"Kazuo will be the Emperor."
Rin's voice cut through the air, calm yet unwavering. "He'll take on the responsibilities of the ruler, and you four—" his eyes swept across them, "—will publicly be his Empresses."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Suzuki's fingers tightened around the edge of her sleeve.
Rei's brows furrowed slightly, confusion flickering in her eyes.
Miharu bit her lip, trying to grasp the full meaning of his words.
Akane, however, narrowed her eyes, already suspecting where this was going.
"But," Rin continued, his tone unshaken, "I will be the real one tied to you."
His words sank in, their meaning settling deep in their hearts.
"I'm sure you all like that, right?"
Their reactions were immediate.
Suzuki's face turned completely red.
Rei gulped, looking away.
Miharu clutched her hands together, unable to speak.
Akane? She simply smiled—almost as if she had anticipated this outcome all along.
"But there's something you need to understand," Rin said, his gaze sharpening.
"This has to stay a secret."
The room grew heavier.
"In the public eye, you will be Kazuo's Empresses. The world cannot know that you are mine."
They couldn't help but ask.
"But why?" Miharu finally whispered, voicing the question they all had.
Rin closed his eyes briefly before answering.
"That's something you'll have to hear from your respective Empresses," he said. "If they deem you worthy of being their successors, then they will tell you."
The weight of his words settled over them.
"I won't help you," Rin stated firmly.
Their heads snapped up, startled.
"Becoming an Empress of the Hoshimi Imperial Family isn't something that should be handed to you. If you want that position, you have to earn it."
He leaned forward slightly, his golden gaze piercing.
"An Empress of the Hoshimi Family must be able to stand independently, supporting the Emperor without relying on him."
The four consorts exchanged glances, realization dawning on them.
This wasn't just about status.
This wasn't just about being with Rin.
This was about proving themselves.
Rin let out a quiet breath, picking up his tea again.
"I'll be there to provide some support," he admitted. "But I won't hold your hand through this."
He took a sip.
"…So, what will you do?"
The four consorts exchanged glances, determination lighting up in their eyes.
"If that means we can make you like us back…" Rei was the first to speak, her usual confidence returning despite her lingering blush.
"Then we can do it," Suzuki added immediately, her fingers clutching the hem of her sleeve tightly, her golden eyes burning with resolve.
"Of course," Miharu grinned, her voice filled with excitement. "I don't mind a challenge, especially if it means I get to spend more time with you, Rin~."
Akane, ever the composed one, simply smiled. "Well, I was planning on excelling regardless, but if this is part of the game… then I have no reason to hold back."
Rin sighed, placing a hand on his hip.
He wasn't surprised.
They were competitive women, after all.
But he wasn't done yet.
"Just so you know," Rin continued, "the four Empresses will probably reward you if you impress them."
The consorts blinked.
"Reward?" Suzuki tilted her head.
Rin nodded. "Maybe with some time with me… or maybe with some information you want to know."
That caught their attention.
"What kind of information?" Rei asked, eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity.
Rin shrugged. "I don't know. But the last time they were consorts, they fought to become Emperor Masaki's number one, and one of their biggest incentives was getting their hands on juicy info about Father."
The consorts froze.
The Empresses did what?
They had never imagined that the current graceful and powerful Empresses once schemed and competed against each other like this.
Rin chuckled at their shocked expressions.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they do the same thing with you four," he added.
The consorts swallowed hard.
"That's… actually terrifying," Miharu muttered, but she was grinning.
"More like an honor," Akane corrected, adjusting her sleeves. "To be taught by such powerful women is an opportunity we must take seriously."
Rin let out a tired sigh before speaking again.
"But if you're going to compete, at least try to get along," he said, his tone almost pleading.
He crossed his arms, looking at them seriously.
"Maybe treat each other like sisters or something?"
"…"
The four women exchanged awkward glances.
Competition was fine.
But treating each other like sisters?
They hesitated.
Then—
"No way," they all said simultaneously.
Rin sighed again, rubbing his temples.
"…Figures."
The four consorts looked directly at Rin, their eyes burning with determination and something deeper.
"I love you, Rin," Suzuki declared, her voice trembling slightly but her resolve unshaken.
"I love you too," Rei added, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks as she crossed her arms, trying to look confident but failing to hide her shyness.
"You already know how I feel," Miharu grinned, leaning forward slightly, her emerald eyes twinkling. "And I won't lose to these three."
Akane simply smiled, her voice smooth as silk. "Well, I don't think saying it out loud is necessary, but if you must know… I love you, Rin. And I will become your number one."
Rin let out a long, tired sigh.
He had expected this much.
"Alright, alright," Rin said, waving a hand dismissively. "I'll make sure you all get along. After all, I did end up seducing you four… even though I never meant to."
The consorts stiffened at his words.
It was true.
Despite Rin's constant avoidance in the past, he had unknowingly wormed his way into their hearts.
"And since I seduced you all without realizing it…" Rin continued, a small, mischievous smirk forming on his lips.
"I suppose I'll just have to seduce you into thinking that sharing me isn't such a bad thing either."
The room fell into utter silence.
Then—
"W-WHAT?!"
Suzuki covered her mouth, her face turning completely red.
Rei nearly choked on air, her composure crumbling in an instant.
Miharu's emerald eyes widened, and she let out a small, panicked laugh, as if unsure whether Rin was joking or serious.
Akane… well, Akane simply narrowed her eyes, staring at Rin as if analyzing every single one of his words for hidden meanings.
But deep down, she knew—
This man…
This dangerous man…
He was completely serious.
Rin stood up, checking the time.
"Hmm… We've been talking for a while now," he mused. "I actually enjoyed this conversation… no one tried to kill me this time, so that's nice."
The consorts, still recovering from his words, couldn't even react.
Then, with graceful precision, Rin turned to them, his expression calm and composed—his movements regal and refined, befitting his position as the 2nd Imperial Prince.
"Now then, my dear fiancées," he said smoothly, his deep voice sending shivers down their spines as he gestured toward the door.
"I believe it's time for you all to go to your rooms. Allow me the honor of escorting you."
They froze.
Then—
Their faces burned.
This man…
He was actually seducing them!
Rin's graceful demeanor, his confident words, his smooth tone—it was an unfair attack on their hearts.
For a brief moment, a dangerous thought flickered in their minds—
"Maybe… it's fine to share?"
But then, they immediately shook their heads, fighting off the temptation.
No, no, no!
I want him to be mine alone!
And so, as they followed Rin out of the room, they desperately tried to shield themselves from his unexpected attack, their hearts racing wildly.
This was going to be harder than they thought.
The four head maids stood quietly in the background, their trained eyes carefully watching the exchange between Hoshimi Rin and the four consorts.
What they witnessed left them speechless.
They had expected chaos.
They had expected jealousy-fueled insults.
They had expected their mistresses to fight tooth and nail for dominance over Rin's heart.
But instead—
Rin reigned them all in.
Not through force.
Not through threats.
But by controlling them with his very presence.
He knew exactly how to handle them, speaking in a way that kept them on edge but never let them go too far.
Whenever a spark of competition threatened to ignite, Rin would shut it down instantly, making it clear that he wouldn't tolerate any underhanded fighting.
And just like that—
The four consorts, once known for their fiery tempers and endless rivalries, were now… tamed.
The head maids exchanged knowing glances.
Their mistresses had always been difficult when it came to Rin.
How many times had they been forced to soothe, comfort, and control them whenever Rin avoided them?
How many times had they struggled to keep them from falling into despair or acting out recklessly?
Yet Rin—
This man, who once ran from them—
Was now walking ahead of them, leading them with ease.
He didn't just control them.
He understood them.
Even before becoming Hoshimi Rin, when he was just Shimuzu Rin, he must have noticed the small habits, the subtle emotions, the hidden vulnerabilities of each consort.
That's why he was so good at avoiding them back then—he knew exactly what to say and what to do to escape their clutches.
But now?
Now, he was using that same knowledge to keep them in check.
It was… amazing.
The four head maids silently made a promise to themselves.
If their mistresses ever became difficult again…
If they ever became too emotional, too reckless, too uncontrollable…
They would go straight to His Highness Rin for advice.
Because clearly—
No one knew how to handle them better than him.
Rin walked the halls of the Imperial Palace, his expression unreadable as he escorted each of his four consorts to their respective rooms.
One by one, they reluctantly parted from him, their gazes lingering as if they wished to stay by his side just a little longer.
Suzuki hesitated at her door, her Mana Eyes glowing faintly as she stared at Rin with an almost dreamlike expression.
"Rin… I will work hard to become someone worthy of standing beside you. Until then… please don't forget about me, okay?"
She bowed gracefully but quickly turned away, not wanting him to see her blushing face.
Unlike Suzuki, Rei was more direct—but tonight, even she couldn't hide her shyness.
"I'll get stronger, just you wait…!" She crossed her arms, trying to act tough, but her voice softened. "Next time we spar, don't go easy on me, alright?"
Then, with a sudden burst of courage, she grabbed the sleeve of Rin's robes for a brief moment—just a second—before letting go.
"Goodnight… Rin."
She quickly turned on her heels and entered her room before she could embarrass herself further.
Miharu smiled warmly at Rin, the warmth of their past as co-workers in the White Flower Palace still lingering between them.
"I missed talking to you like this…" she admitted softly. "I hope we can spend more time together again."
She stepped forward, her wind magic brushing against Rin lightly, as if mimicking a gentle touch.
", Rin. Don't work too hard, okay?"
With a playful wink, she disappeared into her chambers.
Akane—ever the composed and cunning one—smiled as she took one last glance at Rin.
"You're far more dangerous than I expected…" she whispered, her voice tinged with amusement.
Rin raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
She chuckled, stepping closer, her sweet yet knowing gaze locking onto his.
"You said you wouldn't seduce us, but here we are… completely yours."
Then, she curtsied elegantly.
"Sleep well, my dear fiancé. Let's have another lovely conversation soon."
And with that, she gracefully entered her chambers, leaving Rin standing alone in the hallway.
As the door clicked shut, Rin let out a slow breath.
He glanced down at his hand—the very same one Rei had grabbed, the one Miharu's magic had brushed against, the one Suzuki and Akane had longed to reach out for but held back.
With a tired but knowing smile, he muttered under his breath:
"…Taming four women like them is going to be exhausting."
Then, with steady steps, he turned and made his way to his own quarters—ready to face whatever the future had in store.
As Rin sighed and turned away, his thoughts already occupied with how difficult these four were to handle, he suddenly felt a shift in the shadows.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
The slow, deliberate sound of applause reached his ears.
Rin immediately turned to see Kazuo, Izumi, and Aya standing in the hallway, smirking at him.
Behind them, Empress Minako leaned against the wall, arms crossed, clearly entertained.
"Oh, don't stop on our account," Kazuo teased, clapping slowly. "That was quite the performance, dear brother."
Izumi grinned, her golden eyes gleaming. "I've never seen them so obedient before. You must be doing something right."
Aya giggled, covering her mouth. "I can't believe it… they were looking at you like lovesick puppies! How did you do that?!"
Rin gave them a deadpan stare, already regretting his life choices.
"This isn't what I wanted to do when I came back."
Kazuo hummed in amusement. "Oh, but you've done such a good job."
"Truly," Izumi added. "It's quite rare for anyone to handle four consorts like that without any fights breaking out."
Aya tilted her head. "And the best part? You didn't even try to be charming. You were just honest."
Kazuo nodded, a knowing glint in his eyes. "That's why they love you even more."
Izumi smirked. "They're willing to change for you. Improve for you. Love you in any way they can."
Rin, who was already dealing with enough emotional exhaustion for one night, placed a hand on the wall, his composure finally breaking.
A tired sigh escaped his lips.
"I miss being a commoner."
He clenched his free hand into a tight fist, staring at the polished floors of the Imperial Palace.
Minako, watching the entire exchange unfold, smirked before stepping forward.
She reached into her sleeves, pulling out a thick stack of documents, and handed them over to Rin.
"Ah, before you get too nostalgic… here are your delayed tasks as the 2nd Imperial Prince."
Rin stared at the absurd pile of papers.
Minako smiled sweetly.
"Do your best, Rin."
Rin felt his soul leave his body.