The auction had already begun in full swing by the time the three of them were properly seated.
Voices rose and fell in measured tones. A polished hammer struck wood at steady intervals. Assistants carried velvet cushions displaying artifacts beneath carefully angled crystal lamps.
The Grand Viremont Auction House was alive with restrained greed.
Rin leaned back slightly in his seat, watching.
He wasn't impressed.
A jeweled dagger enchanted with minor fire affinity.A relic compass said to point toward concentrated mana veins.An antique ceremonial armor set from a fallen border duchy.
Interesting.
Not valuable.
Not to him.
Akane, seated with effortless elegance, noticed.
"You do not seem interested," she murmured without looking at him.
Rin kept his gaze forward. "Nothing here is particularly useful to me."
That was the truth.
He was not a collector of status pieces. His techniques made most defensive artifacts redundant. Weapons? He preferred his own magic.
Akane smiled faintly.
Then she lifted her paddle.
"Twenty gold."
The bid cut smoothly through the room.
Rin blinked.
The item in question was a carved jade relic—an ancient seal ring rumored to enhance negotiation presence through subtle mana influence. Decorative. Political. Psychological.
Useful… but not essential.
The auctioneer struck the hammer.
"Sold."
Rin sighed. "Lady Akane, I worry you may overspend."
She smirked.
"I have plenty."
Then, without hiding it, she tilted her chin slightly toward the right side of the hall.
Rin followed her gaze.
A man with features similar to hers—sharp eyes, pale complexion, refined attire—was visibly irritated.
Ah.
Akane leaned closer and whispered, "My second older half-brother. From the main family."
Her smile sharpened.
"He exceeded his budget already. I merely ensured he left empty-handed."
Rin closed his eyes briefly.
Of course.
It wasn't about the ring.
It was about humiliation.
Akane's resentment toward her relatives was not subtle. Every auctioned loss on their end was a small victory for her.
She had clawed her way upward from nothing. Every stumble they experienced was repayment.
"Do not overdo it," Rin said quietly.
She glanced at him.
For a moment—just a flicker—she softened.
Then she straightened. "I know my limits."
Across from them, Rei watched.
Watched how Rin did not scold harshly.
Watched how Akane listened despite her smug tone.
Watched how their exchanges were easy.
Comfortable.
Too comfortable.
Rin tolerated Akane's provocations with patience. Akane treated Rin with respect despite her teasing.
That dynamic spoke of closeness built over time.
Business partners, yes.
But the trust between them was undeniable.
Akane shifted slightly, angling herself just enough that Rin could not see her face.
She met Rei's eyes.
And smiled.
It was not the charming social smile.
It was calculated.
You think you can barge into our partnership?
Look carefully.
This is how well we work together.
And don't misunderstand — this is business. My ambitions lie elsewhere.
Rei understood perfectly.
Her own lips curved upward.
Is that so?
Be careful.
If he ever sees that calculating side of yours too clearly…
He may step away on his own.
For a split second, the air between them felt charged.
Invisible sparks.
Rin, meanwhile, was staring at a mana-infused tapestry being paraded across the stage.
He sensed tension.
But as usual, he decided ignorance was bliss.
The auction continued.
Akane won several more items—some genuinely valuable investments, others clearly purchased to sabotage specific Shinegori bidders.
Each time her half-brother's expression darkened, her satisfaction increased.
Rei did not bid recklessly. When she participated, it was for practical acquisitions—logistics contracts, military-grade enchantments, clean trade rights.
Measured.
Disciplined.
Rin did not lift his paddle once.
Occasionally Akane leaned toward him.
"What do you think of this one?"
"It has potential if modified."
"That relic?"
"Overpriced."
"And this?"
"Useful in border territories."
Their exchanges were short but efficient.
Rei observed closely.
They spoke in shorthand.
That meant familiarity.
Eventually, the auction session concluded.
Akane rose smoothly. "Shall we proceed?"
Rei stood as well. "Of course."
Rin followed, hands loosely behind his back.
The next destination was the festival's main performance hall.
Today was the highlight day — orchestral ensembles, cultural dance troupes, illusion-based stage spectacles enhanced by mana projection arrays.
The hall itself was grand, shaped like a crescent amphitheater with layered balconies.
Akane had reserved one of the best private viewing rooms.
Of course she had.
Being Shinegori meant access.
Inside the room were four chairs.
Large. Cushioned. Positioned for optimal view of the stage below.
Three were arranged in a gentle arc.
The fourth slightly behind.
Akane walked in first and sat on the far left.
Rei entered and chose the far right.
And then—
They both looked at Rin.
"Please," Akane gestured to the seat beside her.
"At my side would be preferable," Rei added smoothly.
Rin froze.
He looked at the three forward-facing chairs.
Then at them.
Then back at the chairs.
This… was not complicated.
It was just seating.
Why did it feel like a battlefield?
The two consorts' gazes met over him.
A silent conversation erupted.
Back off.
No, you.
He is my guest.
He is a Sumeragi.
Rin considered simply sitting in the rear chair.
That might end this.
But—
That would look like avoidance.
And nobles noticed avoidance.
Silence stretched.
The stage performance began below—music rising, dancers stepping into formation.
Up here?
War.
Finally, Rin exhaled.
Without a word, he extended a hand subtly.
A ripple of spatial force pulsed outward.
Soft.
Controlled.
The two front chairs beside Akane and Rei shifted slightly.
The rear chair slid forward.
He adjusted them evenly—equal distance between all three.
A perfect triangle.
Then he sat in the center position.
Equal space to both sides.
Neither closer.
Neither farther.
Balanced.
Akane blinked.
Rei stared.
They had both assumed he relied on attendants for minor adjustments like furniture placement.
But he had simply… done it.
Effortlessly.
Rei was the first to recover.
"…Ingenious compromise."
Akane folded her arms but did not object.
It was fair.
Annoyingly fair.
Both consorts relaxed slightly.
The performance continued below—an illusion-enhanced retelling of an ancient imperial legend. Mana lights danced across the stage. Orchestral crescendos filled the hall.
Rin focused on the show.
Akane, however, was thinking.
He did not choose her.
He did not choose Rei.
He chose neutrality.
That was… irritating.
Yet also impressive.
Rei's thoughts mirrored her own.
He refused to be positioned as territory.
That independence made him more dangerous.
And more valuable.
The music swelled dramatically.
Below, the illusion of a phoenix burst into golden light.
Inside the private room, tension simmered beneath calm expressions.
Rin leaned slightly back, genuinely enjoying the performance.
To his left, Akane rested her chin lightly against her hand.
To his right, Rei folded her hands neatly over her lap.
Both were calculating.
Both were adapting.
And Rin—
Rin had unknowingly turned a simple seating arrangement into a declaration.
He would not be claimed.
Not by Shinegori ambition.
Not by Takigawa righteousness.
The performance continued.
But the real show was unfolding quietly in that private room.
And neither consort intended to lose.
The performance ended in a flourish of golden light and applause.
Rin had hoped that would be the climax of the day.
He was wrong.
The tour continued—this time through the inner noble district of the festival grounds, where only high-ranking families were permitted entry. Silk canopies stretched overhead to soften the sunlight. The stalls here were not shouting vendors but polished exhibition tables displaying rare goods under crystal cases.
Artifacts. Fine weaponry. Luxury cuisine. Commissioned art.
And in the center of it all—
Sumeragi Rin walked between Shinegori Akane and Takigawa Rei.
Like a diplomatic buffer.
Or perhaps a sacrificial offering.
First Skirmish: Sweets
They paused at a confectionery stall displaying imported candied fruits glazed in honeyed mana syrup.
Akane lifted one delicately. "These are made using western coastal nectar. Rare this far inland."
Rei examined another tray. "Too sweet. Excessive indulgence dulls discipline."
Akane smiled sweetly. "Oh? Is that why Takigawa cuisine is so painfully bland?"
Rei's brow twitched. "It is refined."
"It is tasteless."
Rin inhaled slowly.
Why.
Rei picked up a skewer. "Sir Rin, you prefer balanced flavors, do you not?"
Akane tilted her head. "He has always appreciated richness when appropriate."
Rin stared at the candied fruit in his hand.
Why am I being interrogated over sugar?
He cleared his throat. "Both have merit."
Silence.
Two pairs of eyes locked onto him.
"How so?" Rei asked.
Rin mentally screamed.
Why am I explaining dessert philosophy?
"Lady Rei's approach emphasizes moderation and health. Lady Akane's preference highlights celebration and cultural depth. It depends on the occasion."
Akane narrowed her eyes slightly.
Rei studied him.
"…Fair," Rei conceded.
Akane hummed. "For now."
Crisis avoided.
Rin took a bite of the fruit purely out of stress.
Second Skirmish: Left or Right
They reached a fork in the noble pathway.
To the left: an exhibition of swords, bows, and military-grade enchantments.
To the right: ancient artifacts, paintings, and relic displays.
Rei gestured left. "I would like to inspect the new composite bow designs from the northern forges."
Akane gestured right. "The artifact wing features pre-imperial mana constructs. Far more intellectually stimulating."
Both turned to Rin.
He looked left.
He looked right.
He looked up at the sky.
Heavens. If you are listening. Why.
Akane smiled calmly. "Artifacts hold lasting value."
Rei crossed her arms lightly. "Weaponry protects that value."
This is not a war council, Rin thought desperately.
He exhaled. "We will do both."
They blinked.
"We split time equally," he continued. "Half an hour at the weapons exhibition. Half at the artifact wing."
Akane considered.
Rei considered.
Neither could argue with fairness.
"…Acceptable," Rei said.
"For now," Akane echoed.
Rin almost sagged in relief.
I am not even the crown prince. Why am I mediating policy decisions?
Third Skirmish: Public Opinion
Word had spread.
By midday, nobles openly pretended to browse while clearly observing the trio.
Whispers followed them like a breeze.
"The White Consort seems closer to him."
"No, the Vermillion Consort carries herself better."
"Is the Sumeragi heir choosing sides?"
"Perhaps this signals future faction alignment."
Rin's eye twitched.
Why is this my responsibility?
A group of younger nobles bowed as they passed.
One of them, bold or foolish, spoke aloud, "Sir Rin, between the White and Vermillion Consorts, whose approach do you find more suitable for the Empire?"
Akane stopped walking.
Rei stopped walking.
The air turned glacial.
They both looked at him.
Both thinking the same thing:
It should be me.
Rin closed his eyes briefly.
I just wanted to observe a festival.
He opened them calmly.
"I am not the Crown Prince," he said evenly.
The nobles stiffened.
"My opinion does not determine imperial preference."
Akane's gaze sharpened.
Rei's posture straightened.
Rin continued, voice steady.
"Lady Akane excels in economic strategy and decisive execution. Her foresight in resource allocation strengthens stability."
Akane blinked faintly.
"Lady Rei embodies moral governance and disciplined reform. Her commitment to ethical order preserves trust."
Rei's expression softened slightly.
"The Crown Prince's choice will depend on the direction he wishes the Empire to take. It is not for me to decide."
Silence lingered.
Then—
The observing nobles bowed deeply.
"Well spoken."
They dispersed.
Akane and Rei remained quiet.
Rin resumed walking.
Please do not restart.
Fourth Skirmish: Tea Selection
At a refined beverage stall, the owner presented two premium blends.
Akane selected a spiced imperial blend.
Rei chose a clean mountain herb infusion.
"Spice invigorates negotiation," Akane commented lightly.
"Clarity sustains long-term leadership," Rei replied.
Rin stared at the cups placed before him.
Why is everything symbolic.
Akane leaned slightly closer. "Which would you prefer?"
Rei added smoothly, "Your honest taste."
Rin felt exhaustion creep into his bones.
I am not the Crown Prince.
He took both cups.
He sipped each thoughtfully.
"Both are excellent."
The two consorts narrowed their eyes.
Rin continued calmly, "One energizes. One steadies. Leadership requires both qualities."
Rei studied him.
Akane watched closely.
He met neither gaze, simply enjoying the tea.
Finally, Rei gave a small nod.
Akane exhaled softly.
Another stalemate.
Rin's Silent Lament
As they resumed strolling, Rin drifted slightly ahead for a moment.
Why are they like this?
Does the Crown Prince wake up every day to this?
He imagined a future scene:
The Crown Prince seated between them at a banquet.
Akane smiling sweetly while calculating five political maneuvers.
Rei speaking about ethical governance with piercing conviction.
Both subtly competing.
Rin shuddered internally.
I am so glad I am not the Crown Prince.
Then he paused.
Wait.
He was still the Sumeragi heir.
Which meant—
He would always be involved.
He sighed quietly.
A Sumeragi must maintain balance.
It was expected of him.
If two pillar houses clashed publicly and he failed to mediate, it would reflect weakness.
So he endured.
Fifth Skirmish: A Decorative Hairpin
They stopped at a jewelry stall featuring ceremonial hair ornaments.
Akane picked up a white-gold piece adorned with moonstone.
Rei examined a crimson-accented comb inlaid with subtle phoenix motifs.
The stall owner froze as both consorts held their selections simultaneously.
Akane smiled. "Elegant restraint suits those who operate in shadow."
Rei responded evenly, "Visible strength inspires confidence."
Rin stared at the display.
It is a hairpin.
"Sir Rin," Akane began.
"Which would you recommend?" Rei finished.
Rin inhaled slowly.
He turned to the stall owner instead.
"Which piece required more craftsmanship?"
The owner blinked, startled.
"The crimson comb required layered mana threading, Sir."
Rin nodded. "Then it should be valued for its complexity."
He turned to Akane. "The moonstone hairpin emphasizes subtle radiance."
Both consorts processed his response.
He had not chosen.
He had highlighted strengths.
Again.
Rei purchased the crimson comb.
Akane bought the moonstone pin.
Neither lost.
Rin survived.
Temporary Ceasefire
As the sun began lowering, casting warm gold across the noble district, the tension gradually dulled.
The two consorts walked slightly behind Rin now.
Quiet.
Reflective.
They had both attempted subtle dominance.
Neither succeeded.
He had refused to lean.
Akane glanced at Rei.
Rei met her gaze.
No words.
But mutual acknowledgment.
He was not easily swayed.
That made him frustrating.
And impressive.
Rin, unaware of their synchronized thoughts, stretched his shoulders lightly.
Please let the day end peacefully.
He looked at the sky again.
Your Highness, he thought toward the distant palace, may the heavens grant you patience. Because if this is what a casual festival looks like… your future is terrifying.
He almost laughed.
But beneath the humor was sincerity.
He truly hoped the Crown Prince possessed the fortitude to handle two forces of nature like these.
As for himself?
He had survived the day.
Barely.
And as they continued strolling under the fading light, Rin silently accepted one truth:
This would not be the last time he stood between ambition and righteousness.
Because that was what a Sumeragi did.
Prevent collapse.
Maintain balance.
Even when the battlefield was nothing more than sweets, swords, and seating arrangements.
And somewhere deep inside, both consorts understood—
He was not someone to claim.
He was someone to contend with.
The cold war did not end.
But it evolved.
And for today—
No open battle had broken out.
For Rin, that was victory enough.
Dusk had begun to settle over the noble district by the time the three of them started the walk back.
The festival that had once roared with energy now hummed with a calmer rhythm. Lanterns were being lit one by one along the streets, casting warm orange light over the paved stone roads. Carriages passed at a slower pace, and distant laughter from taverns and evening performances drifted through the air.
Between the rows of elegant estates walked three figures who had unintentionally become the subject of half the festival's gossip that day.
At the center was Sumeragi Rin.
To his left walked Shinegori Akane, the White Consort.
To his right walked Takigawa Rei, the Vermillion Consort.
For once, no arguments were happening.
Perhaps they were simply tired.
Or perhaps the calm before another storm was approaching.
The Mansion Gates
Akane's mansion soon came into view.
Unlike the grand estates of the central Shinegori clan, her residence was slightly smaller but far more refined. The architecture leaned toward elegant minimalism rather than overwhelming luxury. White stone walls reflected the lanternlight softly, and a wide courtyard separated the main gate from the residence hall.
But tonight—
Something was different.
The moment Akane stepped through the open gates, she stopped.
Rin nearly bumped into her.
"…Lady Akane?" he asked.
Her eyes had narrowed.
Inside the courtyard stood several carriages bearing familiar crests.
More importantly—
People.
A group of nobles were waiting near the entrance hall, speaking quietly among themselves as if they owned the place.
Akane slowly exhaled.
"…I see."
Her tone had turned noticeably colder.
Rin followed her gaze and noticed the emblems embroidered onto their sleeves.
They resembled the Shinegori crest.
But not exactly the same.
Before he could ask—
Akane turned slightly toward him and Rei.
"There appear to be quite a number of uninvited guests today."
Her voice was calm.
But her eyes slid briefly toward Rei.
The implication was not subtle.
You were one of them.
Rei, however, only smiled politely.
"I will assume I am the exception."
Akane gave a thin smile.
"Indeed."
Then she began walking again, her steps measured and composed as she entered her own mansion courtyard.
Rin quietly followed.
Rei joined beside him.
Who Are They?
Rei studied the nobles waiting ahead with interest.
"They bear the Shinegori crest," she said quietly, "but it differs slightly from yours."
Akane scoffed softly.
"They are from the main family."
Her tone carried no affection whatsoever.
"They are probably here to speak with me about the consort matter."
Rei tilted her head.
"You have not met them?"
Akane answered bluntly.
"I have not given them even a moment of my time since the announcement."
Rin blinked.
"…It has already been a month," he pointed out carefully.
Akane shrugged as if that fact meant nothing.
"Why should I give them anything?"
She turned her head slightly toward him, her lips curling faintly.
"I earned the title of White Consort on my own."
Her voice carried quiet pride.
"And now they wish to suddenly behave like relatives."
Rin sighed quietly.
He could not argue with that logic.
Still…
"Even so," he said gently, "they are your family."
Akane looked away, crossing her arms.
"Family."
She said the word like it tasted unpleasant.
But Rin did not press further.
This is her fight, he thought.
Not mine.
However—
He had spent enough time with Akane to understand one thing.
She might be ruthless with her enemies…
…but she rarely allowed people close to her.
Which meant if she allowed Rin to stand beside her, then—
He would stand beside her.
"At the very least," Rin said calmly, "I will support you as your business partner."
Akane froze slightly.
She did not look at him.
But a faint color touched her ears.
"…You say that too easily."
Rin only shrugged.
"I trust my judgment."
Akane clicked her tongue quietly and looked forward again.
"…Idiot."
But her voice was noticeably softer.
Sending Rei Away
They reached the mansion entrance.
Akane stopped and turned toward Rei.
Her expression returned to polite composure.
"Lady Rei, you should return for today."
She gestured toward the courtyard.
"My household has become rather… busy."
Then she added casually,
"Sir Rin, however, is my guest. I will of course accommodate him inside."
The meaning was obvious.
You may leave.
Rei did not answer immediately.
Her eyes briefly moved between Akane and Rin.
Earlier that day, she had been wary.
She feared that the Sumeragi heir might be drifting toward the Shinegori faction.
But after observing Rin the entire day…
She realized something important.
He had not sided with Akane.
Not once.
Every decision he made was balanced.
Every response was neutral.
He had acted like a mediator.
A stabilizer.
That realization eased some of her concern.
Still—
Now there were additional Shinegori nobles inside this mansion.
And the tension surrounding Akane had become obvious.
Is something happening here?
Rei thought carefully.
If the Shinegori main family was involved…
This situation might not remain a simple family conversation.
And if Rin was present—
He might be pulled into something unnecessarily.
She turned slightly toward her attendants.
"You may return ahead of me."
They immediately bowed.
"My Lady?"
"I will remain here for a short while."
"How long?"
"Perhaps two hours."
The attendants hesitated.
But none questioned her decision.
"As you command, Lady Rei."
They bowed again before departing with the Takigawa carriage.
Rin watched them go with mild surprise.
They didn't even argue.
Those attendants trust her completely.
Akane also noticed.
Her brow twitched slightly.
"…Lady Rei is quite clingy today."
Rei smiled.
"I simply wish to ensure a pleasant evening."
Akane folded her arms.
"Wouldn't the Crown Prince be disgusted if a woman clung so much to other people's problems?"
Rei's smile remained warm.
"Perhaps you should try being nicer to people."
Akane's eye twitched.
Rin closed his eyes briefly.
Why.
Why are they like this.
Inside his mind he screamed toward the heavens again.
I survived the festival.
Why is there another round?
But outwardly he remained calm.
Entering the Mansion
Akane finally exhaled sharply.
"…Fine."
She turned toward the mansion doors.
"If Lady Rei insists on being involved, then so be it."
The large wooden doors opened as servants bowed.
"Welcome back, Lady Akane."
Akane walked forward without slowing.
Rin followed behind her.
Rei walked beside him.
The interior of the mansion was elegant yet understated. Polished wooden floors reflected the lanternlight, and delicate scroll paintings decorated the walls. The scent of incense lingered faintly in the air.
But the peaceful atmosphere did little to mask the tension waiting ahead.
Voices could already be heard from the reception hall.
The Shinegori nobles had clearly made themselves comfortable.
Akane stopped briefly at the hallway entrance.
Her posture straightened.
Her expression cooled completely.
In that moment, the playful and smug girl from the festival disappeared.
What remained was the White Consort.
A woman who had climbed to one of the highest positions in the empire entirely on her own.
She glanced back briefly.
Rin stood calmly behind her.
Rei observed quietly beside him.
Akane sighed.
"…What an exhausting day."
Then she muttered under her breath,
"And now I must deal with those people."
Rin gave a small helpless smile.
Rei simply watched with interest.
And together—
The three of them stepped forward into the reception hall.
Where the Shinegori main family was waiting.