The morning had been uncomfortably quiet.
Rin had been awake since dawn, moving through the Sumeragi mansion with practiced efficiency, his mind already running several steps ahead. Yesterday's encounter still lingered at the back of his thoughts—not because it surprised him, but because it confirmed something he had been hoping to avoid.
Shinegori Akane came for me.
That fact alone made her dangerous.
He had informed his parents the moment he returned last night, disguises already undone, Harumi still visibly shaken. The reaction had been swift—and expected.
A stern lecture about recklessness.A reminder that even disguises did not absolve him of responsibility.And finally, a decision.
Rin would handle Shinegori Akane's visit personally.
It was only natural, they said.After all, she was here because of him.
So now, with sleeves rolled slightly up and composure firmly in place, Rin walked through the mansion's inner corridors with Harumi at his side. She carried a carefully sealed wooden box—inside were rare tea leaves, the kind reserved only for high-ranking nobles, royalty, or guests whose presence could not be taken lightly.
"Careful with that," Rin said mildly, glancing at the box.
"I know, I know," Harumi replied, hugging it closer to her chest. "If I drop this, I might as well exile myself."
Rin chuckled softly.
They passed by servants already preparing the reception hall—fresh flowers arranged, polished floors gleaming, curtains drawn to let in just the right amount of afternoon light. Everything was being done by the book.
Still, Rin felt no sense of ease.
A future consort of the crown prince was not someone you casually hosted. And Shinegori Akane, in particular, was known not just for her status, but for her ambition.
A deal that benefits her, Rin thought grimly. That already tells me enough.
Harumi peeked at his face, slowing her steps just slightly to walk closer.
"…Young master," she said quietly. "Are you nervous?"
Her worried expression was almost comical in contrast to the gravity of the situation. Big eyes. Furrowed brows. Lips pressed together as if she were the one about to negotiate with a political monster.
Rin smiled faintly.
"Not really," he replied. "Considering my position."
He glanced ahead, then continued calmly, "I'm the heir of the Sumeragi Dukedom. Even if she is a future consort, I'll treat her as I would any other noble of equal standing."
Harumi shivered.
"I can't imagine doing that," she muttered. "Just listening to nobles talk makes my lungs hurt. I'm just your maid, after all…"
"If you were a noble," Rin said, reaching over to gently rub her head, "you'd understand how exhausting this is too."
"Hmph!" Harumi puffed her cheeks. "I wish I were born into a noble family sometimes."
Then she straightened, suddenly serious.
"Still—make sure you really check her personality. And watch for anomalies, okay?" she added. "The novel's plot depends on her staying that snobby, power-hungry consort. If she changes too much—"
"I know," Rin said gently. "I'll be careful."
Harumi relaxed slightly, leaning into his hand just a bit before stepping away, flustered.
Time passed.
By afternoon, everything was ready.
Rin stood at the entrance of the Sumeragi mansion, dressed in formal noble attire. Dark, well-fitted clothing embroidered with the Sumeragi crest. His posture was straight, expression composed, eyes sharp but courteous.
The servants lined up behind him as the sound of carriage wheels echoed across the courtyard.
The carriage came to a stop.
For a brief moment, everything was still.
Then the door opened.
Shinegori Akane stepped out.
She wore white—just as the novel described. A refined, elegant dress that complemented her snow-colored hair, the fabric flowing smoothly as she moved. Her amethyst eyes scanned her surroundings with calm assurance, missing nothing.
So she really does favor white, Rin thought absently.
She was beautiful. Undeniably so.
Rin immediately dismissed the thought.
Romance fantasy logic, he told himself. Main characters are always attractive.
Still, when Akane approached, her presence alone commanded attention. Each step was deliberate, graceful, confident.
When she stopped before him, Rin offered a polite smile—not the friendly warmth of Ritsu the merchant, but the composed courtesy of a noble meeting an equal.
"Lady Shinegori," he said, bowing just enough to show respect without submission. "Welcome to the Sumeragi Dukedom."
Akane returned the gesture, her movements flawless.
"I was informed by my merchant of your presence yesterday," Rin continued smoothly. "I have a general understanding, but allow me to confirm—what brings you here?"
Her lips curved into a noble smile, one that looked pleasant yet calculating.
"You are quite famous these days, Sir Rin," she replied. "A young heir who invents a barrier device that doesn't require a magician to sustain it… the empire is buzzing."
Inside, Rin screamed.
Please stop talking about it. Please.
Outwardly, he merely inclined his head.
"Word travels fast," he said calmly. "But that still doesn't answer my question, Lady Akane."
She noted the use of her name—an acknowledgment of equal footing—and found it amusing.
Interesting, she thought. No awe. No false humility.
Most young nobles would have been flustered by now. Or arrogant. Or desperate for approval.
Rin Sumeragi was none of those.
"I came here for your device," Akane said plainly. "More precisely—your knowledge."
Rin tilted his head slightly.
"I believe the design has already been released publicly," he replied. "Why seek me out when the knowledge is free?"
Akane's smile deepened.
"Paper and theory are one thing," she said. "But understanding the mindset of the creator—that is far more valuable."
Their gazes met.
Neither flinched.
Rin could feel it now—the weight of her ambition pressing down like a shadow. She wasn't here to admire him.
She was here to use him.
After a moment, Rin broke the silence.
"Please, follow me," he said, gesturing toward the mansion. "It seems this will be a long discussion."
Akane accepted with a nod.
They entered side by side, walking at the same pace, their conversation momentarily paused but far from over.
Behind them, Harumi followed quietly, hands folded, eyes darting between the two.
She felt like she was walking behind two predators circling each other—each step heavy with tension, each word weighed and measured.
Young master is amazing, she thought, half in awe, half in terror. If that were me, I'd have fainted already.
The doors closed behind them.
And the true negotiation was about to begin.
Inside the reception room, the air felt heavy.
Not because of magic—though Harumi half-expected it to crystallize into something tangible—but because of the invisible pressure exuded by the two nobles seated across from one another.
Rin Sumeragi sat upright, posture impeccable, hands relaxed as they rested near his teacup. His expression was calm, polite, unreadable. The kind of composure expected from the heir of a great dukedom.
Across from him sat Shinegori Akane.
Elegant. Refined. Dangerous.
Her back was straight, legs crossed gracefully beneath her white dress, amethyst eyes reflecting the soft light of the room. She looked perfectly at ease, as though this mansion belonged to her just as much as it did to Rin.
And between them—
Harumi.
She moved carefully, serving tea with a gentle smile fixed on her face. The porcelain cups clinked softly as she set them down, followed by a plate of neatly arranged cookies.
On the inside, she was screaming.
I can't breathe.How do nobles do this?!
It felt like standing between two cliffs that might collapse at any moment. Every glance. Every pause. Every breath was calculated.
"Thank you, Harumi," Rin said gently.
"Yes, Young Master," she replied, bowing quickly before retreating to stand behind him—where she immediately wished she could disappear into the wall.
Once the door closed and silence settled again, Rin lifted his teacup.
"So," he began politely, taking a small sip, "you require my expertise regarding my invention, Lady Akane."
Akane's gaze followed the movement of the cup.
"Please explain why," Rin continued, tone even. "Why seek me out personally?"
I already know why, he thought. But let's see how you phrase it.
Akane smiled faintly and lifted her own teacup, fingers tracing the rim idly as she spoke.
"It's simple," she said. "I want to make it profitable."
Rin nodded slowly, unsurprised.
"A portable barrier device," Akane continued, "one that does not require a magician to sustain it… such a thing is invaluable. Especially among nobles." She smiled, eyes gleaming. "Safety is something people will always pay for."
She set her cup down with practiced grace.
Rin smiled back—polite, controlled.
"I see," he said. "However, you can already produce it yourself. The patent is public. The design, the measurements, the materials—it's all there."
Akane's eyes flickered slightly.
Rin continued, unfazed.
"Anyone can attempt to replicate it. Everything is written clearly."
What he didn't say—but knew—was that the patent was a wall disguised as an open door.
The measurements were precise to an almost absurd degree. The materials required processing techniques that did not exist commercially. Even a slight deviation would result in a bulky, unstable, or inefficient device.
The design was free.
The execution was not.
Akane took another sip of tea, then placed the cup down again.
"You're right," she admitted calmly. "But I've always believed in one thing."
Her gaze sharpened.
"Nothing comes for free."
Rin met her eyes.
"You have an interesting philosophy, Lady Akane."
She giggled softly—a sound perfectly befitting a noble lady.
The two stared at each other, black eyes against amethyst, neither yielding ground.
Rin noted, somewhat absently, that her eyes really were beautiful.
Focus, he scolded himself.
He took another sip of tea and reached for a cookie.
"Sir Rin," Akane said smoothly, "I won't waste time. Let me be clear."
She leaned back slightly.
"Let's make a deal."
Rin paused mid-bite, then calmly finished chewing before responding.
"Go on."
Akane straightened, expression turning serious.
"You released the design freely because you're confident," she said. "Confident that even if others attempt to copy it, they won't surpass you."
She gestured subtly.
"My instincts tell me that this design—these measurements, materials, and specifications—are the most optimal possible version."
Rin listened silently.
"The reason I'm here," she continued, "is to obtain the knowledge behind the creation of those materials."
Rin placed his cookie down.
"And why would you believe that?" he asked.
Akane leaned forward just slightly.
"Merchant's intuition," she replied. "I wouldn't be called the Merchant Queen if I didn't possess it."
Rin let his teacup rest on the saucer.
Perceptive Ice, he thought. So that's what she's using.
Harumi had warned him the night before. Shinegori Akane's magic technique granted her heightened perception—far beyond normal observation. It wasn't mind reading, but it allowed her to sense inconsistencies, values, intentions.
And right now—
She had sensed the true worth of what he gave away.
"You are quite sharp," Rin said calmly. "You're correct. The free design requires specifications that are extremely difficult to reproduce."
Akane's lips curved upward.
"I thought so."
Rin continued evenly, "Any deviation leads to instability or inefficiency. I've tested many models. The current one is the best. But to create it, you need tools, methods, and precision that aren't widely available."
Akane nodded, satisfied.
"The free design is a trap," she said lightly. "Complete, yet impractical. Costly to attempt. Impossible to perfect without you."
Rin met her gaze.
"I do possess a method," he said. "So?"
Akane's eyes gleamed.
"You don't have ambition," she said. "Not the kind most inventors do."
Rin raised an eyebrow.
"With such an invention—and likely many others—you could monopolize entire industries. You could amass power. Influence."
Harumi felt the temperature drop.
"Why," Akane asked softly, "does someone like you refuse profit?"
Rin answered without hesitation.
"It's a hobby."
Akane laughed.
At first, it was light and amused—but it faded when she realized he was serious.
"…You're serious?"
Rin nodded.
"I finish my noble studies early," he said. "So I make things. It passes time."
Akane stared at him.
"You possess the Limitless Space magic technique," she said slowly. "Endless mana. No physical fatigue. One of the strongest techniques in existence."
She tilted her head.
"And you dislike it?"
Rin sighed quietly.
"There are advantages and disadvantages," he said. "That's all."
Then he looked directly at her.
"Now, Lady Akane—back to your purpose."
She clicked her tongue softly, amused yet irritated.
"Very well," she said. "Let's make a partnership."
Rin raised a hand.
"No."
Akane froze.
"I don't deal with the Shinegori family," Rin said calmly. "They're infamous."
Silence.
Akane blinked.
Then blinked again.
"…Hehehe," she laughed awkwardly. "You have an interesting sense of humor, Sir Rin."
"If you're worried," she added quickly, "then consider this a contract with me personally."
Rin looked unconvinced.
"Is there a difference?"
Akane paused.
Expected, she thought.
"Understandable," she said. "Trust isn't something my family is known for."
She studied him.
Truly fitting of the Sumeragi heir.
"Then let me give you something," Akane said softly, smiling. "Something that benefits you. Something that earns trust."
Rin picked up another cookie.
"I'm listening."
She leaned in.
"I am to be the crown prince's consort."
Silence fell like a guillotine.
Rin's expression didn't change—but inside—
Yes. I know. Why are you telling me this?
Akane watched him carefully, surprised by his composure.
"This is a secret," she explained. "One protected by a binding vow. Only the candidates know."
She met his eyes.
"You are now my exception."
Rin remained silent.
"It's an honor," he said finally. "I'm surprised you didn't tell your family."
"They're snakes," Akane replied simply. "This information is safer as leverage."
Rin looked at her.
"That doesn't guarantee trust."
Akane smiled devilishly.
"With you?" she said. "It's worth the gamble."
Rin narrowed his eyes.
"…You're a crazy woman."
Her smile widened.
"Well then," she said gracefully, utterly unfazed, "would you like to hear my terms?"
Rin let out a slow breath once the doors of the receiving room closed behind Akane.
The silence that followed felt heavier than the negotiation itself.
He leaned back slightly in his chair, fingers brushing against the edge of the contract laid neatly on the polished table. Across from him, Harumi was stiff as a board, her small hands gripping the tray she had been holding earlier as if it were a lifeline.
"…This is fine," she finally said, though her voice still carried the faint tremble of someone who had just witnessed two apex predators circle each other.
Rin turned to her.
She puffed her cheeks slightly. "She acted exactly like in the novel description. Calm, calculating, confident… That scary noble smile that makes you feel like she's already three steps ahead."
So basically… this is fine.
That was the conclusion Rin arrived at.
Lady Shinegori Akane adjusted her teacup delicately before placing it down. Even that small action felt measured—refined to perfection. Then she began speaking her terms without hesitation.
"Fifty percent ownership," she stated smoothly. "I will provide the necessary manpower for manufacturing. Not only that, but I will invest in automation to maximize production efficiency and ensure profitability."
Her amethyst eyes met his.
"I will also handle distribution. As you know, my trade networks already span the major territories of the empire."
There was no arrogance in her tone—only fact.
"You will retain the remaining fifty percent ownership," she continued. "In exchange, you will provide the knowledge, experience, tools, and most importantly, lead research and development for future products derived from this technology."
Rin blinked.
That… is a very fair deal.
He expected hidden clauses. Some kind of trap. A subtle imbalance masked under noble wording.
But this was clean.
Perfectly balanced.
He glanced sideways at Harumi. She was trembling, yes—but she wasn't shaking her head. She wasn't glaring at Akane in silent warning. There were no frantic gestures telling him to refuse.
Instead, she simply watched him.
Rin remembered what she told him the night before.
Young master, whatever deal she gives you is your decision… That girl wouldn't suddenly change from being a snob, power-hungry woman willing to sacrifice anything for even a small amount of power.
Which meant—
This offer had purpose.
Rin folded his hands together and leaned slightly forward.
"Lady Akane," he said calmly, "may I ask what you plan to achieve with this specific partnership?"
He held her gaze steadily.
"If you are to become a consort of the crown prince, there are countless nobles and merchant houses you could partner with. Why me specifically?"
Harumi internally gasped.
He poked the tiger.
Akane smiled.
It wasn't offended.
It wasn't irritated.
It was amused.
"Nothing complicated," she replied lightly. "A connection is enough."
She paused deliberately.
Then her eyes gleamed faintly.
"My intuition tells me that having you as a partner will be the most profitable decision I make in my life."
Rin raised an eyebrow.
Intuition?
Or foresight?
Either way, it meant she saw value beyond the current device.
He sighed softly.
"Then allow me to ask something else, Lady Akane. What do you intend to do as a consort of the crown prince?"
That question lingered in the air.
Akane did not hesitate.
"It's simple," she said. "Win."
There was no playful tone now.
"Become empress."
Her fingers rested calmly on the table.
"The highest position of power in the empire is… enticing."
There it was.
Not hidden.
Not sugar-coated.
Harumi felt chills down her spine.
Rin, however, nodded.
"Then let me add a condition."
Akane's eyes sharpened slightly with interest.
"When it comes to battles among the consorts," Rin stated evenly, "I will not take responsibility for assisting you. I will not involve myself in internal political struggles between candidates."
A beat of silence.
Akane considered it.
Then she nodded.
"That is reasonable."
She tilted her head slightly.
"Then you do not mind assisting me if the matter does not involve direct rivalry among consorts?"
Rin held her gaze.
"If it concerns business, technology, or external affairs that do not place me against another consort, I can consider it."
Akane smiled.
"Natural and expected."
The negotiation ended as cleanly as it began.
Rin extended his hand.
"Then I accept."
Akane's smile widened slightly.
"Let us draft a contract."
Without another word, Rin activated his magic.
"Fourth Spell: Infinity Room."
A faint distortion shimmered in the air beside him. A small tear in space opened like a silent doorway, revealing his personal storage dimension. From it, he retrieved parchment and ink.
Akane watched with undisguised curiosity.
"Impressive," she murmured. "Spatial storage magic at your age."
Rin ignored the compliment and began drafting.
The terms were written clearly. Ownership percentages. Responsibilities. Limitations. His condition regarding consort conflicts. Her commitments to distribution and manufacturing.
No ambiguities.
No room for manipulation.
When both were satisfied, they signed.
The contract glowed faintly for a moment—binding through magic.
Just like that—
Their partnership was formed.
Akane rose gracefully.
"Today has been productive," she said. "I look forward to cooperating… Rin."
He paused for half a second at the informality, then nodded.
"In that case… Akane."
Her lips curved slightly.
Progress.
"Allow me to escort you to your carriage."
As they walked side by side through the hallway, she hummed softly.
"What a gentleman."
Rin chose not to respond.
Soon, the carriage departed from the Sumeragi estate.
Silence returned.
Back in the same receiving room, Rin and Harumi sat across from each other once more.
Harumi clutched their copy of the contract and read it over again.
And again.
And again.
Her brows furrowed deeper each time.
Finally, she looked up at Rin with wide eyes.
"How… is this possible?"
Rin tilted his head.
"This is Shinegori Akane we're talking about. The snobby white consort who loves power. And yet… this is a completely fair deal!"
Rin sank back into the couch beside her.
"I'm more surprised you didn't tell me to refuse."
He glanced at her.
"I would have accepted even without novel knowledge. There's no disadvantage."
Harumi scratched her cheek awkwardly.
"Well… actually…"
Rin looked at her.
"It wasn't emphasized in the main story," she admitted. "But you two were originally in a partnership."
"…What?"
"There was a side story," Harumi explained. "It focused on the lives of each consort. It became so popular that it split the fandom."
Rin blinked.
She continued animatedly.
"Miharu was the main heroine. Everyone supported her and hated the consorts for bullying her. But then the author released side chapters showing each consort's past."
Her voice softened slightly.
"They all had their own struggles. Their own wounds. Their reasons for becoming the way they were."
"The fandom went to war," she added dramatically. "Half defended Miharu. Half defended the consorts."
Rin stared at her.
"That's… unexpected."
Harumi nodded vigorously.
"In the original timeline, you and Shinegori Akane formed a business partnership at the academy."
Rin leaned back slowly.
"So because I'm not the original soul of Rin… I accelerated it."
He frowned slightly.
"Will that cause problems?"
Harumi shook her head.
"Not at all! Actually, this is better. Now you can monitor her closely. You have a valid reason to stay connected."
Rin considered that.
A closer connection meant better understanding.
Better understanding meant fewer surprises.
"…I see."
He stood up and stretched lightly.
"Let's clean up. Mother and Father should return soon."
Harumi immediately snapped into action and gave him a cute salute.
"Okay!"
Rin couldn't help but smile faintly.
One partnership with the most dangerous future consort of the empire had just begun.
And somehow—
It felt less like a trap…
And more like the start of something that would reshape the entire empire.
Inside the carriage returning to the Shinegori Dukedom, the young girl with white hair sat alone by the window, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow against her pale features.
In her hands was the contract.
She had already read it ten times.
Now she was reading it for the eleventh.
Her amethyst eyes scanned each clause again, fingers tracing the inked signatures at the bottom — hers and his.
A faint, smug smile curved on her lips.
Successful.
Very successful.
Securing a direct partnership with the future Duke of the Sumeragi Family was no small feat. And she had done it cleanly. No tricks. No hidden poison.
Just boldness.
She leaned back slightly and exhaled in quiet satisfaction.
But the barrier device…
That wasn't the only reason.
Her gaze softened as the carriage wheels rolled steadily over the road.
It was because of him.
Because of a memory.
She had been seven years old.
It was during a grand festival held in the imperial capital of the Hoshimi Empire — a dazzling celebration of trade, culture, and nobility. At that time, she wasn't the infamous "Merchant Queen."
She was just Akane.
A frustrated little noble girl drowning in etiquette manuals and economic ledgers.
The Shinegori Family raised their children harshly. Political precision. Merchant instinct. Perfect posture. Perfect diction. Perfect appearance.
Even beauty had standards.
Meals had standards.
Breathing felt standardized.
Akane hated it.
She hated how every step of her day was dictated.
So when the clan organized a "field trip" to observe trade patterns at the festival, she secretly hoped for freedom — even if just for a few hours.
But Shinegori schedules were strict.
Move here.
Observe this.
Take notes.
Proceed.
And in one fleeting moment of distraction — drawn by colorful lanterns and sweet scents from food stalls — she fell behind.
By the time she realized it, her cousins and attendants were gone.
The crowd swallowed her small figure whole.
Her pride kept her from crying immediately.
But she was seven.
Lost.
In the capital.
She crouched down instinctively, hugging herself, trying to make her body smaller.
Then—
Someone bumped into her.
A tray of festival food tilted dangerously.
Plates slid.
Gravity should have done the rest.
But it didn't.
The dishes froze midair.
Floating.
Suspended as if the world itself had paused.
Akane looked up, stunned.
A young boy stood there, cloaked. Beside him was a guard, clearly tense. The boy moved his hand slowly, experimentally.
The floating plates shifted.
Rearranged themselves neatly.
Returned to the tray as if nothing had happened.
"Hmmm…" the boy murmured thoughtfully. "That was a nice application of isolation. Target an object, isolate it, then layer control spells… I can manipulate objects like that."
He tilted his head slightly.
"Needs practice though. Too slow for combat."
Akane stared.
He was her age.
Maybe a little older.
And—
Handsome.
Even beneath the cloak, she could see the refinement of his features. Then she noticed it — the faint insignia hidden under his cloak.
The crest of the Sumeragi Family.
"Oh?" he said suddenly. "You're from the Shinegori family?"
He had noticed her insignia too.
The stall owner thanked him profusely, but the boy simply waved him off.
"It's fine. Just be careful next time."
Then his attention returned to her.
"You shouldn't crouch like that in public. You'll get stepped on."
He extended a hand.
"Let's find your people. I think I saw a Shinegori group near the accessory stalls."
She hesitated.
Then she took his hand.
Finding her clan wasn't easy. The Shinegori entourage moved with frightening efficiency.
So they walked.
And waited.
And searched.
In the meantime, they wandered the festival.
He bought food when he noticed her staring at it too long.
He spoke casually.
Freely.
Not stiff like the nobles she knew.
"Why don't you act like a noble?" she had asked bluntly.
He shrugged.
"Being a noble doesn't mean I stop being a person."
She frowned. "But people will judge you."
That was what she had been taught.
Nobles must remain above.
Separate.
Perfect.
The boy took a bite of his food and answered calmly:
"If they judge you, then shut them up with results."
She blinked.
He continued.
"People don't argue with someone who delivers results. If you succeed while being yourself, they'll adjust to you."
He looked at her directly.
"Instead of following a standard, why not create your own?"
Those words—
They pierced through her.
They burned.
She held onto them.
Eventually, the Shinegori group found her. She was scolded harshly. Punished later for wandering.
And when she looked back—
The cloaked boy was gone.
But something inside her had changed.
Inside the carriage, Akane closed her eyes briefly.
That day was the beginning.
She stopped blindly following Shinegori standards.
Instead, she bent them.
Adjusted them.
Reshaped them to suit her.
She became disciplined — but on her terms.
She became calculating — but self-directed.
And eventually, she became infamous.
The Merchant Queen.
Of course, it didn't take long to uncover his identity.
There was only one Sumeragi child near her age who had attended that festival.
Only one prodigy rumored to possess overwhelming spatial magic.
Sumeragi Rin.
She had known for years.
And yet—
When they met again recently…
It seemed like he didn't remember.
She grumbled softly, pouting despite herself.
Unfair.
That was the most important day of her life.
The day she decided to stop being caged.
And he—
Didn't even remember.
Still…
She didn't approach him before because she had no excuse.
Rumors of his genius were common. Nobles exaggerated everything.
But when he unveiled the barrier device—
When he gave away the design for free—
That was her opening.
He eliminated shallow opportunists.
Only those who understood its true value would approach him.
And she had.
"Heh… Fortune favors the bold."
She smirked.
Now she had a partnership.
An independent business foundation separate from the Shinegori clan.
And more importantly—
A connection with him.
The condition excluding consort battles?
A brilliant compromise.
She would win the throne herself.
But outside that arena—
She had secured one of the most dangerous minds in the empire.
Akane leaned back against the velvet seat as the sunset painted the horizon crimson.
"Since we are partners now…" she murmured softly.
"I'll use you well, Rin."
A small pause.
"…And perhaps treat you well too."
Her intuition told her something undeniable.
As long as she kept him—
She would never truly lose.
The carriage rolled quietly into Shinegori territory as the last light of day faded.
And with it—
A new alliance began to shape the future of the empire.