04 - SCARLET NIGHT : THE SECRET KINGDOM

As Princess Hana and Knight Kazuki neared the exit of Arashihara, the sounds of the festival grew quieter with each step, replaced by the soft crunch of gravel beneath their boots.

The flickering lanterns that had illuminated their path now seemed distant, their glow barely touching the edges of the night.

Hana's mind was still racing, her heart caught in the tension of the day. She couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted in the air—like the entire city was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. The princes, especially Satoru, had noticed her. And Ryuu...

There was something about him that unsettled her, his eyes lingering on her longer than necessary, his words weighing heavily on her thoughts.

Kazuki walked beside her, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings as they neared the gates. Though he had maintained his usual stoic demeanor, there was a subtle tension in his posture, an unspoken worry.

"Princess, you need to be careful," Kazuki said, his voice low but firm. "We've gotten away from them for now, but they won't stop looking for you."

Hana nodded, though her thoughts were far from the safety Kazuki seemed to be focused on. "I know," she replied softly. "But there's something about this place, Kazuki. I can't explain it, but it feels like the reason I'm here is more than just the festival."

Kazuki glanced at her, his brows furrowing slightly. "What do you mean?"

She hesitated, her hand brushing against the gate's wooden frame, as if it held the answers she sought. "I don't know... But I feel like someone's watching me. As if this festival is a distraction, a front for something more... something dangerous."

Kazuki's eyes narrowed. "Dangerous? What are you talking about?"

Hana's gaze met his, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't shake the feeling that the princes know something we don't. That they're not just concerned with the festival. They might be looking for something else... or someone."

Kazuki stopped walking for a moment, his sharp gaze sweeping the empty streets behind them. He knew she was right. The princes' interest in her had not been mere curiosity. There was an undercurrent to it that was difficult to ignore.

"We need to leave now, Princess," Kazuki said, his voice urgent. "Before they realize you're missing. We can't take any more chances."

Hana nodded, but as they reached the gates, her gaze lingered on the distant horizon, where the lights of the festival still flickered like stars in the night sky. Something was pulling her back, but she knew there was no time for second thoughts.

With one last glance, she turned toward Kazuki, who was already guiding her through the narrow alley that led out of the city. As they made their way toward the safety of the wilderness, Hana couldn't help but feel the weight of the choices ahead of her.

The future was uncertain, and the mystery of why she had truly come to Arashihara still lingered, unanswered.

For now, all she could do was keep moving forward, away from the princes, away from the festival, and toward whatever awaited her in the shadows.

As they slipped through the shadows of the narrow path leading out of Arashihara, the tension between Princess Hana and Kazuki grew thick.

The silence between them was filled with unspoken concerns, the weight of the day pressing heavily on their minds. Hana clutched her cloak tightly around her, the cool night air biting at her skin.

Once they were far enough from the bustling streets and the glow of the festival, Kazuki finally broke the silence.

"Princess," he began, his voice steady but tinged with frustration, "I understand your curiosity about the Arashihara Kingdom, but this was reckless. You've put yourself in danger—more than you realize."

Hana sighed, her steps faltering for a moment. "I know, Kazuki. But I couldn't just stay behind. I had to see it for myself, to experience the festival, to understand why Father is so wary of this place. And..." Her voice trailed off, uncertainty creeping in.

Kazuki glanced at her, his sharp eyes softening slightly. "And what?"

She hesitated, her gaze fixed on the ground. "And... I felt like I was meant to come here. Like something is pulling me toward Arashihara, toward its people—toward the princes. I don't know how to explain it, but I can't ignore this feeling."

Kazuki frowned, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his sword. "Feelings can be deceiving, Princess. What if this is exactly what they want? What if this is a trap?"

Hana shook her head. "I don't think it is. The princes—at least some of them—seemed curious, not hostile. They could have forced me to leave, but they didn't. Even their youngest, Ryuu, seemed... kind."

Kazuki stopped walking, turning to face her. "Kindness can be a façade, Princess. Don't let your guard down. Your safety is my priority, and I can't protect you if you keep running into danger like this."

Hana met his gaze, her expression determined. "I understand, Kazuki. But I need to know the truth. There's something more to this rivalry between Kagayaku and Arashihara, and I intend to find out what it is."

Kazuki sighed, his frustration giving way to reluctant acceptance. "Then promise me this: no more reckless decisions. If you're going to investigate, you do it carefully and with my guidance. Understood?"

Hana nodded. "Understood. Thank you, Kazuki."

As they continued their journey back toward the border, Hana's thoughts were a whirlwind. The festival, the princes, the mysterious connection she felt to Arashihara—it was all too much to unravel at once.

But one thing was certain: her visit to Arashihara had set something in motion, and there was no turning back now.

Back at the Arashihara castle, the seven princes gathered in the grand hall, the air tense with unspoken questions. Satoru stood at the head of the group, his arms crossed as he addressed his brothers.

"So, what are we going to do about her?" he asked, his tone sharp. "We can't just ignore the fact that she was here."

Daichi leaned against a pillar, his expression thoughtful. "She didn't seem like a threat, Satoru. She came to see the festival, nothing more. But it's strange that she came alone, without her father's approval."

Ryuu, seated on the edge of a table, chimed in. "She had a guard with her, though. He seemed... protective."

Isamu glanced at Ryuu, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "You seem awfully interested in her, little brother. Do you have something to tell us?"

Ryuu rolled his eyes. "I'm just pointing out the facts. Besides, she's the princess of Kagayaku. That makes her everyone's business."

Kazu, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "We need to tread carefully. If Emperor Daiken finds out we didn't act against her, he'll question our loyalty."

Satoru nodded, his expression grim. "Exactly. We need to report this to Father, but we also need to keep an eye on her. If she returns, we'll be ready."

As the brothers exchanged glances, each lost in their own thoughts, the same question lingered in their minds: Why had Princess Hana come to Arashihara, and what did her visit mean for the fragile peace between their kingdoms?

As the sun began to set over the Arashihara castle, Emperor Daiken summoned his sons once more to the throne room. The air was heavy with anticipation as the princes lined up before him, their expressions reflecting a mix of curiosity and unease.

Daiken's gaze swept over his sons before he spoke, his voice measured but firm. "The princess of Kagayaku has left our kingdom, but her presence raises questions that cannot be ignored. Her father has refused our invitations for years, yet she defied him to come here. Why?"

Satoru stepped forward, his tone neutral but respectful. "Father, it seems she came purely out of curiosity. She expressed no hostile intentions, and her actions did not threaten the kingdom."

Daiken's eyes narrowed. "And you believe that to be enough? A mere whim of curiosity? We cannot afford to be complacent. Her presence here could have been a test, a ploy by Emperor Kaito to gauge our defenses or to provoke us."

Daichi interjected, his calm demeanor contrasting with Satoru's rigidity. "Father, she was accompanied by only one guard. If this were an act of aggression, she would have brought more protection—or none at all, to disguise her motives. Her actions seemed genuine."

Emperor Daiken considered Daichi's words, his expression unreadable. "Regardless of her intentions, her presence here disrupts the delicate balance between our kingdoms. Satoru, you and your brothers will ensure that her visit remains quiet. No word of this is to spread beyond these walls."

"Understood," Satoru replied, bowing his head. The other princes followed suit, their collective agreement sealing the matter.

As the meeting concluded and the brothers exited the throne room, their tension lingered. Once in the privacy of the corridors, they allowed themselves to speak freely.

"Father's overthinking this," Ryuu muttered, his arms crossed. "She didn't seem like a spy to me."

"Her being here is strange, though," Kazu admitted. "Why would she risk angering her father to attend a festival?"

"Maybe she was curious about us," Isamu teased, a smirk playing on his lips. "We are quite the spectacle, after all."

Haru rolled his eyes. "You're impossible, Isamu. Not everything revolves around you."

Yuji, usually quiet, spoke up. "Whatever her reasons, we need to be careful. If she comes back, Father won't take it lightly."

Ryuu glanced at his brothers, his expression thoughtful. "What if she does come back? What do we do then?"

The question hung in the air, unspoken answers filling the silence. None of them could shake the feeling that Princess Hana's visit was only the beginning of something far larger.

Meanwhile, Princess Hana and Kazuki finally reached the Kagayaku border as the last rays of sunlight painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson. Hana's cloak billowed around her as she paused to look back toward Arashihara, its distant silhouette framed by the mountains.

"Do you regret going?" Kazuki asked, his voice breaking the quiet.

Hana shook her head, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "No. I saw the festival, and I met them. I don't regret it. But I can't shake the feeling that this is far from over."

Kazuki frowned, his hand resting on his sword hilt. "If you go back, it will only bring more trouble. Your father would never forgive you, and neither would Emperor Daiken."

"I know," Hana said softly, her tone filled with a mix of defiance and uncertainty. "But something is calling me there, Kazuki. I don't know what it is, but I can't ignore it."

Kazuki said nothing, his silence speaking volumes. As they resumed their journey back to the palace, Hana's thoughts churned with questions she couldn't yet answer.

What was it about Arashihara—and its princes—that pulled at her so strongly?

As soon as Princess Hana and Kazuki stepped into the grand hall of the Kagayaku palace, they were immediately greeted by the booming voice of Emperor Daiki. His face was etched with fury, his usually composed demeanor shattered as he rose from his throne.

"Where have you been!?" Daiki demanded, his voice reverberating through the hall. His piercing gaze landed on Hana, who instinctively straightened her posture, trying to appear calm despite the tension crackling in the air.

Before she could say anything, Kazuki vouched for her. "We were in the garden, Your Majesty. I humbly apologize for troubling you," he said while bowing. "Princess Hana wanted to clear her mind, Your Majesty. Don't worry, I was with her the whole time."

Daiki's sharp eyes flicked from Kazuki to Hana, his expression unreadable but the tension in his jaw clear. "The garden, you say?" His voice was quieter now, but no less commanding. "And you chose this time, during the most critical hours of the festival, to wander?"

Kazuki remained in his bowed position. "It was my decision to accompany her, Your Majesty. The princess needed a moment to herself, and I ensured she was never in harm's way."

Daiki let out a slow breath, his frustration evident. He turned his gaze back to Hana, his eyes softening only slightly. "Hana, is this true?"

Hana nodded quickly, her voice steady but tinged with guilt. "Yes, Father. I needed to clear my mind, but I understand I should have informed you first. It won't happen again."

The emperor studied her for a long moment, his stern expression wavering as paternal concern flickered in his eyes. "Hana, you must understand the consequences of your actions. The state of our kingdom is fragile, and your safety is paramount. The festival in Arashihara is not just a celebration; it is a stage for politics and pride. If anything were to happen to you..." He trailed off, his tone heavy with meaning.

"I understand, Father," Hana replied softly, lowering her gaze.

Daiki looked at Kazuki, his voice stern once more. "And you, Kazuki. As her sworn guard, you are to ensure she abides by the rules of this palace. I will not tolerate negligence. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Kazuki replied firmly, lifting his head but keeping his stance respectful.

Daiki exhaled sharply, waving his hand dismissively. "You are both dismissed. Hana, go to your chambers and reflect on your actions."

Hana curtsied slightly, her steps measured as she turned and exited the hall. Kazuki followed silently behind her.

As they walked through the quiet corridors, Hana finally spoke, her voice a whisper. "Thank you, Kazuki. For everything."

Kazuki glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "My duty is to protect you, Princess. But please consider the risks you take. Your actions affect more than just yourself."

Hana nodded solemnly, guilt weighing heavy in her chest. "I won't forget. I promise."

As they approached her chambers, Hana paused by a window, gazing out at the faint glow of the festival in the distance. A flicker of resolve lit in her eyes. She knew this was far from over—her choices would shape what was to come.

As she was mesmerized by the sight of Arashihara from her window, a knock on her door startled her. Hana quickly moved to the door, cautiously opening it. Standing there was Queen Emiko, her expression unreadable but her presence commanding.

"Mother," Hana said softly, lowering herself into a curtsy before lifting her head. "What are you doing here?"

The queen stepped into the room, her regal movements purposeful as she began to pace, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a critical air.

"Hana," Emiko began, her tone firm yet tinged with concern, "you might have lied to your father, but you can never lie to your mother." She stopped pacing and fixed her sharp gaze on her daughter. "I know you weren't in the garden. Now, tell me, my dear, why were you in Arashihara?"

Hana's heart sank as the weight of her mother's scrutiny bore down on her. She hesitated, her mind racing for an explanation, but she knew it was futile to try and deceive her.

"I…" Hana began, her voice faltering under her mother's piercing stare. "I went to see the Sakura Blooming Festival."

Queen Emiko's brows furrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Do you have any idea how reckless that was?" she said, her voice low but intense. "Arashihara is not just another kingdom—it is a land steeped in rivalry with ours. You've risked not only your safety but the fragile balance between our nations."

Hana lowered her gaze, guilt washing over her. "I just wanted to see it for myself, Mother. I've spent my whole life within these walls, and I thought… just for once, I could step outside and experience something real."

Emiko sighed deeply, softening slightly as she approached her daughter, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "Hana, I understand your yearning for freedom, but you must think about the consequences of your actions. This is not just about you—it's about the kingdom, your father, and the trust we place in you."

Hana looked up at her mother, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I'm sorry, Mother. I truly am. I didn't mean to cause trouble. I just… felt so trapped."

Emiko's expression softened even more, and she drew Hana into an embrace. "I know, my dear. I know how you feel. But you must promise me something." She pulled back, her gaze meeting Hana's. "You must think carefully before acting on impulse again. You're not just Hana—you are Princess Hana of Kagayaku, and that means your actions carry weight beyond your own desires."

Hana nodded solemnly. "I promise, Mother."

The queen smiled faintly, brushing a stray strand of hair from Hana's face. "Good. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll deal with whatever repercussions this may bring. But for now, you're safe."

As Queen Emiko turned to leave, Hana called out softly, "Thank you, Mother."

Emiko paused, looking over her shoulder. "Always, my child." With that, she quietly exited the room, leaving Hana to her thoughts and the glowing view of Arashihara in the distance.

As soon as Queen Emiko exited her daughter's room, her composed expression hardened into one of resolve. She turned sharply and gestured to a guard stationed nearby.

"Guard Princess Hana's door," she commanded firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Do not let her out of your sight. If she tries to leave, inform me immediately."

The guard bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Emiko lingered for a moment, her eyes briefly flickering back toward the door, concern etched into her features. She sighed quietly, then straightened her posture, her queenly demeanor returning.

"Ensure her safety above all else," she added before walking away, her steps echoing through the corridor. Though her heart ached for her daughter's longing for freedom, Emiko knew the stakes were too high to allow any further risks.

As the guard took his position by the door, Emiko silently prayed that Hana would understand the measures being taken were not out of control, but out of love.

As the queen's figure disappeared down the corridor, Kazuki appeared from the shadows, his expression calm but his eyes sharp with concern. He approached the guard stationed at Princess Hana's door.

"Queen Emiko ordered you to stand here, didn't she?" Kazuki asked, his voice steady but carrying a hint of disapproval.

The guard straightened. "Yes, Sir Kazuki. Her Majesty instructed me not to let the princess out of my sight."

Kazuki nodded, his gaze shifting toward the closed door. He understood Emiko's concern but also felt the weight of Hana's frustration.

"Good," he said finally. "But let me speak with her for a moment. I'll make sure she understands her mother's wishes."

The guard hesitated, glancing toward the corridor where the queen had disappeared, then stepped aside. "Of course, Sir Kazuki. I'll remain alert."

Kazuki knocked softly on the door before entering, his presence calm and reassuring. Inside, Hana was seated by the window, her gaze fixed on the distant view of Arashihara. She didn't turn as the door opened, already sensing who it was.

"Kazuki," she said softly, her voice tinged with resignation. "Did my mother send you to lecture me too?"

He closed the door behind him and approached, standing a respectful distance away. "No, Your Highness. I'm here because I know how much this is weighing on you."

Hana turned to face him, her expression conflicted. "She doesn't understand, Kazuki. None of them do."

Kazuki's eyes softened. "I understand more than you think. But for now, you need to rest. The queen only wants to protect you, and so do I."

Hana sighed, the fight leaving her shoulders. "I just wish things were different."

Kazuki didn't respond immediately. Instead, he stood silently, his presence steady and grounding. "I'll be just outside if you need anything," he said finally, turning to leave.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Hana let out a weary breath, her gaze drifting back to the window, where the lights of Arashihara still flickered in the distance.

In the grand halls of the Arashihara castle, the seven princes were gathered in one of the expansive training courtyards, their expressions ranging from thoughtful to curious. News of Princess Hana's brief visit to their kingdom had ignited discussions among them, and each brother seemed to be lost in his own thoughts about the implications of her presence.

Satoru, the eldest and ever the leader, broke the silence. "Father hasn't mentioned anything since her departure," he said, his voice measured. "But I can tell he's still pondering her intentions. A princess from Kagayaku doesn't simply wander into our kingdom without a purpose."

Daichi, standing beside him, crossed his arms. "Perhaps it wasn't a political move at all. What if it was... personal?"

Yuji scoffed lightly, leaning against one of the wooden posts. "Personal? What could she possibly want here besides trouble? You saw how uncomfortable she looked."

Ryuu, the youngest, frowned. "She didn't seem like she came to cause harm. If anything, she seemed... curious."

Isamu, always the observer, finally spoke up. "Curiosity can be dangerous, Ryuu. But she didn't come alone. That guard of hers was no ordinary knight."

Haru nodded. "Kazuki, right? He moved with precision, like someone trained for more than palace duty."

Kazu, leaning against his sword, chuckled. "Maybe she just wanted to see the festival and got caught up in all this intrigue. Not everything has to be a grand scheme."

Satoru gave him a sharp look. "We can't dismiss any possibility. Regardless of her reasons, Father will expect us to remain vigilant. If she comes again—or if her kingdom sends another envoy—we need to be ready."

The conversation paused as one of the royal advisors entered the courtyard, bowing respectfully. "Your Highnesses," he began, addressing the brothers, "Emperor Daiken wishes to see you all in the throne room. He has an update regarding Princess Hana's visit."

The brothers exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued. Without a word, they began to follow the advisor through the winding halls of the castle.

When they entered the throne room, Emperor Daiken was already seated, his expression stern. He gestured for his sons to step forward.

"I've received word from one of our informants," Daiken began, his voice echoing through the room. "It seems Princess Hana's visit was unsanctioned by her father, Emperor Daiki. She came here of her own will."

This revelation caused murmurs among the brothers.

Satoru stepped forward. "What does this mean for us, Father? Do we consider her actions a breach of trust or... something else?"

Daiken's gaze sharpened. "It means we must be cautious. Kagayaku may claim no involvement, but a lone princess wandering into our territory raises questions. Keep your eyes open, my sons. Trust no one—especially those from Kagayaku."

The brothers nodded, each silently processing the weight of their father's words. As they left the throne room, a sense of unease settled over them.

Ryuu, walking at the back of the group, couldn't shake the image of Hana's expression during the festival—curious yet conflicted, like she carried a burden no one else could see.

As the brothers dispersed from the throne room, the tension lingered. Each prince seemed lost in his own thoughts, their usual camaraderie muted. Ryuu lagged behind, his mind replaying the fleeting moments he had observed Princess Hana. Her presence, though brief, had left a strange impression on him.

"Ryuu, keep up," Yuji called, his tone tinged with impatience.

"I'm coming," Ryuu replied, quickening his pace to catch up with his brothers.

As they walked through the stone corridors, Daichi broke the silence. "What do you all think her true purpose was? A princess doesn't just leave her kingdom without reason."

"Maybe she was testing us," Satoru suggested, his voice calm but thoughtful. "Or perhaps she wanted to gauge the strength of our defenses."

"Or she was simply curious," Haru interjected, earning raised eyebrows from his older brothers. "Not everything is a grand conspiracy, you know. She might have just wanted to see the festival, as Kazu said earlier."

"Curiosity or not, she's now a variable we can't ignore," Satoru replied firmly. "Father's right—this could be a prelude to something larger. We can't afford to be complacent."

Ryuu hesitated before speaking up. "She didn't seem like someone with ill intentions. If anything, she looked... out of place. Like she didn't fully belong here but was searching for something."

Yuji smirked. "You sound like you're defending her, Ryuu. Don't tell me you've already fallen for her charm."

Ryuu flushed slightly but kept his composure. "I'm just saying we shouldn't jump to conclusions. Judging someone without understanding their motives isn't exactly wise."

Kazu clapped Ryuu on the shoulder, grinning. "You've got a soft spot, little brother. Be careful, or she might use that against you."

The brothers continued their discussion as they made their way to the open courtyard, where they often trained and strategized. The evening sun bathed the castle grounds in a warm, golden glow, but the undercurrent of unease remained.

Meanwhile, back in Emperor Daiken's chamber, the emperor sat in silence, his thoughts heavy. He traced the edges of the parchment bearing Hana's letter, its contents still lingering in his mind.

"Princess Hana," he muttered under his breath, his expression unreadable. "What are you truly after?"

### Princess Hana's Perspective

Back in Kagayaku, Hana paced her room anxiously. Her heart was still racing from the confrontation in Arashihara, and her mother's warning echoed in her mind.

She glanced at the invitation she had risked everything for, now folded neatly on her desk. The Sakura Blooming Festival had been everything she had imagined, yet the experience left her with more questions than answers.

"Why does everyone assume the worst of me?" she murmured to herself, her frustration evident. "I just wanted to see the world beyond these walls... to feel something real."

Kazuki entered the room quietly, his expression guarded. "Princess, are you all right?"

Hana turned to face him, her eyes weary. "I don't know, Kazuki. It feels like no one truly understands what I want—not Father, not Mother, not even the people of Arashihara. They all think I'm just a foolish girl meddling where I don't belong."

Kazuki stepped closer, his voice soft but firm. "You're not foolish, Princess. You're brave. But bravery comes with consequences. The choices you make now will shape the future—not just for you, but for the entire kingdom."

Hana nodded, though her heart felt heavy. "I just wish I knew what that future looks like."

Unbeknownst to Hana, her presence in Arashihara had set events in motion that would intertwine the fates of the two kingdoms in ways she could never have anticipated.