"And that esteemed person said it's only for these two days!" the deputy added, then nervously stole a glance at the ministers' faces.
They had expected the ministers to fly into a rage, but instead, they looked astonished. This was because many of the cabinet ministers, the high-ranking officials in power in country R, wore expressions of lighthearted amusement.
"A thousand people, if it can solve this great trouble, it's not much!"
"Indeed! Although it's a bit more than the usual request, it's much less of a price to pay compared to mobilizing troops to eliminate him!"
"Two days is a bit short, but if we work together and combine the strength of our families, we can easily accomplish it."
The ministers spoke one after another, many expressing their approval. The previously oppressive and gloomy conference room became much more relaxed and cheerful.
Prime Minister Kōi-ō and the Chief Cabinet Secretary exchanged glances, nodded, and ordered, "Go make the arrangements."
...
Tokyo City Center, the Imperial Palace.
At the main gate, a luxurious Lamborghini sports car slowly drove out from within the palace grounds, immediately drawing the attention of the surrounding tourists.
"Wow! What a cool sports car! Is that a member of the Imperial family?"
"Prince Yamatomi, right? I heard he has so many sports cars! The Imperial family is so rich these days!"
"Shh! Keep your voice down, are you trying to die? The Imperial family present isn't just about wealth..."
Inside the Lamborghini, a flamboyant young man wearing sunglasses surveyed the crowd outside, who were casting envious and fearful glances. His nostrils flared slightly, greatly satisfying his ego.
Beside him, a bewitching young woman with blood-red lips smiled, gazing dotingly at Prince Yamatomi and purring,
"Prince~ you're so handsome! Shall we go to the hotel now~"
"So cheap!"
The youth's lips curled, revealing a wicked smile.
Since the withdrawal of the Beautiful Empire, country R was no longer the same as before, and the Imperial family was no longer merely a symbol of good fortune.
"Mmm~ Prince, you're so bad~" The woman, despite being insulted, became happy instead of angry, her expression rippling as she reached out to embrace the young man.
Just as the prince was about to steer the Lamborghini with one hand, a convoy of black cars appeared ahead, causing his expression to change dramatically. He took a deep breath and hastily turned the steering wheel to let them pass.
With a screech of brakes, the Lamborghini finally stopped at the side of the road.
"Who are these people? Don't they look where they're going? Prince, you must not let them get away with this!" the alluring woman grumbled, irritably tidying her hair.
"Shut up!"
*Slap~*
Suddenly, a slap landed on her face. She looked up in shock, seeing Prince Yamatomi's panicked and angry face, and instantly fell into confusion and unease.
"I~ I'm sorry, Prince. Just now... were those people... the Emperor? But if the Emperor values you so highly, there's no need to be so nervous, right? They almost hit us..."
"The Emperor? That person is much more terrifying than my dad! It's all your fault, you slut!" Prince Yamatomi forcefully gripped the woman's cheeks, his expression furious. If it weren't for this slut's haste, arousing his lust, this would not have happened...
What should I do? If that person is displeased because of this, my position as prince might be in jeopardy...
"I~ I'm sorry, Prince... I..." Seeing the prince truly angry, the woman began to tremble and pleaded desperately.
"I've got it!"
Prince Yamatomi suddenly released the woman, took out his phone, opened a messaging app, and quickly sent a message to someone noted as "Sister."
At the gate, the crowd watching this scene looked on in surprise.
"Whose motorcade is that? It actually made Prince Yamatomi so flustered?"
"Could it be the Emperor? Wow! The Emperor has come out?"
"No way! The Emperor's motorcade is all Toyotas, and this one is Bentleys. It shouldn't be!"
"Why does this motorcade seem familiar? It looks like— Prince Goryō's!!!"
"Holy cow! I just saw information online saying Prince Goryō appeared at Senso-ji Temple, so it must be true!!"
"Ahhhh! I actually ran into Prince Goryō! Quickly take photos!"
"Huh? Wait, isn't Prince Yamatomi's status higher than Prince Goryō's? Why was Prince Yamatomi so terrified to yield?"
"That's right! Looking at it this way, it is indeed strange!"
...
The Imperial Palace of country R, though called a palace, is actually a green island surrounded by mountains on all four sides.
Most members of the Imperial family reside within the palace. Prince Goryō lives on a small mountain called Chidori to the northeast of the palace, where a simple yet luxurious villa stands.
At this moment, on an open-air balcony of the villa, a girl dressed in a light-colored kimono leaned on the railing, gazing out over the entire Imperial Palace. Her autumn-water eyes held a trace of melancholy.
*Beep beep~*
Her phone vibrated. She took it out to see a message from her brother.
"Sister, I almost collided with the Prince while driving out just now. I don't know if he's angry, but I really didn't mean to. Can you help me speak to him? If he's really angry, I'm finished. Please, brother begs you."
After reading the message, the girl sighed, her beautiful eyes appearing even more melancholic.
"Princess Aoi~" A maid approached gracefully and bowed slightly, saying, "His Highness the Prince has returned and said he has brought important guests. He asked you to prepare tea for their arrival."
"Understood." The girl nodded lightly and turned, her steps light as she walked into the house.
A moment later, a convoy of black cars drove up Chidori Mountain and entered the villa.
The car doors opened in unison, and Prince Goryō, Byakuya, alighted from different vehicles.
"Mr. Byakuya, please come in." Prince Goryō maintained a gentle demeanor.
Byakuya nodded slightly and followed him into the villa.
Ryukawa Sōko followed closely behind Byakuya, her professional habit making her observe her surroundings with a vigilant expression. She felt a bit tense. Although she was a secret agent, this was her first time entering the depths of the Imperial Palace. Despite the palace's peaceful appearance, as an agent, she understood that the security here was no less than that of a major country's presidential residence!
Unlike the 'simple' decor of Byakuya's Lone Star Villa, Prince Goryō's villa was adorned with artwork everywhere—paintings on the walls, in corners, calligraphy, and literature.
This fellow is an art fanatic, Byakuya thought to himself as he glanced around, and casually remarked, "The brushwork is exquisite, lifelike; the poetry and calligraphy classic, with a profound artistic conception..."
Prince Goryō turned his head with a smile and slowly said, "Just some casual strokes."
Byakuya offered a polite smile. (ーー゛) Good heavens! This is the first time I've met someone who can act pretentious better than me!
"Please!"
Prince Goryō led them into a reception room and sat cross-legged on a smooth brocade cushion.
As soon as they sat down, the door beside them opened, and a graceful figure in a kimono walked over, followed by three women dressed as servants carrying a tea tray.
Byakuya looked up and saw the kimono-clad girl, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. This fellow's taste wasn't bad at all!