As soon as they returned to the Hoshimi Delegation Headquarters, Rei let out a soft sigh before slumping onto Rin's shoulder with a content, innocent smile.
Rin glanced at her, already expecting this kind of behavior. With another sigh, he reached up and gently patted her head. "Good job keeping up appearances," he murmured.
Rei hummed in response, rubbing her face into his clothes, clearly enjoying the moment.
Over time, Rin had found himself changing in how he treated his four consorts. Now that they were his, he couldn't help but tease them more, spoiling them in his own way. Miharu, for example, had become his favorite to tease—especially since she was actively practicing espionage. One of her skills was seduction, and she often tried to test it on Rin. Unfortunately for her, he always turned the tables, leaving her flustered instead. Of course, this never went unnoticed by the other three consorts, who would secretly watch whenever it wasn't their turn to spend time with him.
Suzuki, on the other hand, was the one getting spoiled the most. Her obsessive tendencies were something Rin had to manage, but in the end, he found himself indulging her more often than not.
Rei and Akane were similar in how they spent time with Rin. Both had a habit of simply getting close, enjoying quiet moments together—whether it was talking about their day or just clinging to him. It was a contrast to their usual personalities—Rei, who was straightforward and bold, and Akane, the calculating manipulator. Seeing them so at ease with him was something Rin found rather cute.
As Rei rested against him, she suddenly pouted. "You really need to stop using those degrading words about yourself," she muttered.
Rin tilted his head, amused. "What, you don't like it when I call myself weak?"
She huffed. "You know exactly why I don't like it. You're the most talented of the Hoshimi siblings, but hearing you put yourself down like that… it's frustrating."
Rin chuckled, his voice soft. "It's how I survive, Rei. Staying in the shadows, letting others underestimate me—that's how I avoid unnecessary dangers." He paused for a moment before adding with a wry smile, "Well… at least, that was the plan before I accidentally seduced four consorts and got myself engaged."
Rei couldn't help but giggle, her earlier frustration melting away. "That's your own fault, Rin. You keep acting cool and mysterious. Of course, we'd fall for you."
Rin smirked. "You say that like it was inevitable."
"It was inevitable," she said, smiling up at him. "And now, you're stuck with us."
Rin sighed in playful defeat, resting his hand on her head again. "Yeah, yeah… I know."
A knock echoed through the quiet living quarters, breaking the comfortable silence between Rin and Rei. They didn't even need to ask who it was—the voice that followed confirmed it.
"Lady Rei, Your Highness," Yori, Rei's head maid, called from outside.
Rei sighed but didn't lift her head from Rin's shoulder, clearly enjoying her moment of rest. Rin, on the other hand, glanced toward the door. "Come in," he said.
Yori entered, holding a neatly sealed letter in her hands. "The reports you requested, Your Highness." She approached and placed the letter on the table before stepping back with a knowing smile.
Rin took the letter and unfolded it, his eyes scanning the contents carefully. As he read, a flicker of confirmation passed through his gaze—his suspicions had been correct.
The Crimson Valor Kingdom operated on a strict merit-based system that heavily favored combat ability. Those who did not specialize in battle were treated as lesser, often disregarded despite their potential in other fields.
Rei, who had been watching him closely, leaned in slightly. "So? What do you think?" she asked, already knowing he had plans forming in his mind.
Their visit to the Academy earlier had made it painfully clear how poorly the non-combat students were treated. Rin had taken the opportunity to speak with them, asking how they were doing, and the answers had been as expected—resources were scarce, and opportunities even scarcer.
However, despite the lower-quality materials they worked with, their craftsmanship was remarkable. It reminded Rin that talent was not something limited to just the battlefield.
Rei crossed her arms. "You looked like you were enjoying yourself back there. The girls in that class were way too comfortable around you." She pouted, clearly recalling the way the students had spoken with Rin so naturally.
Rin sighed. "They were just being polite," he reasoned, rubbing his temple. "I'm an Imperial Prince, and a kind one at that. Of course, they wouldn't pass up a chance to talk."
"Still," Rei muttered, shifting slightly, "I don't like how easily you get along with women."
Rin chuckled. "Rei, I'm not going to fall for someone just because I was nice to them."
Even as he said that, his thoughts briefly drifted to Harumi. She's probably being lazy in her hometown right now…
Yori, who had been watching the exchange with amusement, chuckled softly. "My, my… you two really do act like an old married couple."
Rei shot her a glare, her face slightly pink, but Yori simply grinned, unfazed. After all, the head maids had been given the privilege of teasing their mistresses and his Highness ever since the consorts entered the Imperial Palace.
Rin sighed, leaning back slightly. "I swear, dealing with you women is harder than handling diplomacy."
Yori only laughed, while Rei smirked. "Get used to it, dear fiancé."
Rei sat up, her curiosity piqued. "So, what exactly do you intend to do with this information, Rin?"
Rin leaned back, twirling the letter between his fingers before setting it down. His gaze darkened slightly, a hint of amusement mixed with something far more calculating. "Simple," he said. "We'll gather the most talented individuals and take them back to the Empire—stealing them right under the Crimson Valor Kingdom's nose."
Rei raised an eyebrow. "And where exactly do you plan on placing them?"
Rin's lips curled into a knowing smile. "You don't need to worry about that, Rei."
She narrowed her eyes. "That answer only makes me worry more."
But Rin's expression remained unchanged. This wasn't just about taking in talent—it was about repaying an old debt. A failure from years ago still lingered in his mind, a mistake he refused to repeat. This time, he would ensure those who deserved better had a place where their skills would be valued.
"The Hoshimi Imperial Family will arrange an exchange program," he continued. "It will be official, legitimate. On the surface, it'll look like a fair agreement between nations. But the true purpose? We'll be securing the best minds for ourselves."
Rei exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. "I swear, you always have something up your sleeve."
Rin chuckled. "I wouldn't be me otherwise." Then, standing up, he stretched slightly. "Come on, we should get some rest. We have more duties tomorrow."
Rei hummed in agreement, but as she got up, she shot him a playful look. "You sure do act like a good fiancé, leading me to my room with a smile and all."
Rin smirked. "Would you rather I leave you lost in the halls?"
Rei rolled her eyes but allowed him to walk her to her room. As she stepped inside, she glanced at him one last time. "Goodnight, Rin."
"Goodnight, Rei," he replied softly before turning away.
As he walked down the hall, his smirk faded into something more serious. A few more steps, and everything will be in place.
The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the bustling streets as Rin, Rei, and Grand General Yoshito strolled through the town. The air was lively with the sounds of merchants calling out their wares, children laughing, and blacksmiths hammering steel in the distance.
Rin walked ahead with a relaxed expression, his hands tucked casually behind his back. If one didn't know better, they'd assume his guard was completely down.
Yoshito, however, found this sight unnerving. He was a seasoned general, someone who had fought on the frontlines for decades, and he had seen countless warriors fall because of carelessness. Yet here was the 2nd Imperial Prince of the Hoshimi Empire, acting like a common traveler, completely at ease in foreign territory.
The general scowled slightly. This must be how the Imperial Princesses act as well, he thought bitterly. Defenseless in public, as if daring an attack to happen.
But Rin wasn't reckless—far from it. He had already set up his own defenses. Ever since he had awakened his Mana Furnace, he maintained an invisible barrier around himself at all times. Low to Master-tier spells would shatter upon contact, and any physical attacks would be absorbed by a layer of compressed mana.
Still, Supreme-tier magic and above could break through. Not that it mattered. Rin had always been conscious of his surroundings, his mind constantly analyzing every little movement. Even now, while appearing carefree, he was carefully feeding mana into his barrier, using the outing as a form of training.
Of course, Yoshito didn't know this. All he saw was a carefree fiancé leading his daughter through the streets without a single care in the world.
Rubbing his temples, the general sighed. Protecting Rei was one thing—she was strong and could handle herself. But ensuring Rin's safety? That was a headache. If something happened to the 2nd Imperial Prince under his watch, he wouldn't just face trouble with the Imperial Family—he'd be lucky to keep his head.
"Your Highness," Yoshito finally said, his tone edged with concern. "I would appreciate it if you at least acted like someone worth protecting."
Rin glanced back at him, a teasing glint in his golden eyes. "General, if I were any more cautious, wouldn't that make your job too easy?"
Yoshito felt a vein throb in his forehead. This little brat…
Rei chuckled beside him, enjoying her father's frustration. "Don't worry, Father. If something happens, Rin will be fine."
"That's exactly what worries me," Yoshito muttered.
As they walked through the streets, Rin slowed his pace, naturally shifting to Rei's side. From an outsider's perspective, it seemed like a simple act—perhaps a gentlemanly gesture. But in reality, it placed him closer to Yoshito, within reach of the Grand General's protection.
Rei didn't comment on it, but a knowing smile crossed her lips.
The two continued their stroll, moving toward the upscale shopping district. With the grand ball scheduled for tomorrow, they needed to purchase accessories appropriate for the occasion. On the surface, it looked like a noble couple enjoying an afternoon outing, their security detail trailing a respectful distance behind. The space between them was calculated—close enough to seem familiar, yet distant enough to maintain propriety.
Yoshito observed them in silence.
Rin might not realize it, but his actions spoke volumes. He cared about the four consorts. It wasn't just political convenience or obligation—there was genuine warmth there.
The Empresses had already told him that Rin was slowly opening up to them. He, who once distanced himself from others, now let them stay by his side in private.
It was a significant change.
The Hoshimi Family had long known that, outside of them, Rin had only ever truly trusted a few people. The White Elder, his master. And Harumi—the Second Apprentice of the White Flower Palace.
The consorts knew this well.
They had seen how seamlessly Rin and Harumi worked together, completing their duties with perfect coordination, often without even speaking. Their silent understanding made it clear—Harumi knew Rin in a way no one else did.
Perhaps that was why the consorts were so wary of her.
Yoshito recalled the words of the Empresses.
Rin left because he believed in the future where Kazuo was Crown Prince.
That was what he had told them.
He had returned with that same conviction, revealing the truth that had devastated the Hoshimi Family. That he had seen the future. Of course, they didn't know that in his first life, this world was a novel, and he had simply read how things were supposed to unfold.
Rin had claimed that this knowledge had been revealed to him one day, and that was why he had left—forcing the Imperial Family to make a decision, ensuring Kazuo's place as Crown Prince before Rin could ever become a real candidate.
And the Golden Princess—the Emissary of Fate herself—had supported his decision.
That alone had been proof enough that his departure had been inevitable.
Yet now, Rin was here once more. And the truth remained—he was still tied to the Golden Princess. One day, she would come for him.
The Hoshimi Family knew this.
And so, they had made their move.
If Rin was destined to leave again, they had to make sure he had something to stay for. Something stronger than fate itself.
Love.
The four consorts had been given the mission to make Rin theirs—to ensure that his heart remained in the Empire. And seeing him now, walking with Rei, enjoying this simple moment... Yoshito couldn't deny that it was working.
Still, he let out a quiet sigh.
The Hoshimi Family valued their own above all else. And Rin—who had once been lost to them—was someone they could not afford to lose again.
Rei stood in front of a mirror inside the luxurious boutique, trying on various accessories. Rin, standing beside her, offered comments with a casual ease that masked the true nature of their relationship.
"That one looks stunning on you, Rei," Rin remarked as she placed an elegant ruby necklace around her neck. "Kazuo will surely be captivated."
Rei, inspecting herself in the mirror, smirked slightly. She turned her head to the side, allowing the light to catch on the gem before responding with feigned nonchalance.
"Hm? Oh, you think so, Rin?" she asked, her tone playful. "Or do you mean you think it looks good on me?"
Rin chuckled, pretending to misunderstand. "Of course. I'm sure Kazuo will be pleased."
Rei rolled her eyes but didn't push further. She knew the game they were playing. Their engagement was a secret, so in public, Rin always attached Kazuo's name to any praise he gave her. It was a thin veil of deception, but one that had kept their relationship safe thus far.
She picked up a pair of delicate gold earrings, placing them against her ears before turning to him again. "And these?"
Rin tilted his head, studying her with the same intensity he used when analyzing sword techniques. "They bring out the fire in your eyes," he said smoothly, before adding with a teasing smirk, "Kazuo would say the same, I'm sure."
Rei's lips twitched, holding back a genuine laugh. This guy...
She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice so only he could hear. "You know, if you just stopped adding his name, I might actually believe you."
Rin raised an eyebrow, leaning in as well. "And if I did that, you'd get too full of yourself, wouldn't you?"
Rei grinned, flicking his forehead lightly. "Tch. Teasing me even now?"
Rin shrugged. "I'd never dare."
Yoshito, who had been silently watching the exchange, sighed internally. Rin handles her well... Too well.
It was clear that he knew exactly what to say to make Rei happy. Even with the added mention of Kazuo's name, the way Rin spoke, the way Rei reacted—it was obvious.
She isn't hearing Kazuo's name at all. She's only hearing Rin.
And, truthfully, Yoshito was relieved. Rei had fallen for someone who, despite his detached nature, truly cared in his own way.
Meanwhile, Rei turned back to the mirror, still smiling. "I'll take these, then," she said decisively, choosing the ruby necklace and gold earrings. "After all, I wouldn't want to disappoint Kazuo."
Rin smirked at her mockery, but simply nodded. "Of course not. That would be terrible."
As they continued their selections, their game of carefully placed words carried on—both of them fully aware of the truth hidden beneath.
As they continued browsing, Rei suddenly stopped and turned to Rin with a thoughtful expression.
"You know, Rin," she mused, "you've been helping me pick out accessories this whole time, but you haven't chosen anything for yourself."
Rin shrugged. "I don't really need anything."
Rei puffed her cheeks in mild annoyance. "That's not the point. You should at least have something for the ball tomorrow."
Rin sighed, already sensing where this was going. "Fine. You pick something for me."
Rei's eyes immediately lit up with excitement. "Really? You're letting me choose?"
Rin nodded with a small smile. "I trust your taste."
Rei beamed and immediately went on the hunt. She took the task far too seriously, inspecting various accessories with a critical eye. Yoshito, standing off to the side, observed the entire exchange with quiet amusement.
Yup, Rin really knows how to handle my daughter well...
Rei finally settled on a subtle yet elegant silver brooch with a small sapphire embedded in the center. She turned back to Rin, holding it up proudly. "This one suits you. It's simple, but refined—just like you."
Rin raised an eyebrow. "Just like me?"
Rei smirked. "Yes. You're always acting like you don't stand out, but somehow, you do anyway. This fits that kind of person."
Rin chuckled softly, taking the brooch from her hands and pinning it onto his chest. "Then I'll wear it tomorrow."
Rei smiled, satisfied. "Good."
Yoshito, watching the interaction, let out a quiet sigh.
So this is the young man my daughter has fallen for...
For someone who always seemed distant from others, Rin was surprisingly thoughtful when it came to Rei. Yoshito had heard from the Empresses that Rin was slowly opening his heart to the four consorts, but seeing it with his own eyes was something else entirely.
At that moment, Yoshito made a quiet vow to himself.
I will protect this young man... The one my daughter has chosen.