Arc 1: Kumoshima Aijin Extra 3
1037 Words
CHAPTER 25
Prince Yoshimura raised an eyebrow. "Lady Aijin, that is indeed a good suggestion. It will not take one less of our manpower to oversee things, however, what power do you hold on to do this? Even as the daughter of the Minister of the Right, you didn't have the power over anyone here."
Aijin's head jerked up. The Second Prince held a mocking expression on his face.
She wanted to hit him, but Aijin composed herself and smiled. "If I'm not mistaken, His Highness offered this subject the honor to be his wife last night."
Aijin heard quiet gasps around her. She didn't dare look at her Uncle Yukiya.
Chunan, whose head was lowered and didn't utter a single word all this time stood up.
"Lady Aijin, you don't need to do this!"
She stood up and smiled at these two brothers. "It has nothing to do with this. I already decided this the night before."
It was not a lie.
Last night, when the Second Prince didn't force himself on her. She considered things through.
When she was taken as the daughter of the Fujiwara Clan, her fate was sealed.
Whether she became a part of the King's harem, a wife of her real father's ally or a gift to anyone as long as it will help their clan become stronger. As long as her real father decides any of this, it will be her fate. Love is out of the question.
To be the Second Prince's wife, whom she held a bit of affection for and owe her life to, was a much better choice than to spend her life with someone she didn't even know.
Kazuyuki's face flashed in her mind. Aijin smiled bitterly. She was sure he was already aware of her situation right now.
Aijin wanted to see him one last time and inform him of her decision.
She ignored the prickling pain inside her chest.
"Aijin."
Snapping out of her thoughts, she looked at Prince Yoshimura, only to be surprised with the concerned look on his face.
The Second Prince raised his hand, "By the authority the King granted me upon dealing with this issue on behalf of him, this agreement, including what the Lady Aijin stated, will bear the Chrysanthemum Seal."
Everyone bowed in respect and chanted, "Long Live, Your Highness!"
Prince Yoshimura gestured for Aijin to come beside him.
Upon reaching his side, he commanded.
"Tonight, we will hold a Royal Engagement. His Highness, The King already blessed this choice so there will be no problem. With this, you will have the power you wish to oversee their safety."
After the two copies of the scroll of agreement were checked and sealed, Prince Yoshimura quickly pulled Aijin to his chamber.
Aijin prepared herself, but unlike the other night, he didn't try to make his way on her.
He ordered all his attendants to leave them alone inside his palace.
She felt somehow bad because the weather was cold and they had to wait outside the palace hall.
"Why did you pretend not to know them?"
She wasn't surprised that he noticed. "Your Highness, it won't go well if everyone knows. But that kid spilled it anyway." She smiled, "You are no better, Your Highness. Why do you need to pretend to be mean, petty and arrogant?"
Prince Yoshimura sighed, his haughty appearance gone. "I can't sign an alliance with a child without seeing his potential as a ruler. If he can't handle that situation, then it was better for another royalty to take over their Kingdom."
"Are you satisfied with the result?"
"More than satisfied."
"His Highness is a benevolent person."
Prince Yoshimura looked at her, "Lady Aijin, you don't need to use yourself for that deal. Yes, I want you. But it doesn't mean I would do something to force you on this."
"That's the opposite of what you did last night."
"I apologize, that was an act. I had to… know what kind of person you are."
Aijin looked at him, understanding in her eyes.
"I didn't expect either, Your Highness, that I would see your true nature earlier."
"I hope Lady Aijin will keep this secret to herself. I had to keep that image. There are many dangers lurking around the palace. I had to keep this mask to reveal them one by one."
"This subject understands."
"You better go. I'll see you later."
She found the lady attendant waiting for her outside the Prince's Palace.
"Madam, The Crown Prince left you a letter."
"Where did they go?"
"I was told they were heading back after the engagement tonight."
She nodded, "Thank you."
As they return to her chamber, Aijin opened the letter.
"Lady Aijin, I was told by a friend that I should not forget the people who pledged their loyalty to me, protected me, and believed in me. That my duty is to protect them in return when I gain enough power. Also, remember the people who formed a bond with me. Whether they are simple civilians or someone who holds power.
Lady Aijin, I will never forget the kindness you and every person who helped us from the moment we arrived in this Kingdom. My brother and I consider this our second home.
I vow to protect this trust you gave us.
This young Prince will be forever in your debt. I wish for your happiness."
Tears trickled down Aijin's cheek. Nothing dramatic about the letter but her heart still ached. She doesn't know if she will regret this decision in the future. But she was happy if she could save these innocent people's lives.
[System Notice: Fragment Memory Quest obtained.
Status: 90% Completed
Source: Crown Prince Huaixian
Note: Once the contract with the vessel has been fulfilled, the mission will be completed and the return function will be accessible.]
The notification alerted Nephrite past midnight. However, his tired heart, body and mind made him unable to notice the system. He didn't had a good rest after he was kidn*pped. Aside from that, after the staff practice, the accidental body contact with Kazuyuki made his heart confused. His worry regarding Kazuyuki and his feelings made him connect to Aijin subconsciously.
- Writer
