Rin stepped through the grand gates of the Imperial Palace, the weight of his return pressing heavily on his shoulders. The towering white walls, the golden banners fluttering in the wind, and the polished stone pathways—it was all the same, yet it felt so distant.
Despite the years spent away as Shimuzu Rin, a commoner warrior of the White Flower Palace, this place had never stopped being his home.
The moment he entered, the Imperial Guards stationed at the entrance immediately took notice. They were not ordinary palace guards but the elite force personally sworn to the Hoshimi Imperial Family. Their sharp eyes swept over his appearance—simple traveler's robes, a sword at his waist—but the moment they caught sight of the insignia pinned to his chest, their posture shifted instantly.
The Royal Insignia of the 2nd Imperial Prince, Hoshimi Rin.
Without hesitation, the guards straightened and saluted, fists over their hearts in a synchronized display of loyalty.
"Welcome home, Your Highness!"
Rin exhaled, his expression unreadable. "At ease."
The formality of their greeting wasn't unexpected. Unlike the court officials who had long dismissed his existence, the Imperial Guards had never forgotten. Loyalty to the Imperial Family was ingrained in them, and for them, Rin had always been their prince—whether he acknowledged it or not.
A messenger was swiftly dispatched towards the inner palace, moving with urgency.
Within minutes, the halls of the Hoshimi Imperial Palace buzzed with a singular, electrifying piece of news:
The 2nd Imperial Prince has returned.
As Rin stepped into the palace corridors, the familiar scent of polished wood and freshly arranged incense greeted him. Attendants bustled about, pausing momentarily to bow as they noticed his presence. Though they remained composed, whispers spread quickly—after all, the long-lost Second Imperial Prince had finally returned.
Rin barely had time to take in his surroundings when he heard the rapid patter of footsteps—fast and unmistakable.
Before he could react—
"RIIIIIIIINNNNNN!"
"BROTHEEEEEEERR!"
Two figures launched at him from down the hall with reckless abandon.
Rin barely managed to brace himself before the full force of Izumi and Aya tackled him, their arms wrapping around him in an iron grip. The impact nearly knocked the breath out of him, but he instinctively steadied them both—despite being smaller than him, their enthusiasm more than made up for the difference in weight.
"Ugh—You two…" Rin groaned, but his voice held no real irritation.
Izumi, the ever-regal first princess, had completely abandoned her usual composed demeanor. She buried her face into his shoulder, tightening her hold like she might never let go. Aya, the younger of the two, clung to him with equal fervor, her energy overflowing as she practically bounced in place.
They had seen each other before, during their mission in the Raksha Sword Kingdom, but hearing of his official return to the palace was an entirely different matter.
And now that he was truly back—they weren't about to let go so easily.
Just as Rin was struggling to deal with Izumi and Aya's overwhelming enthusiasm, he heard another set of approaching footsteps—graceful yet urgent.
Before he could even turn, a soft, trembling voice called out to him.
"Rin… my son…!"
Azure Empress Nao stood just a few steps away, her eyes already brimming with tears.
Rin barely had time to process it before she rushed forward and pulled him into a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around him as if she were afraid he might disappear again.
"M-Mother—!" Rin stiffened, caught completely off guard.
Nao said nothing at first, simply holding him closer, her grip filled with emotions she had kept bottled up for too long. Her son—her real son—had finally come home.
From the side, Vermillion Empress Hikari let out a light chuckle, watching the scene unfold. "Looks like you've really done it now, Rin. It's been, what? Years since you were last here, and you expect your mother to just hold back?"
Rin opened his mouth to respond, but he was still being clung to by Izumi and Aya, who showed no intention of letting go anytime soon. Now, with Nao hugging him as well, he was completely trapped.
His balance wavered.
"Moooooooom… I'm going to fall—GUAACK—!"
And just like that, he toppled over, dragged down by the sheer weight of their love.
As White Empress Asami stepped through the doorway, she took one look at the scene and nodded approvingly. "Mm. As expected."
From behind Vermillion Empress Hikari, Black Empress Minako materialized effortlessly from the shadows, her arms crossed as she observed. "Mmhmm. Perfect reunion."
Meanwhile, Rin was still struggling for his life.
"A little help here…? Anyone?" he wheezed, but none of the three clinging to him showed any mercy.
Then came the sound of steady, authoritative footsteps.
Emperor Hoshimi Masaki and Crown Prince Kazuo had arrived.
The two of them stood at the entrance, their gazes settling on the absolute mess before them. Rin—their son, their brother, the White Elder's first apprentice, the legendary warrior—was currently being crushed under the weight of motherly love and clingy sisters.
A moment of silence.
Then Kazuo exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Figures."
Masaki, regal and dignified as always, simply crossed his arms. "Hmph. Is this the great warrior of the White Flower Palace?"
Rin weakly reached out toward them. "Father… brother… HELP."
Kazuo smirked but made no move to assist. "I don't know. You seem to be doing just fine."
Masaki shook his head. "Truly disgraceful."
But Rin did not miss the way his father's sharp golden eyes softened—just a little.
Rin adjusted the cuffs of his Imperial Prince robes, letting out a slow breath as he stared at his reflection. The deep, flowing silk, embroidered with the insignia of the Hoshimi Imperial Family, felt heavier than he remembered. It had been years since he'd worn these garments, and the weight of his lineage settled onto his shoulders once more.
"It'll take some time to get used to this again," he mused, running a hand through his hair. After so long in the White Flower Palace's apprentice warrior robes, his body had grown accustomed to the simplicity of a commoner's uniform.
Still, no matter what he wore, he always carried himself like a prince.
With a final glance at the mirror, he stepped out of his room—only to freeze in place.
The entire Imperial Family was waiting for him outside.
Every single one of them.
"…What?" Rin raised an eyebrow.
There was a brief silence. Then—
"Yeah, he definitely looks good," Kazuo said, nodding in approval.
"Unfairly good," Izumi added with a dramatic sigh.
Aya whistled. "Seriously, how do you make everything look good?"
Nao clasped her hands together, her eyes shining with motherly pride. "My Rin is truly handsome in anything he wears."
Hikari smirked. "A natural at any uniform. You wore the White Apprentice robes like they were tailored for royalty, and now, this? It's almost annoying how effortless it is for you."
Asami gave an approving nod. "Even in commoner clothes, you looked regal. It's in your bearing. You were born for this."
Minako, from the shadows, chuckled. "Mmhmm. Even if you dressed in rags, you'd still somehow make them look prestigious."
Masaki sighed, rubbing his temples. "Enough of this nonsense." But even he could not hide the slight hint of satisfaction in his tone.
Rin stared at them all, exasperation creeping onto his face. "...Are you all seriously just standing here to compliment my looks?"
Kazuo smirked. "Well, you do make it easy."
Rin groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I should have stayed at the White Flower Palace."
The Imperial Family's grand hall was unusually lively that day. With all official duties set aside, the rulers of the empire gathered in the spacious yet warm living room, seated around Rin as if he were the guest of honor. The scent of freshly brewed tea filled the air as servants discreetly placed refreshments on the table before retreating.
For the first time in years, Hoshimi Rin was home.
Seated comfortably, Rin sipped his tea, already feeling the weight of their expectant gazes. He knew this wasn't just a casual conversation—they wanted to know everything.
Izumi, the first to break the silence, leaned forward eagerly. "So? How was life as a commoner?"
Aya grinned, resting her chin on her hands. "Tell us everything. No skipping details."
Rin exhaled, setting his cup down. "It was… peaceful, mostly."
Nao's brows furrowed slightly. "And difficult?"
Rin tilted his head. "I wouldn't say difficult, just different. I had to do a lot of things myself."
Hikari raised an eyebrow. "Like?"
Rin sighed, knowing there was no escaping this. "Like cooking my own meals."
Kazuo blinked. "You can cook?"
Minako chuckled from her spot in the shadows. "He survived years without palace chefs. What do you think?"
Nao clasped her hands together, visibly touched. "You cooked for yourself…? My poor child."
Rin immediately waved her off. "It wasn't bad! I actually enjoyed it."
Aya smirked. "I bet you did. Did anyone try your food?"
Rin hesitated before nodding. "…Harumi."
Silence.
Izumi and Aya's heads snapped up at the mention of a woman's name.
Kazuo immediately glared at them. "Don't."
Aya pouted. "What? We just want to know more."
Izumi smirked. "So, this Harumi helped you?"
Rin sighed again. "She was a fellow apprentice and my most trusted partner. Her duties as a maid included laundry, which meant she helped me with my clothes when I was too busy."
Hikari leaned forward, smirking. "And you helped her?"
Rin shrugged. "With the heavy lifting. Carrying sacks of rice, moving crates—basic things."
Masaki finally spoke, his tone thoughtful. "You really lived as a commoner."
Rin met his father's gaze. "…That was the point."
Asami, sipping her tea, nodded approvingly. "You didn't just play the role—you embraced it."
Minako tapped her chin. "No attendants, no privileges. Just you, your skills, and hard work."
Nao sighed wistfully. "Still, you must have been exhausted, Rin. Staying up late, running errands, cooking, training…"
Rin smiled faintly. "I was."
Hikari chuckled. "You could've made things easier for yourself, you know."
Rin leaned back, expression unreadable. "…That wasn't the point."
The room fell into a brief silence. The Imperial Family exchanged glances, understanding what he meant. For years, Rin had lived not as a prince, but as a warrior, as a commoner, as someone completely separate from his lineage.
And yet, despite shedding his title, he never stopped carrying the weight of responsibility.
Rin stepped through the grand gates of the Imperial Palace, the weight of his return pressing heavily on his shoulders. The towering white walls, the golden banners fluttering in the wind, and the polished stone pathways—it was all the same, yet it felt so distant.
Despite the years spent away as Shimuzu Rin, a commoner warrior of the White Flower Palace, this place had never stopped being his home.
The moment he entered, the Imperial Guards stationed at the entrance immediately took notice. Unlike ordinary palace guards, these men were the Shinsei Sentinels, an elite force personally sworn to the Hoshimi Imperial Family. Their sharp eyes swept over his appearance—simple traveler's robes, a sword at his waist—but the moment they caught sight of the insignia pinned to his chest, their posture shifted instantly.
The Royal Insignia of the 2nd Imperial Prince, Hoshimi Rin.
Without hesitation, the guards straightened and saluted, fists over their hearts in a synchronized display of loyalty.
"Welcome home, Your Highness!"
Rin exhaled, his expression unreadable. "At ease."
The formality of their greeting wasn't unexpected. Unlike the court officials who had long dismissed his existence, the Shinsei Sentinels had never forgotten. Loyalty to the Imperial Family was ingrained in them, and for them, Rin had always been their prince—whether he acknowledged it or not.
A messenger was swiftly dispatched toward the inner palace, moving with urgency.
Within minutes, the halls of the Hoshimi Imperial Palace buzzed with a singular, electrifying piece of news:
The 2nd Imperial Prince has returned.
As Rin stepped into the palace corridors, the familiar scent of polished wood and freshly arranged incense greeted him. The quiet murmur of attendants and retainers filled the air, yet as he passed, a hush followed—one of awe, surprise, and disbelief.
For years, the Second Prince had been gone.
For years, his name had been a whisper, an afterthought.
And now, he was back.
He barely had time to take in the familiar halls before the sound of hurried footsteps—fast and unmistakable—echoed through the corridor.
Before he could react—
"RIIIIIIIINNNNNN!"
"BROTHEEEEEEERR!"
Two figures launched at him from down the hall with reckless abandon.
Rin barely managed to brace himself before the full force of Izumi and Aya tackled him, their arms wrapping around him in an iron grip. The impact nearly knocked the breath out of him, but he instinctively steadied them both—despite being smaller than him, their enthusiasm more than made up for the difference in weight.
"Ugh—You two…" Rin groaned, but his voice held no real irritation.
Izumi, the ever-regal First Princess, had completely abandoned her usual composed demeanor. She buried her face into his shoulder, tightening her hold like she might never let go.
Aya, the younger of the two, clung to him with equal fervor, her energy overflowing as she practically bounced in place.
They had seen each other before, during their mission in the Raksha Sword Kingdom, but hearing of his official return to the palace was an entirely different matter.
And now that he was truly back—they weren't about to let go so easily.
"Idiot! You should have told us you were coming today!" Izumi scolded, though her words were muffled against his shoulder.
"We waited forever!" Aya whined.
Rin sighed, raising a hand to pat their heads, ruffling their hair affectionately. "Yeah, yeah. I'm back."
But just as Rin was struggling to deal with Izumi and Aya's overwhelming enthusiasm, another set of footsteps approached—graceful yet urgent.
Before he could even turn, a soft, trembling voice called out to him.
"Rin… my son…!"
Standing just a few steps away was Azure Empress Hoshimi Nao, her usually serene expression shattered by raw emotion.
Her delicate hands trembled at her sides, her golden eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
Rin barely had time to process it before she rushed forward and pulled him into a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around him as if she were afraid he might disappear again.
"M-Mother—!" Rin stiffened, caught completely off guard.
Nao said nothing at first, simply holding him closer, her grip filled with emotions she had kept bottled up for too long.
Her son—her real son—had finally come home.
From the side, Vermillion Empress Hikari let out a light chuckle, watching the scene unfold.
"Looks like you've really done it now, Rin. It's been, what? Years since you were last here, and you expect your mother to just hold back?"
Rin opened his mouth to respond, but he was still being clung to by Izumi and Aya, who showed no intention of letting go anytime soon.
Now, with Nao hugging him as well, he was completely trapped.
His balance wavered.
"Moooooooom… I'm going to fall—GUAACK—!"
And just like that, he toppled over, dragged down by the sheer weight of their love.
As White Empress Asami stepped through the doorway, she took one look at the scene and nodded approvingly.
"Mm. As expected."
From behind Vermillion Empress Hikari, Black Empress Minako materialized effortlessly from the shadows, her arms crossed as she observed.
"Mmhmm. Perfect reunion."
Meanwhile, Rin was still struggling for his life.
"A little help here…? Anyone?" he wheezed, but none of the three clinging to him showed any mercy.
Then came the sound of steady, authoritative footsteps.
The room instantly shifted, the playful atmosphere tempered by an undeniable presence.
Two figures arrived at the entrance, their gazes settling on the absolute mess before them.
Emperor Hoshimi Masaki and Crown Prince Kazuo.
The two of them stood silently, surveying the scene.
Rin—their son, their brother, the White Elder's first apprentice, the legendary warrior—was currently being crushed under the weight of motherly love and clingy sisters.
A moment of silence.
Then Kazuo exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Figures."
Masaki, regal and dignified as always, simply crossed his arms. "Hmph. Is this the great warrior of the White Flower Palace?"
Rin weakly reached out toward them. "Father… brother… HELP."
Kazuo smirked but made no move to assist. "I don't know. You seem to be doing just fine."
Masaki shook his head. "Truly disgraceful."
But Rin did not miss the way his father's sharp golden eyes softened—just a little.
At that moment, something settled in Rin's heart.
Despite everything—the years apart, the lost time, the burdens he had carried—this was still his family.
No matter how far he had wandered, no matter what name he had taken, this was home.
And this time—he would stay.
Rin adjusted the cuffs of his Imperial Prince robes, letting out a slow breath as he stared at his reflection. The deep, flowing silk, embroidered with the insignia of the Hoshimi Imperial Family, felt heavier than he remembered. Years had passed since he last donned these garments, yet the weight of his lineage had never truly left him.
"It'll take some time to get used to this again," he mused, running a hand through his hair. After so long in the simple robes of a White Flower Palace apprentice, the grandeur of Imperial attire felt almost foreign.
Still, no matter what he wore, he always carried himself like a prince.
With a final glance at the mirror, he stepped out of his room—only to freeze in place.
The entire Imperial Family was waiting for him.
Every single one of them.
Rin's brow twitched. "...What?"
A brief silence. Then—
"Yeah, he definitely looks good," Kazuo remarked, nodding in approval.
"Unfairly good," Izumi sighed dramatically.
Aya whistled. "Seriously, how do you make everything look good?"
Nao clasped her hands together, her eyes shining with motherly pride. "My Rin is truly handsome in anything he wears."
Hikari smirked. "A natural in any uniform. You wore the White Apprentice robes like they were tailored for royalty, and now this? It's almost annoying how effortless it is for you."
Asami nodded approvingly. "Even in commoner clothes, you looked regal. It's in your bearing. You were born for this."
From the shadows, Minako chuckled. "Mmhmm. Even if you dressed in rags, you'd still somehow make them look prestigious."
Masaki sighed, rubbing his temples. "Enough of this nonsense." But despite his gruff tone, a glint of satisfaction flickered in his golden eyes.
Rin stared at them, exasperation creeping onto his face. "...Are you all seriously standing here just to compliment my looks?"
Kazuo smirked. "Well, you do make it easy."
Rin groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I should have stayed at the White Flower Palace."
The Imperial Family's grand hall was unusually lively that day. With all official duties set aside, the rulers of the empire gathered in the spacious yet warm living room, seated around Rin as if he were the guest of honor. The scent of freshly brewed tea filled the air as servants discreetly placed refreshments before retreating.
For the first time in years, Hoshimi Rin was home.
Seated comfortably, he sipped his tea, already feeling the weight of their expectant gazes. He knew this wasn't just a casual gathering—they wanted to know everything.
Izumi was the first to break the silence, leaning forward eagerly. "So? How was life as a commoner?"
Aya grinned, resting her chin on her hands. "Tell us everything. No skipping details."
Rin exhaled, setting his cup down. "It was… peaceful, mostly."
Nao's brows furrowed slightly. "And difficult?"
Rin tilted his head. "I wouldn't say difficult. Just different. I had to do a lot of things myself."
Hikari raised an eyebrow. "Like?"
Rin sighed, knowing there was no escaping this. "Like cooking my own meals."
Kazuo blinked. "You can cook?"
Minako chuckled. "He survived years without palace chefs. What do you think?"
Nao's expression softened with concern. "You cooked for yourself…? My poor child."
Rin quickly waved her off. "It wasn't bad! I actually enjoyed it."
Aya smirked. "I bet you did. Did anyone try your food?"
Rin hesitated before answering. "…Harumi."
Silence.
Izumi and Aya's heads snapped up at the mention of a woman's name.
Kazuo immediately glared at them. "Don't."
Aya pouted. "What? We just want to know more."
Izumi smirked. "So, this Harumi helped you?"
Rin sighed again. "She was a fellow apprentice and my most trusted partner. Her duties as a maid included laundry, which meant she helped me with my clothes when I was too busy."
Hikari leaned forward, smirking. "And you helped her?"
Rin shrugged. "With the heavy lifting. Carrying sacks of rice, moving crates—basic things."
Masaki finally spoke, his tone thoughtful. "You really lived as a commoner."
Rin met his father's gaze. "…That was the point."
Asami, sipping her tea, nodded approvingly. "You didn't just play the role—you embraced it."
Minako tapped her chin. "No attendants, no privileges. Just you, your skills, and hard work."
Nao sighed wistfully. "Still, you must have been exhausted, Rin. Staying up late, running errands, cooking, training…"
Rin smiled faintly. "I was."
Hikari chuckled. "You could've made things easier for yourself, you know."
Rin leaned back, expression unreadable. "…That wasn't the point."
The room fell into a brief silence. The Imperial Family exchanged glances, understanding what he meant.
For years, Rin had lived not as a prince, but as a warrior, a commoner—someone separate from his lineage. And yet, despite shedding his title, he had never stopped carrying the weight of responsibility.
He had left the palace to find freedom.
But even then—he had never truly stopped being Hoshimi Rin.
The warmth of the gathering dimmed slightly as the topic shifted. The Imperial Family had always wondered why Rin left so suddenly years ago. At the time, they had no choice but to accept it—especially with the arrival of the Golden Letter from the Golden Princess, a message they could not ignore.
But now, with Rin seated among them again, they wanted answers.
Kazuo, the one who had the most to lose in this truth, was the one to finally voice the question that had haunted them all.
"Rin… why did you leave?"
A hush fell over the room.
Rin held his teacup for a long moment, gazing into the rippling surface before setting it down with a quiet sigh.
"…Because I knew of a predetermined fate."
Masaki, ever the sharp-eyed Emperor, leaned forward, his gaze unreadable. "What fate?"
Rin exhaled. "A fate where this empire thrives… under Kazuo's reign."
Kazuo froze. His breath hitched, his eyes widening ever so slightly.
Rin continued, his voice steady. "It was the fated Golden Age of the Hoshimi Empire. Kazuo was Emperor. The consorts—Suzuki, Rei, Miharu, Akane—stood at his side, bound by duty, strengthening the empire. They weren't in love with me. They weren't bound by anything other than their roles. It was… the perfect ending."
Silence filled the room.
His words carried weight—a burden he had never shared, one that had shaped his every action.
Nao's brows furrowed, her grip on the teacup tightening. "But Rin, you were the initial candidate to become Crown Prince. It wasn't set in stone. You could have—"
"That's exactly why I left." Rin's voice was calm, but firm. "I needed to make sure it was Kazuo. I had to push everything toward him, even if it meant disappointing all of you."
Kazuo clenched his fists. "You… were willing to give up everything for that?"
Rin chuckled, his smile empty. "More than that. I was ready to disappear. If the Golden Princess hadn't sent that letter, I would have vanished completely."
Hikari's expression darkened. "You would have just… left?"
Rin nodded. "If it came down to it, I would've abandoned everything and lived in a cave if I had to."
Minako, usually amused, stiffened. "You think you could have escaped me?"
Rin smirked slightly. "I was confident enough to try."
Minako's sharp eyes glinted, but she said nothing.
Aya and Izumi, who had been uncharacteristically silent, looked shaken.
"You really… were ready to leave us?" Aya murmured.
Rin's gaze softened. "…If it meant ensuring the empire's best future? Yes."
Nao, visibly distressed, reached out, clasping his hand tightly. "Rin, do you hear yourself? You were ready to vanish—without telling us?"
Hikari sighed, rubbing her temples. "So that's why you left. You weren't forced. You weren't tricked. You—" she clicked her tongue, "—you ran away."
Masaki, who had remained quiet for most of the exchange, finally spoke. "And now? Do you still think that was the best choice?"
Rin met his father's gaze.
"…I don't know."
No one could argue with that.
Not when the predetermined fate Rin once believed in had already shattered.
After a long silence, Rin exhaled and muttered, "Well, I still think Kazuo should stay as Crown Prince."
Kazuo, without missing a beat, shot back, "I don't want the title."
Rin immediately crossed his arms. "Too bad. It's already yours."
Kazuo groaned. "Rin, that's not how this works."
Masaki, watching the exchange with mild amusement, leaned back. "Ah. As expected."
The rest of the Imperial Family nodded.
"Completely expected."
"Absolutely."
"Saw this coming from a mile away."
Kazuo and Rin locked eyes. It was like watching two merchants aggressively trying to give away an expensive item instead of claiming it for themselves.
That's when Masaki cleared his throat. "Putting that aside… There's also the matter of the Four Consorts."
Silence.
Then—
"Yup."
"Mmhmm."
"Agreed."
"Yes."
"Absolutely."
Rin slumped forward onto the table, groaning into the wood.
"Whyyyyy are they in love with meeeee?!" he whined, his voice muffled.
For the first time, the ever-composed, ever-cunning Hoshimi Rin completely dropped his usual façade. He kicked his legs slightly like a frustrated child and covered his head with his arms.
Hikari laughed. "It's not that bad, Rin. If you became Crown Prince, they'd be your fiancées. It's not like you dislike them, right?"
Rin immediately sat up, shaking his head so fast that his long hair whipped around. "Nope. Not happening. They should just be good girls and support Kazuo."
Kazuo, who had been sipping his tea, choked. "Excuse me?! No! Why are you dragging me into this again?!"
Instantly, the Crown Prince Debate™ restarted.
Rin pointed at Kazuo. "You're Emperor material! You handle it!"
Kazuo pointed back. "No, you handle it! They love you!"
Masaki rubbed his temples, sighing. "This is getting ridiculous."
Asami, sipping her tea, added, "This is actually quite entertaining."
Minako hummed. "I'm considering making bets."
Nao looked at Rin with a knowing smile. "But Rin, it's not like you think the consorts aren't good enough for you, right?"
Rin froze.
Then, after an exaggerated sigh, he slumped back and muttered, "Of course not."
He straightened, grudgingly listing them off.
"Suzuki is a master of illusion and psychic magic. Her Mana Eyes are terrifyingly sharp. Rei? A warrior through and through, excellent in both swordplay and archery. Miharu… ridiculously fast, incredibly adaptable, and a natural survivor. Akane? An administrator so brilliant she could probably run the empire alone if she wanted to."
The Imperial Family nodded along.
"Mmhmm, mmhmm."
"They really are talented."
"You have a high opinion of them, Rin."
Masaki set his tea down, smirking. "Well, with that in mind… I see no reason why you shouldn't just marry them all."
Rin's soul left his body.
"No." His voice was flat. Dead serious.
Masaki remained completely calm. "But Rin, they love you."
"No."
"You already admire their strengths."
"No."
"They would follow you anywhere."
"NO."
Hikari laughed. "Oh, you're really fighting for your life here, huh?"
Izumi and Aya snickered. "Poor Rin~"
Rin groaned into his hands. "This is the worst."
Kazuo patted his shoulder, smiling innocently. "Still think I should be Crown Prince?"
Rin immediately turned to him. "YES."
The room erupted into laughter, but beneath it all, one truth remained.
Rin had run away.
And yet, fate had brought him back.