see what this is about." With a final glance, Rin made his way toward the entrance of the White Flower Palace, his curiosity piqued about what this unexpected visit could mean.
Since the White Elder had yet to return, it naturally fell upon his apprentices to handle such matters in his absence. Rin turned to Harumi with a firm, commanding tone. "Since the White Elder isn't here, it's our duty to receive them properly. Harumi, inform everyone in the palace to prepare the receiving room immediately."
Harumi blinked, momentarily startled by his seriousness, but quickly nodded. "Got it. I'll make sure everything is in order," she replied, before dashing off to relay the instructions. Rin, watching her leave, took a deep breath and adjusted his posture. His curiosity about the Azure Dragon Palace's sudden visit was matched only by the sense of responsibility he felt to uphold the White Flower Palace's reputation.
Straightening his robes, he murmured to himself, "I'll greet our visitor personally." With that, he strode toward the entrance, his mind racing with questions. Whatever this visit entailed, Rin knew it wouldn't be a trivial matter, and he prepared himself to handle it with the dignity and composure expected of the White Elder's apprentice.
Outside the grand gates of the White Flower Palace, a regal carriage adorned with the Azure Dragon emblem rolled to a stop. The horses neighed softly, their bridles glinting in the sunlight. Rin stood at the entrance, bowing deeply as the Head Maid of the Azure Dragon Palace gracefully stepped out. Her expression carried both relief and respect as she approached him.
"Apologies for the sudden visit, Sir Shimuzu," she began, her voice formal yet warm. "I am here to relay our deepest gratitude. The Azure Princess has completely recovered as of this morning."
Rin straightened from his bow, his dark eyes reflecting both surprise and satisfaction. "I'm glad to hear of her full recovery," he replied, his tone calm but sincere. "It's a relief to know Lady Suzuki has regained her health. Please, come inside so we may extend proper hospitality for your efforts to bring us this news."
Rin guided the Head Maid and her attendants into the receiving room, his posture composed yet his thoughts racing. The room, though prepared in haste due to the sudden arrival, still reflected the understated elegance of the White Flower Palace. Its clean, minimalist design exuded an air of serenity, with delicate floral arrangements and polished wooden furniture enhancing the tranquil ambiance.
As they stepped inside, Rin's eyes were drawn to the various ornate boxes and packages laid on the table, intricately wrapped and sealed with the emblem of the Azure Dragon Palace. These were clearly gifts of gratitude, each item carefully chosen to express the Princess's appreciation. Harumi stood nearby, her hands clasped behind her back as she exchanged a bewildered glance with Rin, silently asking how to proceed.
The Head Maid, noticing their hesitation, offered a reassuring smile. "These are humble tokens of thanks from the Azure Dragon Palace, sent on behalf of the Princess herself. She wished to express her gratitude for everything you've done." Her tone was formal, yet there was a hint of genuine emotion behind her words. Rin gave a polite nod, his gaze flickering to Harumi, silently directing her to take note of the situation while he prepared to respond.
As the guests settled into their seats, Harumi returned promptly with a tray of freshly brewed tea, the gentle aroma filling the air. Despite her usual clumsiness in the kitchen, she moved with precision, pouring the tea into delicate porcelain cups and setting them gracefully before each guest. Once her task was complete, she stood beside Rin, her posture attentive yet calm, ready to assist if needed.
Rin, on the other hand, did his utmost to maintain the role of a gracious host. Though he was more accustomed to wielding a blade than engaging in formalities, his words were measured and polite, effortlessly steering the conversation. He inquired about the Azure Princess's health, the state of the Azure Dragon Palace, and their journey to the White Flower Palace.
The Head Maid smiled, clearly appreciative of Rin's efforts. "The Princess is recovering remarkably well," she shared. "Her vitality has returned, and she looks forward to the day she can personally thank you. Truly, we owe her recovery to your intervention." Rin nodded humbly, glancing at Harumi, who gave him an encouraging look. Though the visit was unexpected, the atmosphere had become one of mutual respect and gratitude, with Rin ensuring their guests felt welcomed and valued.
Rin spoke with a calm but firm tone, his eyes never wavering from the Head Maid. "She doesn't need to personally thank us," he continued, his words carrying a subtle weight. "Her steps are too precious to come and visit a mere maid and warrior. Her health and well-being should remain her priority."
The Head Maid, though appreciative of the gesture, nodded in understanding. "I see," she said softly, her gaze briefly shifting to Harumi, who stood beside Rin. "Then, please allow me to convey the Princess's gratitude on her behalf. She is deeply grateful, as we all are, for the aid you've given."
As the conversation drew to a natural close, the Head Maid reached into the satchel she carried and produced an ornate box. Its design was elegant, crafted from polished ebony and adorned with subtle gold engravings. She held it out to Rin with both hands, bowing slightly.
"This," she said, her voice gentle but purposeful, "is a letter from the Azure Princess herself. She entrusted it to me to deliver to you personally. It was the last thing she prepared before we departed."
Rin hesitated for a moment, his dark eyes lingering on the box before he accepted it. The weight in his hands felt heavier than it should, as though it carried more than just words. Bowing his head slightly in acknowledgment, he replied, "I understand. Please convey my gratitude to the Princess for her thoughtfulness."
The Head Maid inclined her head, satisfied. With that, she prepared to leave, her duty fulfilled, leaving the box and its enigmatic contents behind with Rin.
Rin escorted the Head Maid and the guests back to the carriage, ensuring they were settled before bidding them farewell. After the exchange was complete, he made his way back to the White Flower Palace.
As he reentered the palace, he found Harumi already eagerly inspecting the gifts left behind. She was practically beaming with excitement, rummaging through the food specialties that had been carefully packaged. "Look at all this! It's like a feast waiting to happen!" she exclaimed, her joy infectious. She seemed almost giddy with relief that the visit had gone smoothly, no further complications arising.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Rin and Harumi worked together to organize the gifts from the Azure Dragon Palace. The two of them quickly fell into their usual rhythm of light bickering.
"Careful with that jar, Harumi," Rin muttered as he caught her fumbling with a jar of pickled vegetables.
"It's fine! You act like I've never handled glass before," she retorted, sticking her tongue out before carefully setting it down.
"You almost dropped it twice," he countered with a raised eyebrow.
By the time they finished sorting everything, the sky had darkened, and the soft glow of lanterns lit up the palace halls. Both of them made their way to the kitchen quarters, their stomachs growling after the busy day. Rin prepared a simple meal using some of the fresh ingredients from the gifts, while Harumi set the table.
As they sat down to eat, Harumi seemed to remember something, pausing mid-bite. "Oh! The letter, Rin. The one from the Azure Princess. Did you read it yet?"
Rin glanced up, his expression unreadable as he chewed his food. After swallowing, he replied, "Not yet. I've been too busy cleaning up your mess all day."
Harumi rolled her eyes. "Sure, blame me for your procrastination."
Rin smirked, reaching into his robe pocket to retrieve the ornate box. "Fine. I'll read it after dinner. But if it's just some flowery praise, don't expect me to be impressed."
Rin slowly opened the letter, his fingers pausing as the elegant handwriting caught his attention. As he read the contents, his face drained of color. His heart raced, and his thoughts scattered. The words were unmistakable—a love letter, filled with longing and deep affection, directed at him.
Harumi, who had been standing quietly beside him, couldn't help but peek over his shoulder. As soon as her eyes landed on the same words, her expression mirrored Rin's—a mix of disbelief and surprise. She blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of what she was seeing.
"Is this... really what it looks like?" Harumi whispered, her voice tinged with shock. Her gaze flicked to Rin, who was still frozen in place, his hands trembling slightly.
Without saying a word, Rin quickly grabbed the letter and tossed it into the fire burning in the corner of the room, watching it burn to ashes. The act was swift, but the reality of the situation hit him hard. His mind raced, the weight of what this meant settling over him like a heavy shroud.
He looked at Harumi, his expression dark and serious. "This is bad. Very bad," he muttered under his breath, the severity of the situation hitting him all at once. "If the Crown Prince ever finds out, I'll be done for. Seducing a princess—especially the consort of the crown prince—this could end my life."
Harumi stepped back, her face pale. "I can't believe it. The Azure Princess... She feels this way about you?"
Rin ran a hand through his hair, frustration and concern mixing in his features. "This complicates everything. I need to be careful from now on. This isn't just about me anymore. If word of this spreads... there will be consequences."
The room fell silent, both of them caught in the weight of the unspoken tension that now loomed over them.