Chapter 1

This is the web version.

Please understand that the content and character names may differ from the book version.

For a well-bred young lady, the era in which she is born greatly influences her entire life.

For example, if she is born around the same age as His Majesty the Emperor, she might aim to enter the harem—

The harem, where the consorts of His Majesty, who rules the country of Kōen, live. However, there is not a single consort in the harem at the moment.

The palace, with its vermilion beams and gold and silver decorations, is opulent and resplendent, almost like another world. It resembles a forgotten flower in a corner of the court.

"Lord Rinpu, please, this way."

An elderly lady-in-waiting, dressed in a dignified crimson robe with a black sash, which is the attire of a senior lady-in-waiting permitted to serve the imperial family, opened the glossy black door.

Guided by her, I stepped into the waiting room, my steps heavy because I was not enthusiastic about today's event.

The sky-blue robe, elegant and reminiscent of a celestial maiden, swayed gently with each step, the long sleeves and hem fluttering. It was the most splendid attire of my 17 years.

My long black hair was gathered and tied up high, adorned with gold hairpins and jade beads, a luxurious look befitting a noble presence.

This was fitting, as today's banquet is to select a consort for His Majesty the Emperor of Kōen. It is a grand event to determine the Empress, the pinnacle of women in this country.

My father, the Right Chancellor, recommended me out of ambition to connect with the imperial family.

Over the past two months, my mother and uncle tried to dissuade me multiple times, hoping I would reconsider, but they could not change my father's mind.

Unable to decline and unable to run away, I was bathed in cold water multiple times in an attempt to feign illness, but my health was too good, and I never developed a fever or cough.

I regret my robust health...

Finally, the day has arrived. The bright sunlight makes the trees in the court shine, and the weather is pleasant. I endure the discomfort of the grand welcome from the ladies-in-waiting and officials, forcing a smile as I walk.

In the long, long corridor, I repeatedly told myself in my heart:

It's okay.

Somehow, it will work out.

Unfortunately, without finding a solution, I finally arrived at the waiting room.

The lady-in-waiting who brought me bowed to the male official standing by the door.

"I have brought the princess of the Yan family."

The lattice door opened silently, and I swallowed hard.

"Please come in."

I am to wait here until the selection begins. I thanked him softly and quietly entered.

The scene that greeted me was shocking.

"Hic... hic... I'm scared..."

"Hey, if you cry, you'll get scolded, my father said."

"Can I do it well?"

"Where is the emperor?"

There were four young girls, candidates for the consort, in the room. One was crying, another looked at her with a troubled expression, and the other two were chatting with the ladies-in-waiting.

Seeing my tense face, a senior official who was waiting in the room looked at me with pity.

"We have been waiting for you. Are you Lady Rinpu, 17 years old, the first princess of the Yan family?"

"Yes... That's correct."

I am the only daughter of the Yan family, the genuine article. It's no wonder he looked at me with pity.

The young princesses, upon noticing my presence, all turned to look at me.

"..."

They must think I am a lady-in-waiting. Yeah, I wish I were...

The others are 5 or 6 years old, still not fully understanding why they are gathered here.

Including me, we are the daughters of the five great families, the most powerful after the imperial family in this country. By tradition, the Empress is chosen from the daughters of these five families, regardless of their personal wishes, which is why we are gathered here.

Yes, because of my family background, I am here. A 17-year-old girl, mingling with young girls as a consort candidate...

The current Emperor is 5 years old!

A boy!

A perfect match for these young girls!!

I am 17! A 12-year age difference!

It's absurd for me to be here.

"Please make yourself comfortable until it's time."

The lady-in-waiting who guided me bowed respectfully and left. She won't be staying with me, of course. That makes sense. I am not a young girl.

"..."

Their gazes are painful. I feel uncomfortable in this atmosphere and force a friendly smile.

As the eldest, I cannot show my agitation or sorrow. I straighten my back and resolve to behave in a way that does not disgrace the Yan family.

First, I show respect to the four princesses.

"It is my first pleasure to meet you. I am Rinpu, and I have come from the Yan family for this selection. Please allow me to join your circle."

I clasped my hands in front of my face and smiled, while inwardly resenting my father.

Even if there were no young girls, it's too much to include me!?

Even my cousin, Shizuru (12), sent a letter politely declining...

At today's selection banquet, I will perform the erhu, my forte, in front of a large audience. Shizuru, who is not only bad at the erhu but also at singing and dancing, declined. Even with confidence in my performance, it's ridiculous for a 17-year-old to mingle with young girls.

My father wants me to be a decorative consort and enter the harem, but I am extremely troubled by being involved.

Most importantly, I can't even be a "decorative" consort!?

Ah, I resent you, Father.

While receiving the gazes of the young girls and the ladies-in-waiting, I desperately think about how to get through this.