“Excuse me, my lady. Prince Shiro is looking for you.” One of the guards stood by the entrance and called for me. I excused myself and I followed him outside of the isolation area. We made sure to disinfect ourselves before exiting the area, even though the antibiotics are available now, we still can’t risk infecting other people. I followed the guard back to the lab where I saw Prince Shiro was waiting for me. There was another guard next to him and they were talking when I approached them.
“Is everything okay?” I asked Prince Shiro. He nodded but the look on his face was far from okay. He looked like he was upset but at the same time anxious. I looked at the guard he was talking to and he looked anxious as well. Something must’ve happened.
“I called you because we’ve interrogated the woman who tampered with the medicine. She finally confessed ho
“She’s dead, isn’t she?” I asked. Prince Shiro looked at the guard and they both nodded. I sighed. Whoever is behind that sabotage clearly didn’t want to get caught. It was a shame though, they didn’t have to kill the suspect. That made them even more obvious. Prince Shiro and I need to go back to Nanto and finish this once and for all. Empress Yukina has been really good to me and I would hate to drag them in the mess of our Empire. Once I see that the patients’ conditions have been stabilized, then I’ll ask permission from the Empress to go back. “Can you please leave us for now?” I asked the guards. They nodded and bowed before they left. I invited Prince Shiro inside the lab so that I could talk to him about the suspect. There were chairs available in the lab so we sat down and I held his hand. “What’s the situation back in Nanto?” I asked. Pr
“If this was related to the ex-Empress, then we need to return to Nanto and investigate. To be honest, when we caught that woman, I did think that the Empress could’ve sent her to sabotage what you were doing. The look on that woman’s face, she was clearly from the fallen kingdom. The moment I noticed her features, I had already suspected.” Prince Shiro said. That’s why I thought that woman looked familiar. When the Palace was searched and all of the people from the fallen kingdom were discovered, most of the women looked the same as the woman we caught here in Taiyou. If that were really the case then we need to leave as soon as possible. “I need to stay for at least 3 more days to check on the patients as well as to produce more of the medicine. I will also be teaching some reliable scholars on how to recreate the medicine so that they will be able t
The guards came back a few hours later and told me that the Empress will be meeting with me tomorrow morning. He also told me that the Empress would like to know about the progress of the cure. I thanked the guard for relaying the message and he excused himself. It has been half a day already since the antibiotics were administered and I have yet to receive any alarming news so that must mean that it’s effective. The stress from the recent events have finally left my body and now I feel relaxed. I slumped down on the table and I let out a sigh of relief. “I wonder what my father’s reaction would be if he knew that I was coming home.” I said to myself. The thought of seeing the people who care about me brought excitement to my heart. I look forward to coming home to see my father. Now that I hear myself sa
“Is there a problem?” I asked while still trying to keep myself awake. I watched as Prince Shiro placed the tray of food on the table in front of me and he held my face, making me look up at him. I was confused as to why he did that but it’s not like I’m complaining. To be honest, I’m still too sleepy to comprehend what’s happening.“I’m sorry if I woke you up. I just noticed that you never came out of the lab to eat dinner so I decided to bring your food to you.” He said. He let go of my face and I stood up from the chair and did a stretch. It’s gotten so late already? I didn’t realize I had fallen asleep but it’s a good thing that Prince Shiro woke me up. It would’ve been bad if I had slept through dinner. I would’ve woken up so early in the morning and be unable to go back to sleep.
After we ate our dinner, Prince Shiro suggested that we take a walk outside. There was a forest right next to the lab and it led to a small river. He said that the moonlight hitting the water would look magnificent. I gave in and agreed to go on a walk with him.“Back then, when you accepted my brother’s proposal, I felt like my whole world collapsed. I knew I made a mistake and I was eager to fix it but when the whole situation unfolded, I ended up not doing what I wanted. I regret it so much. I could’ve gotten you back sooner but I became a coward.” He admitted. I felt sad that he had to think of it like that. In any case, Prince Shiro wasn’t a coward, he’s far from it. I guess he just needed time to figure out his feelings. I figured out my feelings for him but because I was stubborn, I refused to acknowledge it for a while. It was a good thing that I decided to
“Wow! This place is beautiful.” I said. We sat down on the edge of the river and we continued to talk and admire the beauty of nature. Back in my old life, you could rarely see a sight like this. Most of the cities that I’ve been to had been industrialized so much that you could rarely see the color green anywhere. I’m glad I got the chance to witness something this magnificent. We stayed there for a while until we realized that it was getting really late. Prince Shiro took me back to the lab. He told me that he would be camping outside of the lab to ensure my safety. I told him it was unnecessary but he insisted so I had no choice but to say yes. We said our goodnights and I went inside the lab.When morning arrived, I continued to prepare the antibiotics while patiently waiting for Empress Yukina. We agreed to meet today so that I could discuss the details with her. I was ex
“We’ve administered the medicine yesterday and we’re still doing it until this very moment since the medicine needs to be administered multiple times a day. So far, the doctors haven’t reported anything unusual with the patients and most of them are getting better. There were reports about how the patients were finally able to talk and sit up without needing any help.” I told them. The Emperor listened intently to my words and the Empress just looked at me with a smile on her face.“You’ve done well, young lady. On behalf of this Empire, I would like to sincerely show you my gratitude for helping my citizens.” The Emperor lowered his head at me and the Empress followed. I panicked and I didn’t know what to do. The two ruling leaders of this Empire just bowed their heads to me.“Please, your
We bid our goodbyes to the people of the Taiyou Empire. The Emperor and Empress even came to see us off. I was overwhelmed by the lavish goodbye, it was as if someone important was leaving. I looked over at Prince Shiro and I noticed that he was already looking at me with a warm smile on his face. I couldn’t understand why the people of the Taiyou Empire would see me off like this, I only helped them once. It wasn’t really a big deal. I leaned in close to Prince Shiro and I whispered in his ear.“I don’t deserve to be seen off like this, I feel bad for making them go out of their way like that.” It was true. I wasn’t used to being treated like this. Back in my old life, when we were stationed in a location where there were a lot of injured people, after a long day of saving and treating them, everyone wouldn't even bat an eye. You’ll get an occasional thank y
“Miss, here are the papers that need your signature for the finalization of the Spring Collection that will be featured in our fashion show.” My assistant came into my office and handed me a stack of papers. My name is Nagatsuka Akina, I’m the Founder and CEO of Hanazu Couture. Although my company hasn’t been around for as long as the other famous brands out there, we’ve become a household name in the fashion industry. I’ve worked tirelessly for the last 15 years to make this company what it is today.“Miss, I’ve received a call from...your father.” My assistant reluctantly told me. I had instructed her before that any business with regards to my family, I will not accept. I’ve told her that if anyone called saying they were my immediate family, disregard what they say and blacklist their number so they won’t be able to call again. She
I walked towards the shadow guard who called for me. When I was finally in front of him, he slowly lowered his mask, revealing his face. This was considered taboo for a shadow guard. No one, not even their master should see their faces. That was the only secret they were allowed to keep from their masters. I was surprised when he pulled down his mask."What are you doing?" I asked him frantically. I didn't want him to get into trouble. He shook his head and sat down on the windowsill. He was calm and it didn't seem like he was going to cause trouble. I relaxed my shoulders a bit and I took a step back from him."Why did you do that?" I asked. He was looking down on the floor when I asked that question. He turned his head towards me and shrugged."All this time, I believed that the master that I was serving was a good person. I knew of his story yet I couldn't understand the decision he made." He answered. I wasn't able to recall any memories fr
“Miss, here are the papers that need your signature for the finalization of the Spring Collection that will be featured in our fashion show.” My assistant came into my office and handed me a stack of papers. My name is Nagatsuka Akina, I’m the Founder and CEO of Hanazu Couture. Although my company hasn’t been around for as long as the other famous brands out there, we’ve become a household name in the fashion industry. I’ve worked tirelessly for the last 15 years to make this company what it is today.“Miss, I’ve received a call from...your father.” My assistant reluctantly told me. I had instructed her before that any business with regards to my family, I will not accept. I’ve told her that if anyone called saying they were my immediate family, disregard what they say and blacklist their number so they won’t be able to call again. She
We arrived at the Imperial Palace and all of the guards weren't present outside. This was really unusual since guards were supposed to be stationed all over the Palace to ensure the safety of his Majesty. Whatever is happening must be big for all of these changes to happen. Prince Shiro held my hand as we ran towards the audience chamber of the Palace. There were guards sprawled all over the place, thankfully there was no blood which means the guards are only unconscious and not dead. When we arrived at the audience chamber, I was shocked to see the chancellor, on his knees in front of the Emperor. Imperial guards and Shadow guards were scattered all over the whole room, all of them were unconscious. "Father!" I instinctively called out.
"The Emperor knew of the Empress' schemes however he was unable to stop her. The fight for the throne was a battle that your mother shouldn't have been a part of yet she was killed because of it. The Chancellor was blinded by his grief and anger over the loss of your mother. Ever since then, in his heart, he blamed the Emperor for the death of his wife." The shadow guard finished his story. I couldn't believe what I heard. How could something like this happen to Himawari's family? Is this the price the chancellor had to pay by being so close to the Imperial Family? "But it wasn't because the Emperor didn't do anything for the Chancellor, he was unable to do anything for fear of the people's reaction towards the Imperial Family. He had to keep everything in secret and so the crimes of the Empress were never investigated and she was never found guilty for all the people she killed and all the crimes she committed. Until recently, when you exposed her crimes for the whole
I walked towards the shadow guard who called for me. When I was finally in front of him, he slowly lowered his mask, revealing his face. This was considered taboo for a shadow guard. No one, not even their master should see their faces. That was the only secret they were allowed to keep from their masters. I was surprised when he pulled down his mask. "What are you doing?" I asked him frantically. I didn't want him to get into trouble. He shook his head and sat down on the windowsill. He was calm and it didn't seem like he was going to cause trouble. I relaxed my shoulders a bit and I took a step back from him. "Why did you do that?" I asked. He was looking down on the floor when I asked that question. He turned his head towards me and shrugged. "All this time, I believed that the master that I was serving was a good person. I knew of his story yet I couldn't understand the decision he made." He answered. I wasn't able to recall any memories
I didn't know how long I was trapped in my room but it felt like forever. The shadow guards would put water and food down by my door during meal time. I tried talking to them but they were silent as usual. The maids never came around to my room either. Even Mei, who would usually be with me, never came to visit. Did father do something to her? DId she leave or is she just following my father's orders? Either way, I really have to get out of here. All my windows had shadow guards under them. I couldn't even try to escape through them. There was no other way for me to contact the outside world. I was locked up and trapped inside my room. It's been a few days and maybe Prince Shiro will figure something out. Unless my father talked to him about my whereabouts, he would surely try to look for me. "Hima..." I heard father's voice on the other side of the door. I walked closer hoping to hear what he had to say. "I hope you're not putting your fait
I was in front of the door to my father's office. My heart was pounding in my chest and I was unsure of whether or not I should confront him directly or investigate further before I jump to conclusions. I trust my father but it was just too suspicious of him to be in contact with the First Prince all this time. My gut is telling me that I should get to the bottom of it. After all, I know he wouldn't hurt me. If he really wanted to hurt me, he could've done so long ago. I took a deep breath before I knocked on my father's door. I slid it open when I heard his voice calling for me. He was standing by his desk, a cup of tea in his hand. He was looking out the window when I came in. He turned his head towards me and smiled. When I saw my father like that, I felt guilty for concluding that he was a bad guy when I haven't even heard of his side yet. Maybe it was all just my own misunderstanding. "You called for me, father?" I asked. He nodded and pointed towards the
I had to know more. I had to be sure that my father was innocent and that he wasn't involved in any way. There was an unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach and I didn't like it. I didn't know how to go about with my day knowing that my father could be an accomplice. But I couldn't understand anything. If it was true, why would he do that? Why would he work with the first prince to kill the Emperor? If I was right that the First Prince was the one behind the assassination attempt on me and Prince Shiro, that wouldn't make any sense. He's my father, he wouldn't do anything to hurt me. "Miss? Are you still awake?" Mei knocked on my door. I quickly composed myself as to not seem too suspicious. I told her that I was still awake and she slowly opened the door and peeked her head through. "The master is calling for you." She said. I felt my heart drop to my stomach. This is such a coincidence. My father calling me right when I was being suspicious of him.