Chapter Text
The sun cast a golden hue over the bustling courtyard of Kamishiro residence, where servants and courtiers mingled in preparation for the breakfast and other daily duties. Rui sat at the edge of his seat, his eyes scanning the view from his room with practiced detachment, a letter in his hands. He had earned his place among these people not through birthright but through the sharpness of his mind and the precision of his tactics. This morning, his peace was disturbed by a messenger from the capital, a letter from the Emperor.
The Shen Empire in recent years had won multiple battles and one war with the Western kingdom under the sharp orders of the young tactician, only 24 years old, Rui Kamishiro. He held high respect among the court and had very high favors, so much, so that the Emperor provided him not only with the riches but also with his manor which included several houses and gardens. Don’t get him wrong, he was infinitely grateful, but maybe his court was a bit too much just for one person and his parents. However, he should have predicted what the next “gift” would be.
Proposal of marrying a princess. Not a simple one, a foreign one too, and his marriage with her would strengthen their diplomatic bonds. Rui didn’t bother to object or think about it too much as he had already written his response to the palace, accepting the proposal. He looked out the window once again and saw his mother enjoying the gardens.
Rui Kamishiro never experienced true attraction to anyone in his life. The social norms required young men and women to get married by the time they were 20, yet Rui was too busy studying in a university only then to quickly dive head-in working as a tactician. Nowadays, it’s peacetime: there were no big threats at hand right now and Rui’s workload was much lighter than it ever was, so getting married naturally appeared on his to-do list. Yet, he just couldn’t. He met many different ladies, noble and poor ones, nice and rotten ones, however, he never once felt compelled to talk to one the second time or exchange letter address information. He has come to accept that his path lies elsewhere. His heart is bound to his duty, to the well-being of his people. There are many kinds of love, so the fact that his was for his empire wasn’t a bad thing. Plus, he loved his parents dearly, and they both still hope that a right person will come along eventually.
So, this was the perfect outcome for him - an arranged marriage. First, it would increase his status amongst his peers, second, it would benefit the empire’s politics and third, he wouldn’t feel too pressured to perform a perfect husband for a girl he held no feelings for. Perhaps, the only thing he minded, was why a princess was marrying someone below her status, that is a tactician. It’s not like he was born in rags, both of his parents were royal scientists before retiring, but still, his status did not match this princess. Did she know that marrying him would, hypothetically, not be the best outcome for her? Is there some sort of trick in this?
The tactician got up from his seat and went to the door outside. Well, it’s not like he can ask that question right now, so it is no use thinking about it. Might as well inform his parents about his engagement.
The second letter came three nights later. Instead of reading it alone, he read it with his mother, who was delighted more than anyone at the news that her boy would be getting married. She almost cried too, something about him being so grown up now and his dad had to wipe her tears. The emperor was delighted that Rui accepted too and said the Amakakeru emperor was pleased too.
Amakakeru empire wasn’t close, the sea separated them from the Shen empire. The Empire of Amakakeru is a sprawling, majestic land, a realm of lush forests, towering mountains, and serene temples. The capital, Kiyomizu, is a city of intricate wooden architecture, bustling markets, and grand palaces, all under the watchful eye of the imperial family. The imperial family is a mystery to everyone: the only member who is open to the public is the emperor himself, his wife and kids remain a mystery for their own safety. Right now, if he remember correctly, whispers of rebellion began to cultivate there. They’re allies, as the Amakakeru people import various products and export their technologies, so most likely, soon Rui would have to start thinking about sending their troops there. Rui once was offered to go on a work trip there, but he wasn’t able to make it in the end, but it seems the opportunity appeared once again.
“Tsukasa! What a nice name~”, his mother cooed, reading ahead of him as he spaced out yet again.
The princess' name is Tsukasa Tenma. At 24 years old, she shares the same age as her suitor, Rui, and is the eldest daughter of the esteemed Tenma family. The emperor had nothing but praise for his daughter, describing her as a paragon of beauty, kindness, and compassion. She possessed a natural affinity with children and was exceptionally tall, a feature he noted with a hint of pride and perhaps slight amusement. Her talents were amazing: she played the koto and shamisen with extraordinary skill, filling the palace halls with the enchanting melodies of these traditional Amakakeru instruments. Additionally, her proficiency in various handicrafts showcased her dexterity and artistic sensibility. Tsukasa was, by all accounts, an impeccable young woman and an ideal candidate for marriage.
However, despite her many virtues, the scroll conveyed an unexpected and somber note. It revealed the emperor’s deep regret: “Her imperial highness, the princess, is said to have an illness. In the interest of her safety, the exact nature of her condition has not been disclosed to us. I sincerely apologize for not being able to provide this information earlier. If you do not wish to proceed with someone who may be considered 'imperfect,' we can respectfully call off the arrangement.” This poignant disclosure cast a shadow over the seemingly perfect match, introducing an element of uncertainty and concern.
Rui glanced at his mother, who had already skimmed through the letter. Her soft smile, a constant reassurance, urged him to voice his thoughts.
“Is this okay, Mom?” he inquired, setting the letter aside. She blinked at him before breaking into a giggle.
“Why are you asking me? It’s not like I’m marrying this girl,” she chuckled, her arm encircling his shoulder in a warm embrace.
“You just seemed so happy to welcome a ‘daughter’. I want it to be perfect.”, he continues, putting the letter aside and he hears his mom sigh. “I just wish to make you happy, as a sign of gratitude for everything you ever did for me.”
“Ruuuui!! When will you live for yourself!”, she jokingly chastised him, pulling on his cheeks. “I will be happy if you’re happy. Plus, we don’t even know what this ‘illness’ is. Maybe she just… I don’t know, can’t eat vegetables. Then you for sure would hit it off together!”, They both giggle, before she continues.
"My son," she says, "you have achieved so much in your service to the empire, and in greatly proud of you, but have you thought about your own happiness? Im worried for you.”
Rui looked at his mother, surprised by her question. "Mom, my duty to the empire is my foremost concern. The heart matters are… secondary."
She shook her head, a knowing smile on her lips. "A heart without love is like a garden without flowers. You have given so much to the empire, but you must also give some to yourself."
She reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind his ear.
“Give yourself and this girl a chance. You’ll never know if it’s the one until you try. Furthermore, think about yourself first, not if I’m happy or satisfied.”, she said, her voice filled with sincerity, the same one that used to read bed time stories to a little boy all those years ago. The one that told him that the right person will come along one day.
Rui didn’t think long before nodding, more to himself than to his mom.
“Okay, mom”, he smiles wide, picking up the pen again and reaching out for an empty scroll to write his reply. “I love you.”
“That’s better!”, she laughs and ruffles his hair. She gets up from her spot on Rui’s bed and dusts off her dress.
“Let’s drink tea today after dinner with dad, okay? Mom’s orders!”, she smiles playfully and Rui smiles back, nodding with an agreeing sound.
“The apologies are unnecessary, your imperial majesty It does not trouble me in the slightest. We can proceed with the wedding arrangements as planned. Please convey my assurance that I will welcome her imperial highness Tenma and her esteemed family with open arms.”
With a determined resolve, he signed the letter, sealing his commitment to the marriage. Exiting his chamber, he quickly dispatched a messenger to the capital, carrying his message of acceptance and goodwill to the awaiting bride-to-be and her family.