In the serene tea room of the Vermillion Bird Palace, three Princess Consorts sat together, their elegant presence filling the space. The Azure Princess, the Vermillion Princess, and the White Princess were all present, gathered for their usual bi-monthly meeting. The Black Princess, however, was notably absent as her selection was still under deliberation, leaving only the three of them to share a quiet afternoon.
The Vermillion Princess, with her poised elegance, served the tea, her hands steady as she offered a delicate cup to each of her companions. "It's been a while since the three of us gathered like this," she said, her voice warm yet authoritative. Her eyes glinted with a certain confidence, the weight of her title clearly not lost on her.
The Azure Princess, ever reserved but with a keen glint in her eye, took a slow sip of the tea, savoring its delicate taste before offering a small smile. "Indeed, it has. I always look forward to these meetings," she replied, her gaze shifting towards the White Princess, who was quietly observing them both, lost in her thoughts.
The atmosphere in the room was calm and collected, but there was an underlying tension that none of them acknowledged openly—the absence of the Black Princess weighed on them all, as the deliberations around her position were still ongoing. Nevertheless, for now, the three consorts enjoyed the brief respite from the complexities of palace politics, their shared presence providing a rare moment of peace.
As the three Princess Consorts sipped their tea, the conversation shifted to the upcoming celebration for the Crown Prince's birthday. It was an important event, one that would showcase the talents of the princess consorts, and each of them had already begun thinking of what they would present.
The White Princess, with her graceful demeanor, spoke first. "I believe I will perform a folk dance for the celebration," she said, her voice calm yet confident. "It's a tradition that has been passed down in my family, and I think it would be fitting for the occasion."
The Azure Princess, who had been quietly contemplating, nodded. "I'll compose and recite a poem," she said, her voice soft but filled with purpose. "It will speak of the empire's unity, and my hope for its future. I've always believed that words have the power to move hearts."
Vermillion Princess, who had been silently listening, finally chimed in with a thoughtful smile. "I think I will perform a sword dance," she said, her eyes gleaming with pride. "A display of both beauty and strength, which I believe will make a lasting impression."
The three consorts exchanged glances, each of them certain that their chosen performances would be something to remember. The conversation paused briefly as they all took in the importance of their roles in the celebration, knowing that their performances would not only represent themselves but also their respective palaces.
The Vermillion Princess shifted her gaze toward the Azure Princess, her curiosity piqued. "I've heard that you've been learning from the White Flower Palace recently," she began, her tone casual but keen. "And I've also heard that a warrior there is skilled enough to be the apprentice of the White Elder himself. Is that true?"
The Azure Princess gave a soft nod, her expression thoughtful. "Yes, it's true. His name is Rin. He's not just skilled in combat but also in magic control," she explained, a hint of admiration in her voice. "He was the one who helped me recover from my illness, teaching me techniques to manage my condition. He's... quite remarkable in many ways."
The Vermillion Princess raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "A warrior who's so talented in both martial and magical arts?" she mused. "He must be someone extraordinary to be chosen by the White Elder himself. How fortunate you must be to have such a person helping you."
The Azure Princess smiled softly, though there was a far-off look in her eyes. "He is indeed extraordinary," she replied, her tone a bit wistful. "And I'm grateful for everything he's done for me."
The Vermillion Princess leaned back with a playful smile, her sharp gaze fixed on the Azure Princess. "You speak so highly of him, it would almost be rude not to see him in action. Surely, there's no harm in observing his talent. I'll join you during one of your lessons at the White Flower Palace," she said smoothly, her tone making it sound more like a declaration than a request.
The Azure Princess tensed, her mind racing for an excuse. "The lessons are... quite focused and specific. They aren't exactly the kind of thing to be observed casually," she began cautiously, trying to dissuade her.
But the Vermillion Princess was skilled in the art of persuasion. She tilted her head, her voice light yet insistent. "Oh, I wouldn't want to interrupt, of course. I'll stay out of the way. Besides, it might even be beneficial to witness such a skilled warrior under the White Elder's guidance. With your description, I might even consider him as a partner for my sword dance at the Crown Prince's celebration. Wouldn't that be fitting?"
The Azure Princess stiffened, her defenses flaring. "A partner for your sword dance?" she echoed, her voice calm but carrying a faint edge. "The White Elder's apprentice is... focused on his duties. I doubt he'd have the time for such an arrangement."
The Vermillion Princess smiled, sensing the subtle resistance. "Perhaps, but it wouldn't hurt to ask, would it? I'll judge for myself when I see him. Besides, finding the right partner for my performance is no small matter," she said with an air of finality, leaving little room for the Azure Princess to argue further.
The Azure Princess hesitated, her heart wavering as the Vermillion Princess made her request. I don't want her to meet Rin, she thought, gripping her teacup tightly. What if she sees what I see? What if she takes an interest in him? The thought made her chest tighten, but she forced herself to remain composed.
Her gaze lifted, meeting the Vermillion Princess's piercing eyes. She's just curious, the Azure Princess told herself. There's no love in her expression—only interest in his skill. She doesn't feel the way I do...
With a soft exhale, she finally spoke, her tone calm yet carrying an internal struggle. "Very well. You may join me. But the White Flower Palace is a place of discipline. The lessons are sacred." She paused, her mind whispering one final plea. Rin, please don't let her see the side of you that I treasure.
Rin stood by the entrance of the White Flower Palace, his eyes narrowing as two carriages came to a halt outside. His heart skipped a beat as he realized who the visitors were—two Princess Consorts. *This is bad,* he thought, mentally preparing himself for what was to come.
He turned to Harumi, who was standing by his side, looking just as confused. "Harumi," Rin said in a low voice, "go inform the White Elder about the arrival of the Vermillion Princess. We need to adjust the arrangements accordingly. This wasn't expected."
Harumi nodded quickly, her face showing concern, but she quickly dashed off to relay the message. Rin took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. *This is going to be trouble,* he thought. *Vermillion Princess and Azure Princess in one day? What did I do to deserve this?* He braced himself for the inevitable chaos.
As the two Princess Consorts gracefully stepped out of their carriages, Rin quickly composed himself. He took a deep breath, adjusting his posture before he gave a respectful bow, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Your Highnesses," he said, his voice calm despite the rising tension within him. "It is an honor to welcome you both to the White Flower Palace."
His gaze shifted briefly between the Azure Princess and the Vermillion Princess, each radiating their own unique aura. The Azure Princess, as always, had a quiet yet intense presence, while the Vermillion Princess carried a fiery, confident energy that made Rin all the more uneasy.
He straightened up after the bow, awaiting their responses, silently praying for the situation to remain calm.
Rin remained composed, though the arrival of the Vermillion Princess made him uneasy. He had known the Azure Princess was coming for her psychic lessons with the White Elder, but the Vermillion Princess's visit was unexpected. Her sudden presence stirred a sense of foreboding in him, unsure of her intentions.
The Vermillion Princess, noticing his unease, explained calmly, "I apologize for not informing you in advance, Warrior Rin. My visit today is to seek advice from the White Elder for my sword dance performance at the Crown Prince's upcoming birthday celebration. I believe his guidance will be invaluable for perfecting my technique."
Rin's concern eased a little, but the weight of her words still lingered. A sword dance at such an important event was no small matter. He nodded respectfully, trying to hide his inner turmoil. "Of course, Your Highness. The White Elder will be honored to assist you with your performance."
With that, the two princesses continued their conversation, but Rin couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting might lead to complications beyond just a simple lesson.
As Rin escorted the two princesses and their entourage through the grand halls of the White Flower Palace, his mind raced, recalling every detail he could about Takigawa Rei, the Vermillion Princess. The name itself was one Rin couldn't ignore—Takigawa, one of the pillar clans of the Hoshimi Empire. Known for their strength and influence, the Takigawa clan held great respect throughout the empire, and Rei herself was no exception. With her striking red eyes and fiery hair, she was the very embodiment of the Vermillion Bird Palace.
In the novel from his past life, Rei was portrayed as an incredibly fierce and elegant individual, someone who commanded authority effortlessly. Her presence alone could make anyone stand to attention. Known for being upright and honorable, she was admired but also feared for her ability to take charge in any situation. As the most authoritative of the Crown Prince's consorts, Rei had earned her place, not only through beauty and charm but through her sharp mind and strong will. Rin was well aware that her position as the Crown Prince's consort granted her immense influence, and he had heard whispers that she was not one to be trifled with.
Though Rin knew all this, he couldn't help but feel uneasy as they walked through the corridors of the White Flower Palace. Her piercing gaze seemed to linger on him more than he was comfortable with. He silently hoped that her visit was truly only for advice on her sword dance for the Crown Prince's birthday celebration, but something told him that Rei's interest in him might not be as simple as it seemed.
The Vermillion Princess, Takigawa Rei, regarded Rin with a sharp yet thoughtful gaze. She tilted her head slightly as she scrutinized him, her red eyes narrowing just a bit. "You seem oddly familiar," she said, her voice calm yet tinged with curiosity. "Have we met before?"
Rin froze for a moment, his heart racing. Her gaze was intense, piercing through him as if she could see through the years and all the changes he'd gone through since that time in the Imperial Palace. The last thing he needed was for her to remember him as the young prince she had met all those years ago.
He quickly composed himself, offering a polite smile, though the unease gnawed at his gut. "I'm not sure, Your Highness," he replied smoothly, keeping his tone respectful but neutral. "I must have left quite an impression if you remember me so well."
The Vermillion Princess gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, but her eyes remained fixed on him for a moment longer, as if weighing his words. Then, just as quickly, she turned her attention back to the task at hand, dismissing the moment. However, Rin couldn't shake the feeling that she hadn't truly let go of the question in her mind.
The Azure Princess observed the exchange with a quiet intensity, her gaze flicking between Rin and the Vermillion Princess. Her expression remained carefully neutral, but the protective instinct in her was palpable. She couldn't help but feel a surge of defense, an urge to step in and shield Rin from the scrutiny of another consort.
However, as she watched the Vermillion Princess carefully, she saw no shift in her demeanor—no change in the way she looked at Rin, no spark of recognition or desire. The Vermillion Princess, in her usual composed manner, dismissed the question almost immediately, and the Azure Princess felt a wave of relief. Though her heart fluttered with a mix of emotions, she knew there was nothing to worry about at this moment.
Quietly, the Azure Princess held her tongue, deciding not to intervene. She stayed in the background, her fingers tightly gripping the edge of her sleeve, as her mind wrestled with the strange mixture of jealousy and understanding that stirred within her.
Once they were escorted into the Receiving room, where the White Elder awaited, Rin's desire to escape was almost palpable. His nerves were on edge, and the presence of the two princess consorts made him want to flee the room entirely. He glanced toward the door, weighing his options, but before he could make a move, the White Elder, with his usual commanding presence, spoke up.
"Rin," the White Elder called, his voice smooth but firm. "Stay here. You have a role to play." He gave a knowing glance toward the princesses, his tone suggesting that Rin's presence was not only expected but important.
Rin sighed, the tension in his shoulders rising as he reluctantly stood by the White Elder's side, feeling like a pawn in a game he wasn't sure he wanted to play. The atmosphere in the room felt heavier with each passing moment, the weight of the princesses' presence and the unspoken expectations pressing down on him. He gave a fleeting glance at Harumi, who was busy with the preparations, silently praying for this ordeal to end sooner rather than later.