Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basket, nor do I profit from writing this fanfiction. This story is inspired by Legend of Zhen Huan and includes quotes from the manga, anime, wiki, and other sources. This fanfiction has not been beta-read. As I am not a native English speaker, please excuse any language errors.
In the Court of the Crimson Emperor
Chapter VI
The New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, was one of the most significant celebrations for the people of the Teikou Empire. It was a grand and lengthy occasion, traditionally commencing on the evening of the last day of the year and continuing until the Lantern Festival, which fell on the fifteenth day of the New Year.
In preparation, all buildings within the Crimson Forbidden City were thoroughly cleansed, sweeping away any ill fortune to make way for the prosperity and good luck of the coming year. Windows and doors were adorned with ruby-red, paper-cut couplets, each symbolising wishes for good fortune, happiness, wealth, and longevity.
As the New Year drew near, the palace was engulfed in a flurry of activity, the servants and officials working tirelessly to ensure everything was in order.
Higuchi Shouta had meticulously inspected his list and double-checked each task. The New Year was an extraordinarily busy time, and a single missed detail could cause significant problems. To compound his growing anxiety, he had just received a summons from the Emperor.
After what felt like an eternity, he arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Upon entering, he offered a respectful greeting.
"Grace to Your Imperial Majesty."
Emperor Seijuurou, seated behind his desk, regarded him with a steady gaze. "Since this is the first year for the concubines in the palace," he began, his voice calm and measured, "Tetsuya has requested that their families be permitted to join the celebration."
Shouta blinked in surprise. Typically, only the biological mothers of the concubines were granted access to the palace, and that too only during the birth of a prince or princess.
"On the seventh day of the Spring Festival," Seijuurou continued, his expression impassive, "they are to be allowed into the palace. They may enter when the gates are opened and must leave when the gates are closed."
"I understand, Your Imperial Majesty," Shouta replied, bowing deeply. Inwardly, however, he was already calculating the logistical challenges of arranging transportation for families who resided outside Rakuzan. Though, given that the request had come from Empress Tetsuya, it was hardly surprising that Seijuurou would accede to it.
As the absolute ruler of the Teikou Empire, Emperor Seijuurou had many concubines, each more beautiful than the last, chosen from the finest families across the land. It was often assumed that the Emperor's affection would be divided among them, especially with so many vying for his attention. Yet, Empress Tetsuya's position stood far above the others. Shouta would not have been surprised if Seijuurou's concern for the concubines extended only to ensuring a worthy heir for the Empire.
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A grand dinner was held on New Year's Eve, bringing together all members of the imperial family for a celebration of the coming year. The feast was nothing short of extravagant: dishes of tender pork and chicken, leek—an auspicious symbol of wealth—and a variety of seafood, including lobster and abalone, filled the long tables. There were mandarin oranges, sweets of all kinds, and, of course, the traditional glutinous rice cake, symbolising unity and abundance in the New Year.
After the meal, Tetsuya returned to his palace, not alone, but accompanied by Seijuurou. The Emperor's presence, however, did little to disturb the quiet that descended upon the palace after the festivities. They retired early, for the official beginning of the New Year celebration would commence at the stroke of midnight, ushering in the customary practices of fireworks, the burning of bamboo sticks, and the igniting of firecrackers, all intended to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune.
"Wake up, Tetsuya."
Tetsuya stirred, blinking lazily as his eyes adjusted to the dim light. "Seijuurou," he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.
Seijuurou leaned over and kissed his forehead softly, the gesture both tender and intimate. "We should get ready soon," he said, his voice warm but insistent.
"Hmm…" Tetsuya murmured in agreement, though his thoughts were still clouded with the drowsiness of sleep. There was so much to do during the New Year celebrations, and though he longed for the comfort of more rest, he knew that now was not the time. Tomorrow, perhaps, he could indulge in sleep, but for now, there were duties to attend to.
After getting ready, they made their way to the courtyard, where they lit the first firecrackers of the year, their bright explosions echoing through the crisp night air. The sound was both celebratory and symbolic, signalling the beginning of the New Year and the driving away of the old year's misfortune.
Their next stop was the Temple of Heaven, where they prayed together for peace and prosperity across the empire. The air inside the temple was thick with incense, and the murmured prayers seemed to resonate through the sacred halls, carrying the hopes of the entire empire into the heavens.
Upon returning from the temple, Seijuurou made his way to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to conduct the First Stroke ceremony in the Eastern Warmth Chamber. There, he would write auspicious phrases of blessing for the year ahead, his brush moving with the grace and precision of the Emperor he was.
Meanwhile, Tetsuya returned to his own palace, where he was soon to be greeted by members of the imperial family, along with the concubines, who had come to offer their New Year's greetings.
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A week after the Lantern Festival, preparations for Empress Tetsuya's birthday celebration were well underway. Kouka was momentarily taken aback by the sight of so many horse-drawn carriages entering the palace grounds, each laden with gifts. The carriages all made their way towards the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, Empress Tetsuya's residence.
"Look," said Sakurai Ryuna, pointing towards one of the carriages. "Each of these carriages bears a name. That one, for instance, has the name of the Minister of Personnel, Takao Kazunari."
Kouka noticed it as well. She scanned the area and spotted a familiar figure—Aota, the eunuch who had previously escorted her into the palace.
"Eunuch Aota," Kouka greeted him with a polite nod.
Aota immediately bowed low, offering his respects. "Greetings, First Class Attendant Ryuna, First Class Attendant Chiharu, and Second Class Attendant Kouka."
"Why are there so many carriages bearing gifts, Eunuch Aota?" Ryuna asked, her curiosity piqued.
"My Lady," Aota began, his tone respectful, "these horse-drawn carriages are carrying birthday gifts for the Empress."
"Birthday gifts?" Ryuna inquired, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Indeed, My Lady," Aota explained. "The Empress will celebrate his birthday on the last day of the first month. It is customary for all officials and governors from the 23 provinces of the Teikou Empire to send gifts in honour of the Empress. The names on the carriages correspond to the names of the gift-givers."
Kouka nodded thoughtfully, now understanding the reason behind the influx of carriages. The grand scale of the celebration explained the abundance of gifts.
"Thank you for the information, Eunuch Aota," Kouka said with a gracious smile.
"I shall take my leave, My Lady," Aota replied, bowing once more before retreating.
Kouka, Ryuna, and Chiharu stood in quiet awe as they observed the procession of carriages. Instead of heading to the park as originally planned, their curiosity led them to watch the parade of gifts heading towards the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. True to Eunuch Aota's words, each carriage was clearly marked with the name of its sender.
"That one is from Midorima Shintarou, the Minister of Revenue," Ryuna pointed out, her gaze fixed on a particularly large carriage. "And this one is from Murasakibara Atsushi, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry."
As the carriages passed, Kouka couldn't help but be intrigued. The gifts from the two ministers were unusual—large potted plants she had never seen before, their vibrant colours a stark contrast to the typical offerings.
"Chiharu," Ryuna said with a slight tilt of her head, "that one is from your father."
Kouka's gaze followed the direction Ryuna pointed, and sure enough, a carriage bearing the name Mayuzumi Isamu passed by. Kouka recalled that Chiharu's father held a prominent position in the government.
As the procession continued, more carriages rolled by. There was one from the Minister of Justice, Kiyoshi Teppei, another from the Minister of Works, Hanamiya Makoto, and then one bearing the name of the Minister of Defense, Haizaki Shougo.
Suddenly, a commanding voice cut through the air.
"Stop!"
The three attendants turned in unison, only to find Haizaki Shiina striding towards them. Her gaze was fixed intently on a particular carriage—the one bearing the gift from her father. Without any regard for the guards, she swiftly opened the gift box. The guards, though surprised, did not dare to stop her, and the moment of audacity passed without consequence. Haizaki's expression, however, told a different story. She stared at the contents of the box with a look of envy before swiftly closing it, her face flushed with frustration. Without a word, she turned and walked away.
"What is wrong with her?" Ryuna muttered under her breath, her voice tinged with disdain.
"She looked like she was jealous," Chiharu remarked, her eyes narrowing slightly in disapproval.
"Weird," Ryuna added, shaking her head.
Kouka, though intrigued, was not entirely surprised. She suspected that Haizaki had been consumed with envy upon seeing the lavish gifts from the other ministers. What struck her more, however, was the sense of relief she felt. Ever since Haizaki's punishment, the woman had not dared to make any further direct moves against them. Instead, she had resorted to sending nothing more than smoldering glares in their direction.
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A few days later:
Haizaki Shiina was deeply troubled. The cause of her distress stemmed from a letter she had received from her father.
Three days prior, birthday gifts for Empress Tetsuya had begun to arrive at the palace, each one grander than the last. As expected, Shiina's father, Minister Haizaki Shougo, had sent a gift as well—an exquisite collection of gold jewellery and rare gems that took her breath away. However, upon seeing the Empress's gifts, Shiina's envy began to stir. She was consumed with a desire for the same jewellery.
Without delay, Shiina had written a letter to her father, requesting that he procure the same exquisite pieces for her. She waited impatiently for his response.
When the reply arrived, accompanied by a box of finely carved wood, Shiina's anticipation soared. She opened it eagerly, but upon seeing the jewellery inside, her joy quickly turned to disappointment. The pieces, though undeniably beautiful, were not of the same calibre as those presented to Empress Tetsuya. Why had her father failed to fulfil her request? The answer was clear enough: she had asked for the same jewellery, and yet this was not it.
In frustration, Shiina read her father's letter, each word further exacerbating her irritation. Haizaki Shougo explained that it was inappropriate for a concubine to possess the same items as the Empress—the principal wife of the Emperor. Did that mean Shiina was destined to always receive lesser gifts? Her father had attempted to placate her with reassurances and promises of other luxurious items to be sent in the future, but Shiina had no desire to hear them. In a fit of rage, she tossed the letter into the coal furnace, watching as it burst into flames.
It was then that her friends, Fukuda Hiroko and Moriyama Tomomi, arrived for a visit. With Tomomi finally released from her confinement, she wasted no time in filling the room with chatter. Hiroko, however, remained calm, silently sipping her tea as the conversation unfolded.
"Today, more gifts for Empress Tetsuya arrived," Tomomi said with excitement. "A dozen horse-drawn carriages were delivered this time. There are even gifts from foreign lands—neighbouring countries and those that acknowledge the leadership of the Great Teikou Empire."
At this, Shiina's patience snapped. "Can you keep quiet for once?" she snapped, her voice sharp. "You never stop talking!"
Tomomi froze, surprised by the sudden outburst.
"Are you going to go mute if you stop talking for five minutes?" Shiina continued, her tone venomous. "Because of your incessant chatter, I was punished by Empress Tetsuya. You're utterly useless!"
Just then, Hiroko, who had been silently observing the exchange, spoke up. "Noble Lady Shiina," she said in a calm, measured voice, "have you ever seen a good dog? A dog that bites but doesn't bark."
Shiina's smirk faltered slightly, understanding the implication. She turned her gaze to Tomomi with a knowing look. "You're right," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Perhaps you should take a lesson in silence."
Tomomi glared at Hiroko, her eyes filled with animosity, but she knew better than to retaliate. Despite her fury, she dared not speak out of turn.
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Tetsuya's birthday had finally arrived. In years past, the celebration of his birthday had always been a grand affair. Though Tetsuya was never particularly fond of the elaborate festivities, Emperor Seijuurou had insisted on them, and Tetsuya, had relented. The occasion, however, also provided a rare opportunity for him to reunite with his closest friends—those with whom he had shared his most formative years.
Tetsuya's best friends had once been his classmates. In the imperial palace, there was a school dedicated to the sons of the Emperor. However, after the late Emperor Masaomi passed, and with no other heirs to the throne, he had decreed that the sons of important officials—those who were of a similar age to Seijuurou—would be enrolled in this prestigious institution.
The children chosen for this special school were exceptional in their intellect and martial prowess. There were Aomine Daiki, Kise Ryouta, Midorima Shintaro, Murasakibara Atsushi, and Kagami Taiga—each one standing out in their own way. In addition, the clever Princess Satsuki had also studied alongside them, despite the fact that as a princess, she was not obligated to undergo such rigorous education.
After the death of his parents, Tetsuya had been raised by his grandfather, Kuroko Takumi. Takumi, regarded as the finest doctor in the history of the Teikou Empire, had been commanded to take up the prestigious position of head royal doctor. Yet, Takumi had refused the appointment, as he believed that living in the palace would prevent him from continuing his work of helping those in need.
Instead, a compromise was reached. Every spring and autumn, Takumi would serve as the court doctor in the Crimson Forbidden City. However, during the summer and winter, he would return to Kunmo, the capital of the Seirin province, where he maintained a clinic and continued his vital work.
Because Tetsuya had no other family, and his grandfather was unwilling to leave him behind, Takumi had been forced to bring little Tetsuya to the palace. The late Emperor Masaomi had been understanding of the situation, permitting Tetsuya to study at the imperial school, where he was able to cultivate friendships that would last a lifetime.
Among Tetsuya's closest friends were Aomine Daiki and Kagami Taiga, with whom he had formed a deep bond, followed by Princess Satsuki and Kise Ryouta. Seijuurou, meanwhile, had grown close to Midorima Shintaro and Murasakibara Atsushi, though their interactions often seemed more reserved compared to Tetsuya's group.
In addition to these companions, Tetsuya also had a childhood friend who had been taught under the tutelage of his grandfather, Kuroko Takumi. Ogiwara Shigehiro, a resident of Kunmo, was now a doctor in his own right. Unfortunately, Ogiwara was unable to attend this year's celebration, as he had pressing duties in the province.
"Your Majesty, are you prepared?" Riko's voice came from outside, pulling Tetsuya from his reverie.
Normally, a personal maid would assist with dressing, bathing, and other such duties, but Tetsuya was adamant about not relying on Riko for anything other than the occasional help with his headdress.
"I'm ready," Tetsuya replied, his voice calm. He was already attired in his formal robes, his appearance immaculate. Stepping out of his chambers, he found an unexpected sight—Seijuurou waiting for him.
"Riko, why did you not announce His Imperial Majesty's arrival?" Tetsuya asked, though his tone remained formal, as befitting the public setting.
Riko opened her mouth to explain, but Seijuurou was quicker.
"I forbade her from announcing me, Tetsuya," Seijuurou interjected smoothly, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"You surprise me, Your Imperial Majesty," Tetsuya replied, his expression a mixture of surprise and mild amusement.
"It is your birthday, Tetsuya," Seijuurou said, stepping closer with an affectionate smile. "Of course, there should be a surprise."
Tetsuya's lips curled into a subtle smile in return, though he remained composed as always. "Now, shall we go?"
Together, they walked into the courtyard, where a splendid horse-drawn carriage awaited them. The journey was short but serene, and the carriage carried them through the vibrant palace grounds toward Prospect Hill.
Prospect Hill was a breathtaking sight, a grand landscape garden spanning 230,000 square meters. It was the highest point in the city, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Crimson Forbidden City below. At the summit, the entire imperial complex seemed to stretch endlessly, a symbol of the empire's strength and grandeur.
There, amidst the elegant setting of Prospect Hill, the grand celebration of Tetsuya's birthday would unfold.
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At Prospect Hill:
"This place is truly magnificent," murmured Sakurai Ryuna, her voice filled with admiration.
Furihata Kouka nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the grand landscape. "Indeed, it's breathtaking."
"I heard that this park boasts the largest peony garden in the Teikou Empire," Chiharu remarked, her tone more factual than impressed. "With over 20,000 peonies, comprising about 200 different varieties, it offers a magnificent display of colours during spring, when the flowers are in full bloom."
"Wow," Ryuna said, her eyes lighting up with interest. "I hope we're allowed to see it."
The three of them walked through the gardens, appreciating the tranquility of the surroundings. The day had arrived for the afternoon celebration of Empress Tetsuya's birthday. All of the concubines had been instructed to wear their finest formal attire and present themselves at Prospect Hill, where the celebration would take place. Today was a rare occasion for them, as their status typically forbade them from leaving the palace without Emperor Seijuurou's explicit permission. As such, it was their first time stepping outside the palace walls in a long while.
Upon their arrival at Prospect Hill, they were greeted by the sight of a giant bonfire, crackling in the cool afternoon air, providing warmth for the guests. Hundreds of lanterns hung from trees and structures, their soft glow adding a festive atmosphere to the scene. Imperial red banners of Teikou fluttered in the breeze, adorning the area with the empire's proud colours.
Two wooden stages had been erected. The first stage, located in front of the other, was reserved for entertainment. The second platform, shaded by tall trees, was where Emperor Seijuurou and Empress Tetsuya would be seated. Surrounding their platform were long tables, where key officials and other important figures of the empire were seated. The concubines, however, were placed at separate tables further behind the imperial couple.
Despite the grandeur of the setting, the celebration was not considered a formal state event, and with the Emperor and Empress yet to arrive, the atmosphere remained somewhat relaxed.
"What will they be showcasing?" Ryuna asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Opera, dancing, and singing," Chiharu answered dismissively, her eyes already scanning the surroundings for something more interesting. "It'll be the usual. At least there will be fireworks to look forward to."
Kouka, on the other hand, found the performances enjoyable, especially the dancing and music, which had been a staple of the Winter Solstice, Emperor's Birthday, and New Year celebrations.
"Look!" Ryuna suddenly exclaimed, her eyes widening as she spotted a familiar figure. "That's General Aomine Daiki! And Princess Satsuki is with him!"
The three of them turned to follow Ryuna's gaze, intrigued by the sight of the tall, imposing figure of General Aomine, standing with the graceful Princess Satsuki. Their presence added a regal touch to the gathering, and the intrigue surrounding them only heightened the curiosity of the concubines.
As the music began to swell in the background, the celebration was about to begin, but the arrival of familiar faces had already captured the attention of the guests.
The arrival of General Aomine Daiki was met with curiosity, especially as he stood tall, his dark tanned skin contrasting against his sharp features. His dark navy hair was neatly trimmed, and his stern face could easily intimidate even the bravest of men. Beside him was his wife, Princess Satsuki, the half-sibling of Emperor Seijuurou. Her beauty was undeniable, drawing the eyes of everyone in the vicinity.
"He comes alone," commented Ryuna, a hint of surprise in her voice.
Kouka glanced between the general and Princess Satsuki, confused by Ryuna's remark. "What do you mean?"
"She's referring to the rumors about General Aomine's sworn brother," Chiharu explained. "But no one has ever seen him."
Ryuna nodded in confirmation. "Not only that, but I've heard his sworn brother is also the sworn brother of Admiral Kagami Taiga."
Kouka blinked, her eyes wide with intrigue. "How come?"
Ryuna continued, her tone laced with curiosity. "The three of them were close friends. When General Aomine decided to enter into brotherhood, Admiral Kagami joined him as well. Some say it was because of their rivalry that Kagami joined, but I've also heard that the reason was to make that person their little brother."
"Those are just rumors though," Ryuna added with a shrug. "I heard them from my brother."
Before Kouka could process all the information, another man entered the scene. A purple-haired giant that dwarfed even General Aomine by at least five inches, catching her off guard.
"That's Murasakibara Atsushi," Chiharu spoke up, indicating the towering figure. "He's the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry."
Kouka nearly forgot that Chiharu's father held a position at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. She turned back to watch as Murasakibara, with his imposing presence, made his way past them.
The next few arrivals came in rapid succession. A handsome blond man, a green-haired man with a serious expression, and then a red-haired man with forked eyebrows—each commanding attention in their own way.
"The one with the fierce expression is Admiral Kagami Taiga," whispered Ryuna, her voice low and filled with respect.
"And the other two are Kise Ryouta, Vice Minister of Defense, and Midorima Shintarou, Minister of Revenue," Chiharu added, her voice calm but informative.
Before Kouka could fully process the gathering of important officials, the arrival of Emperor Seijuurou and Empress Tetsuya stole the spotlight. The crowd turned to greet them, their voices hushed in reverence.
The Emperor, dressed in regal attire, stood tall beside the Empress. His calm, commanding presence contrasted with the radiant elegance of Empress Tetsuya, who seemed to shine even more on his birthday.
As the Emperor and Empress exchanged greetings with the assembled officials, the atmosphere shifted into one of anticipation. Their arrival signaled the start of the birthday celebration, and the festivities were about to begin in full swing.
As the festivities continued, Kouka couldn't help but be swept up in the joyful atmosphere of the birthday celebration. Chiharu's prediction of singing and dancing had been accurate, but what followed exceeded her expectations.
The first performance to catch their attention was the Bamboo Pole Dance—a tradition that seemed to blur the lines between sport and art. Kouka watched, intrigued, as the dancers moved gracefully between the bamboo poles, their movements synchronized to the rhythm of the music.
The set-up was simple but effective: ten bamboo poles, two of them acting as the 'pillow' poles, forming the boundaries of the dance space. The remaining eight poles were laid across them in parallel rows, and eight dancers gripped them, moving them in precise unison to create an opening and closing rhythm.
The dancers jumped and hopped with incredible agility, performing various mime-like activities such as grinding knives, sieving grain, and even capering, all while keeping up with the rhythm. Kouka's eyes widened as she saw one dancer almost caught between the poles, only to be swiftly and politely excused from the dance. It was a performance of skill, timing, and endurance—and the crowd cheered each time someone managed to stay in the rhythm until the very end, when one final dancer was lifted and seated triumphantly on the poles.
The energy was contagious, and Kouka clapped enthusiastically. "That was impressive," she murmured, turning to Ryuna, who nodded in agreement.
As the Bamboo Pole Dance came to a close, the crowd's excitement only grew. The next performance was the fire dance. Male acrobats dressed in flamboyant costumes leaped and somersaulted across the stage, holding lit torches that cast flickering light against the darkening sky. The daring acrobatics added an element of thrill to the evening, and Kouka found herself on the edge of her seat, captivated by the precision and grace of the performers.
The variety of performances kept the celebration lively, with each act more impressive than the last. Kouka, alongside Ryuna and Chiharu, was thoroughly enjoying herself, and even the more reserved figures in the crowd seemed to relax, smiling at the spectacle.
However, the highlight of the evening was the release of the sky lanterns. Kouka's breath caught as she saw the enormous number of lanterns prepared for the event—eight hundred and eighty-eight of them.
Emperor Seijuurou and Empress Tetsuya each took a lantern in hand, lighting the candle at the base before releasing them into the night. The sight of the lanterns rising into the sky was nothing short of magical. As the first two floated upward, a hush fell over the crowd. The soft glow of the lanterns contrasted against the darkened sky, their delicate frames swaying gently in the breeze, resembling fireflies drifting into the night.
Kouka glanced at Empress Tetsuya, who stood silently by the Emperor. Despite his usually composed and neutral demeanor, there was something undeniably different about him tonight. The faintest of smiles tugged at his lips, and there was a warmth in his eyes that Kouka rarely saw. It was clear that he was genuinely happy—something that had not been so evident in his usual, stoic expression.
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Although a grand celebration had been planned in honour of his birthday, Tetsuya found himself eagerly awaiting the after-gathering, where he would have the rare pleasure of reuniting with his old friends. On occasion, Seijuurou would permit him to venture outside when the palace life grew dull and monotonous. However, such moments were rare, and it had been many years since the eight of them had enjoyed one another's company without the necessity of formal respect. How long it had been since they could converse and laugh freely, just as they had in their youth.
After the grand celebration atop Prospect Hill, they returned to the Crimson Forbidden City and entered the Palace.
Tetsuya savoured each glance as he looked upon his friends in turn. Midorima was seated at a table, engrossed in a game of shogi against Seijuurou, his brow furrowed in concentration. Nearby, Murasakibara sat with a bowl of food, busily eating. Aomine, Satsuki, Kise, and Kagami, having made their choices, were seated beside him, chatting amiably.
"Eat this," Satsuki said with a gentle smile, placing a delicate piece of cake onto Tetsuya's plate. "You must eat more. You are far too thin."
"Indeed," Kise chimed in, adding another slice. "You look as though you have not eaten properly in days."
"This is too much," Tetsuya protested, his voice laced with mild exasperation. The food on his plate already seemed to be mounting in a manner that left him no room to argue. How could he possibly consume it all?
A soft laugh escaped Aomine. "If Tetsuya were to eat all of that, he'd likely burst before the night was through," he remarked, shaking his head.
Tetsuya shot him a glance, his lips curling into a faint smile. "I am quite capable of looking after myself, thank you. But I do appreciate the concern."
Murasakibara, still half-engrossed in his food, glanced up briefly, his tone casual yet sincere. "Don't listen to them. They're just trying to spoil you. It's your birthday; enjoy yourself."
Tetsuya chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with a sense of gratitude. "I suppose I have no choice but to indulge them tonight. It is, after all, a rare occasion."
Seijuurou, having finished his move in the game, looked up with a knowing smile. "Quite rare indeed," he said, his voice steady and composed. "It is good to see you all together again."
The atmosphere around them grew warmer, the chatter rising as the friends enjoyed each other's presence. Despite the grandeur of the celebration and the solemnity of the palace, in these moments, they could be themselves once more. It was, Tetsuya thought, as close to happiness as they could get.
Tetsuya looked up, only to find Kise nudging Aomine with his elbow, while Satsuki glared at the two of them with an expression of thinly veiled frustration. Kagami, on the other hand, glanced at the three of them awkwardly, as though he would rather distance himself entirely from the situation. What on earth was going on with them?
"Tetsu, are you well?" Aomine finally spoke, his voice laced with an unusual hesitance.
"I am fine," Tetsuya replied, though he was inwardly confused. Why had Aomine suddenly asked such a question?
Aomine scratched the back of his head, his expression uncertain. "I mean..." he faltered, struggling to find the right words. "I mean, you're fine, even though... there are... um..."
Tetsuya raised an eyebrow, his confusion growing. "What do you mean by that? What is wrong?"
He was genuinely puzzled now. It was uncharacteristic of Aomine to hesitate or act so strangely.
Both Satsuki and Kise were staring at Aomine intently, as though they had appointed him to speak on behalf of the group. It was evident that Aomine had been coerced into this conversation.
Aomine glared at the two of them with a hint of annoyance before he sighed deeply, as if burdened by the task. Finally, he spoke. "I mean... there are new concubines in the palace. Doesn't that bother you, Tetsu?"
Tetsuya responded swiftly, almost without thinking. "Of course not."
Aomine visibly relaxed, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. "Good. That's a relief," he muttered. "Listen, Tetsu, if any of them try anything with you, you must tell me at once."
Tetsuya regarded him, an eyebrow quirked in curiosity. "And what would you do if they did?"
Aomine's response was as casual as if he were discussing the weather. "I would destroy their families, of course. Let's see how they dare act after that. And don't think they'll be safe within the palace walls either."
Satsuki and Kise nodded approvingly, both seeming to endorse Aomine's words without question.
"You were too kind, Tetsu," Aomine continued. "I was going to destroy the Oda family, but you defended them. And what happened? She tried to curse you!"
"There is no such thing as black magic," Tetsuya responded firmly, his tone unwavering. It was surprising to him that someone like Aomine, a formidable martial artist and a fierce warrior, would be so concerned with the supernatural. "Moreover, you should not go around abusing your position of power."
Aomine snorted dismissively. "Satsuki knows everyone's secrets and weaknesses. I'll use that to bring them down, if need be."
Satsuki nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Tetsuya. You don't need to worry."
Kise, noticing Seijuurou at the other end of the room, cast a sideways glance towards him. "What about Akashicchi?" he asked, his voice lowering slightly.
Tetsuya blinked, his bewilderment growing. This conversation was becoming more peculiar by the minute.
"We've all heard that Seijuurou has a favourite concubine," Satsuki remarked with a nervous smile. "Sakurai Ryuna, the sister of Sakurai Ryou. So... um... how is Akashicchi treating you now?"
Tetsuya was taken aback by the sudden shift in topic. He hadn't realised that his friends were so concerned about him, but a small part of him felt touched by their worry.
"You needn't concern yourselves," Tetsuya replied at length, his tone reassuring. As the youngest among them, he was often treated with a degree of overprotectiveness, like a younger brother who must always be pampered, guarded, and cared for.
"Are you truly alright?" Kagami asked at last, his voice betraying a hint of concern.
"I'm fine," Tetsuya insisted with a gentle smile. "Seijuurou is very kind to me, and there is no need to worry."
"Of course he must treat you kindly," Kise muttered under his breath, clearly not fully convinced.
Aomine, Satsuki, and Kagami nodded in emphatic agreement.
Tetsuya let out a soft sigh, his thoughts quieting as he observed his friends' protective nature. Despite the oddities of the conversation, he was grateful for their concern.
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"Finally, they have all gone home." Three hours had passed, and now Seijuurou was alone with Tetsuya in his palace.
Tetsuya turned his gaze to his husband. "Thank you for inviting them all," he said with a soft smile.
Seijuurou returned the smile, his lips brushing Tetsuya's in a gentle kiss. "I want nothing more than for you to be happy, Tetsuya."
Tetsuya's smile deepened, and he reassured him, "I am happy, truly. But I believe Seijuurou was also pleased to see our friends."
"I will not deny that," Seijuurou mused, his eyes thoughtful. "Though, I did notice that Daiki, Satsuki, Ryouta, and Taiga seemed to monopolise your attention earlier."
"They are merely concerned for me," Tetsuya protested lightly, though he could not help but feel a warmth in his chest at their care.
"They need not worry," Seijuurou's voice grew more serious, the playful glint in his eyes fading. "Everything I do, Tetsuya, is for you. I will give you this world—and everything within it."
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The following morning, Aida Riko was setting the table in the dining room when Emperor Seijuurou entered. He was alone, as Empress Tetsuya did not typically rise this early.
"Your Imperial Majesty," Riko curtsied deeply, her posture respectful.
Emperor Seijuurou regarded her quietly. "Did you do as I instructed?"
"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty," Riko responded promptly. Though she was a maid in the service of Empress Tetsuya, she would never dare defy the Emperor, especially when his commands were for the benefit and future of Empress Tetsuya. "Your servant has placed the medicine in the concubines' drinks each time they have come, with the exception of that one."
The Emperor gave a slight incline of his head, his expression unreadable. "And what of Tetsuya?"
"Imperial Empress is unaware of this, Your Imperial Majesty."
"Good," Emperor Seijuurou replied, his tone firm. "Ensure that Tetsuya never finds out."
"Your servant understands, Your Imperial Majesty," Riko affirmed.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Meanwhile, at Mayuzumi Chiharu's residence:
Chiharu stared incredulously at Sakurai Ryuna. "You're heading to the palace garden this early in the morning? May I ask why?"
Ryuna smiled brightly, her expression unbothered. "I'm searching for fish," she replied matter-of-factly. "Come, join me."
Chiharu sighed, clearly resigned. "Very well."
After all, Chiharu had little else to occupy her time. Life within the Imperial Palace had become dreadfully monotonous. In each pavilion, there was little to do but read, embroider, and sew. Compared to some, they were fortunate enough to enjoy the luxury of walks in the palace gardens.
The palace offered no real entertainment except during grand celebrations. Even then, such events consisted mostly of dance or music performances, with the occasional fireworks display. The only exception had been Empress Tetsuya's birthday celebration the previous evening, where Emperor Seijuurou had certainly indulged his wife with great enthusiasm.
To further add to her sense of confinement, Chiharu's status as a concubine meant she was unable to step outside the palace without the Emperor's permission. It often felt as though she were trapped within a gilded cage, but fortunately, she had the companionship of Ryuna and Kouka to alleviate her solitude.
"Let us go," Ryuna said, her voice light, urging Chiharu onward.
Despite it being the beginning of the second month, snow fell freely from the sky, its delicate flakes covering the ground in a thin blanket. As they walked, Ryuna spoke animatedly, while Chiharu listened quietly. Their personal maids followed them dutifully behind.
"I shall feed the fish today," Ryuna murmured, her tone filled with determination.
Chiharu raised an eyebrow, casting a glance at her companion. "And with what, might I ask?" she inquired, noting that Ryuna's hands were empty.
"With fish meal," Ryuna replied, before her eyes widened in realization. "Ah! I left the fish feed in my pavilion!"
Chiharu shook her head, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. Her friend was, at times, incredibly forgetful. "Let us return to fetch it, then."
"No," Ryuna protested, her voice firm. "You stay here. I shall go back and retrieve it."
Without waiting for further protest, Ryuna and her personal maid hurried off.
"My Lady," Nene, Chiharu's maid, spoke up, pointing towards a gazebo in the centre of the park. "We can sit there while we wait for First Class Attendant Ryuna."
Chiharu nodded. "Very well."
In the gazebo, a small table with four chairs awaited them. Chiharu settled herself in one of the chairs, while Nene stood attentively by her side. However, as twenty minutes passed, the waiting grew increasingly tiresome.
Chiharu stood, a sigh escaping her lips.
"My Lady?" Nene asked, concerned.
"I shall visit the fish pond while we wait," Chiharu replied. "Please remain here. I do not wish for Ryuna to waste time searching for us."
Nene hesitated, clearly torn. "But—"
"I will go on ahead," Chiharu interjected gently, cutting off her maid's concern. Without another word, she turned and walked away, following the winding footpath that led to the fish pond.
Despite its name, the "fish pond" was more accurately a small lake, complete with a dock that extended halfway across its surface.
Chiharu reached the end of the pier, crouching down to peer into the cold waters, wondering if the koi were still active in the chill. But before she could even observe, a sudden shove from behind sent her tumbling forward, plunging her body into the icy depths.
The shock of the cold water hit her instantly, freezing her in place for a moment. As she recovered from the initial shock, she realized her clothing had become heavy, dragging her downward into the abyss. Despite her frantic attempts to rise, the water sapped her strength, and she sank further.
She had descended several feet, yet the bottom was still nowhere in sight.
"Help!" Chiharu screamed, panic rising in her chest. "Help!"
Her voice echoed in the frigid water, but it was of little use. She could not swim. The more she flailed her arms and legs in a desperate attempt to rise, the more hopeless it became. Her lungs began to burn with each passing second, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
Her movements grew slower, the weight of her limbs becoming unbearable. Her vision began to blur, and the searing pain in her chest was nearly too much to bear. But still, she fought—fought to stay afloat, fought to live.
In the distance, a weak voice called her name. It took Chiharu a moment to realize that it was her own, faint and pleading in the cold, dark waters. She could no longer summon the strength to resist. Her body grew limp, and then, just as the last vestiges of consciousness slipped away, the darkness claimed her.
Author's Note:
Hello, everyone! First and foremost, thank you so much for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave a review.
The world of this story blends various Chinese dynasties with a bit of my own creative twist. Tetsuya and other concubines are wearing hanfu. But their hair style mix.
