07

Kazuki observed her for a moment, his expression a mix of admiration and concern. "If we're doing this, we need to be strategic," he said. "Rushing into things blindly will only make it easier for someone to stop us—or worse."

Hana agreed with a small nod. "I know. The question is, where do we even begin? We can't exactly confront Father or Mother outright without proof, and the message from Emperor Daiken is too vague to act on."

Kazuki crossed his arms, leaning slightly against the table. "If we're looking for answers, the palace archives might have something useful. Records, old agreements, anything that could shed light on this so-called 'fragile peace.' But it won't be easy. The archives are heavily monitored, and the most sensitive documents are locked away."

Hana frowned in thought, pacing the room. "There has to be another way. The archives are risky, and I don't want to draw attention to us. What about the council chambers? Aren't some of the discussions recorded there?"

Kazuki raised an eyebrow. "They are, but accessing those records would be even harder than the archives. You'd need to bypass not only the guards but also the stewards who manage them."

Hana sighed, frustration bubbling to the surface. "It's like every path is blocked before we even start."

Kazuki pushed off the table, stepping toward her. "Then we create our own path. There might be someone who knows more—someone we can trust to tell us the truth. What about Lady Reika? She's been close to the royal family for years and has ties to both kingdoms."

Hana's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Lady Reika! Of course. She was an advisor to my grandfather before she retired. If anyone knows the history between Kagayaku and Arashihara, it's her."

Kazuki gave a small smile, pleased to see her regaining her determination. "Then that's our first step. But we'll need to be discreet. If anyone finds out we're asking questions, it could alert your parents—or worse, Emperor Daiken."

Hana took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. "I understand. We'll speak to Lady Reika, but we have to act quickly. Every moment we wait is another chance for the truth to slip further away."

Kazuki inclined his head in agreement. "I'll make arrangements to meet her. In the meantime, try to act as if nothing is out of the ordinary. The last thing we need is suspicion falling on you before we've even begun."

Hana gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Kazuki. For everything."

Kazuki returned her smile, his tone gentle yet firm. "Always, Princess. I'm with you until the end."

As he left the room to begin preparations, Hana turned back to the horizon, her mind racing. She had no idea what secrets lay ahead, but one thing was certain: she was ready to face them, no matter the cost.

Meanwhile, in Arashihara Castle, the atmosphere was tense. Emperor Daiken sat in the grand council chamber, his sharp eyes scanning the faces of his trusted advisors. The message sent to Kagayaku had been deliberate, a chess move in the intricate game of diplomacy and secrecy between the two kingdoms. Yet, unease lingered in his mind.

"Do you think Emperor Daiki will respond in good faith?" asked General Hiroshi, the commander of Arashihara's army. His gruff voice broke the silence.

Emperor Daiken leaned back in his ornate chair, fingers steepled. "Daiki is a cautious man. He will not make a move without weighing every possible outcome. But the fact that his daughter was here, unannounced, is a crack in his carefully built façade."

Advisor Mei, the kingdom's chief strategist, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, perhaps the princess's visit was an innocent mistake. A rebellious act of curiosity rather than a political maneuver."

Daiken scoffed lightly, a bitter smile playing on his lips. "Innocence has no place in royal affairs, Mei. A princess wandering into our territory—without the knowledge of her parents—is unlikely. Either she knows something, or she is being used as a pawn in a larger scheme."

Prince Isamu, who had been standing near one of the large windows overlooking the sprawling gardens, spoke up. "Father, if I may, the princess did not seem... calculated. She was more curious than cunning. But her guard was another matter entirely. He was vigilant, protective, and more aware of his surroundings than she was."

Daiken nodded slowly. "Kazuki, the knight. A loyal servant to the Kagayaku royal family. His presence confirms that this was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. She was sent—or she chose to come with purpose."

"Shall we send spies to Kagayaku?" General Hiroshi suggested. "We need to understand what they are plotting."

"No," Daiken replied firmly. "Spies will only escalate the tension. For now, we wait. Daiki will respond to my message, and that will reveal more than any spy could. In the meantime, keep our defenses sharp and our borders monitored."

Mei hesitated, then added, "And what of the princess? Should we anticipate her return?"

Daiken's gaze darkened. "If she comes back, she will not leave Arashihara so easily. A second visit would mean she is here for more than curiosity." He paused, his tone softer but still sharp. "The fragile peace between our kingdoms rests on unspoken truths and buried secrets. But those secrets are stirring. If Kagayaku thinks they can act without consequence, they are mistaken."

Isamu exchanged glances with his brothers, all of whom were seated or standing around the room. The tension among them was palpable. Despite their differing temperaments, they all understood the gravity of the situation.

"Father," Isamu said carefully, "what are these secrets that bind our kingdoms? You've always spoken of peace, but never of the history behind it."

Daiken's jaw tightened. He rose from his chair, walking to the large map of the two kingdoms displayed on the wall. His fingers traced the border marked by the great river.

"There are things that even you, my sons, are not ready to know," Daiken said, his voice heavy. "Secrets that shaped our alliances, our rivalries, and the delicate balance we cling to today. Pray you never have to bear the weight of those truths."

The room fell silent as Daiken's words hung in the air. The princes exchanged uneasy looks, knowing better than to press further. Whatever their father was hiding, it was clear that the answer could change everything.

For now, they would wait—but the seeds of curiosity and suspicion had been sown..

As the council session adjourned, the princes left the chamber, their footsteps echoing through the marble hallways of Arashihara Castle. Isamu walked ahead, his mind racing with questions. Ryuu caught up with him, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness.

"What do you think Father is hiding?" Ryuu asked quietly, glancing around to ensure no one else was listening.

Isamu shook his head. "I don't know, but it must be something significant if he refuses to tell us. He always preaches about unity and transparency within the family, yet here we are—kept in the dark."

"It has to do with Kagayaku," Ryuu speculated. "Why else would Father be so focused on their movements lately? And the princess... she's part of it."

Behind them, Satoru and Daichi walked side by side, their expressions equally troubled. "Did you notice how tense Father became when the princess was mentioned?" Satoru muttered. "It's like he's afraid of something."

Daichi nodded grimly. "Fear or anger—either way, it's unlike him. Whatever the truth is, it's tied to the past. And if we're not careful, it could dictate our future."

Haru, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. "We need answers. If Father won't tell us, maybe we should start looking for them ourselves."

"You mean investigate Kagayaku?" Kazu asked from the back of the group, his voice skeptical. "That's risky. Spies and rumors could lead to conflict."

Haru shook his head. "Not Kagayaku, at least not directly. We start here, within Arashihara. Our libraries, our archives—anything that can shed light on the history between the two kingdoms."

The brothers paused in the corridor, exchanging glances. There was a shared sense of unease but also determination. Whatever their father was hiding, it was clearly affecting more than just their kingdom.

"Fine," Isamu said after a moment. "We'll start digging. But we have to be careful. If Father finds out, he won't take it lightly."

Ryuu smirked faintly. "When have we ever been careful, brother?"

The group chuckled softly, the tension momentarily easing, but the weight of their decision loomed over them. With a silent nod of agreement, they parted ways to prepare for their secret mission.

Meanwhile, back in Kagayaku... Princess Hana sat in her room as Kazuki left, her hands gripping the mysterious letter from Emperor Daiken. She had managed to slip away from the watchful eyes of the guards to read it again, each word echoing in her mind.

What could possibly be the secret between the two kingdoms that Father doesn't want me to know about? she murmured to herself, her thoughts swirling with confusion and frustration. The formal yet cryptic tone of the letter haunted her, its implications pulling her further into a storm of curiosity and fear.

She stood and paced the length of her room, the rustle of her gown filling the quiet space. Her gaze fell on the tapestry hanging on the wall—a depiction of Kagayaku's early days, a kingdom built on trust and alliances. But now, everything felt like a façade.

"What if the peace between Kagayaku and Arashihara isn't as strong as we've been led to believe?" she thought aloud. Her hands clenched the letter tightly, her mind replaying the moment she'd seen the tension in her father's eyes during their last conversation.

A soft knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts. Startled, she quickly hid the letter beneath a book on her desk and composed herself. "Come in," she called, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

The door creaked open to reveal Lady Reika, the royal historian, with a calm yet knowing expression. "Your Highness,"Reika, bowing respectfully. "I heard you wished to see me."

Hana's heart skipped a beat. She had sent for Misaki in a moment of desperation, hoping the historian might hold some of the answers she sought. "Yes, Lady Reika. Thank you for coming," she said, motioning for the older woman to sit.

Reika took a seat, her eyes scanning the room briefly before settling on the princess. "You seem troubled, Your Highness. How may I assist you?"

Hana hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I've been thinking about the history of Kagayaku and Arashihara," she began, keeping her tone neutral. "Specifically, the foundation of our alliance. What can you tell me about it?"

Reika's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of wariness crossing her face. "The alliance was formed generations ago, built on mutual respect and a promise to maintain peace. Surely you know this, Princess."

"I do," Hana said quickly. "But... is there more to it? Something not written in the official records?"

Reika's expression grew guarded. "Why do you ask such a question, Your Highness?"

Hana leaned forward, her voice lowering. "Because I believe there's a truth I'm not being told. I need to understand, Lady Reika. Please, if you know anything—anything at all—help me."

For a long moment, Reika was silent, studying the princess intently. Finally, she sighed and leaned back in her chair. "There are stories, Princess," she said softly. "Whispers of a pact made long ago—one that ties the fate of both kingdoms together in ways few understand. But the details are closely guarded secrets, known only to the rulers of each kingdom."

"A pact?" Hana echoed, her curiosity burning brighter. "What kind of pact?"

Reika shook her head. "That, I cannot say. My knowledge is limited, and what I do know, I am sworn to keep confidential. But I will say this: the peace between Kagayaku and Arashihara is more fragile than it seems. Whatever your parents are hiding, it's for a reason."

Hana's heart sank. She wanted answers, but she couldn't push Reika further without risking more suspicion. "Thank you, Lady Reika," she said, forcing a polite smile. "You've given me much to think about."

Reika bowed and stood. "Be cautious, Your Highness," she said before leaving the room. "Curiosity can be dangerous, especially when it comes to matters of the throne."

As the door closed, Hana slumped into her chair, her mind racing. A pact between the kingdoms? What could it mean? And why was it being kept from her?

With renewed determination, she retrieved the letter from its hiding place. "If no one will tell me the truth," she whispered, "then I'll find it myself."

The threads of secrecy and intrigue were tightening around both kingdoms. As Princess Hana sought the truth and the princes began their own investigation, the stage was set for revelations that would change their lives—and the future of Kagayaku and Arashihara—forever.

In Arashihara Castle

The seven princes convened in a dimly lit chamber deep within the castle, the air thick with the weight of their shared purpose. Emperor Daiken's recent actions and veiled warnings had sparked a growing unease among them, and they knew the time for passive observation had passed.

Ryuu paced back and forth, his frustration evident. "Father isn't telling us everything. Why would he be so interested in Princess Hana's presence at the festival? And now this letter to Kagayaku? Something doesn't add up."

Yuji, seated calmly in the corner, spoke up. "We all know Father has his reasons for keeping things close to his chest. But if the peace between our kingdoms is truly at stake, we need to understand what's happening. Ignorance isn't an option."

Haru leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Then what do you suggest? Confront him directly? You know how that'll go."

Kazu nodded in agreement. "He won't tell us anything unless it suits his plans. If we want answers, we'll have to find them ourselves."

Isamu, ever the strategist, tapped his chin thoughtfully. "The archives," he said suddenly. "There might be something in the royal archives. Old treaties, correspondences, anything that could shed light on this so-called 'pact' between the kingdoms."

The brothers exchanged glances, the idea gaining traction. Satoru broke the silence. "Fine. We'll search the archives, but we have to be careful. If Father finds out, it'll only raise suspicion."

Daichi, the eldest, stood and looked at his brothers with determination. "Then it's settled. Tonight, we'll go to the archives. If there's a truth hidden there, we'll uncover it."

Back in Kagayaku

Princess Hana sat at her desk, the stolen letter spread out before her alongside maps and books she had taken from the royal library. She traced her finger along the border between Kagayaku and Arashihara, her mind racing with questions.

"What could this pact entail?" she murmured to herself. "And why does Emperor Daiken think I'm the key to it?"

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. This time, she didn't hide her materials. "Come in," she said, her voice steady.

Kazuki entered, his expression a mix of concern and resolve. "I couldn't stop thinking about what you said earlier, Princess," he admitted. "If there's something your parents are hiding, you deserve to know."

Hana blinked in surprise. "You're not going to lecture me about the dangers of meddling?"

Kazuki shook his head. "I won't pretend it's not dangerous. But if your instincts are telling you to uncover the truth, then I'll stand by you."

Relief washed over her, and she managed a small smile. "Thank you, Kazuki. I can't do this alone."

He approached the desk, glancing at the spread of documents. "What's the plan?"

Hana hesitated, then said, "We need to figure out what Emperor Daiken's letter truly means. I think the key lies in the history of the kingdoms—something my parents won't share, but perhaps the royal archives might."

Kazuki's eyes narrowed. "The archives are heavily guarded."

"I know," Hana said. "But it's our best chance. Tonight, we'll go together. If we're careful, no one will know."

That Night

In both kingdoms, the search for answers began. In Kagayaku, Princess Hana and Kazuki crept through the palace halls, their hearts pounding as they avoided the patrolling guards.

In Arashihara, the seven princes worked in unison, slipping into the ancient archives with practiced ease.

Unbeknownst to one another, their fates were converging, the threads of their actions weaving a tapestry of destiny that neither side could fully understand.

Deep within the archives of both castles, secrets long buried awaited discovery—secrets that would reveal the true nature of the pact, the price of peace, and the role each of them was destined to play in the fragile balance between their kingdoms.

In the Archives of Arashihara

The air in the royal archives was thick with dust and the faint scent of parchment. Flickering candlelight cast shadows on the rows of ancient scrolls and leather-bound tomes. The seven princes moved carefully, their voices hushed as they searched for anything that could unravel the mystery.

"Over here," Isamu called softly, pointing to a shelf labeled *Treaties and Alliances.*

Yuji pulled out a hefty volume and laid it on the table in the center of the room. "This might be it. Look at the dates—this covers the period when the pact with Kagayaku would have been made."

Ryuu leaned over the book, skimming through the pages. "Here it is—*The Accord of Scarlet Night.*" He paused, the words striking a chord within him. "Scarlet Night… doesn't that sound—"

"Like more than just a name," Daichi finished, his expression grim. "Keep reading."

Ryuu read aloud:

*In the presence of Emperor Daiken of Arashihara and Emperor Daiki of Kagayaku, a pact was forged under the scarlet moon. This accord, sworn to protect the fragile peace between the kingdoms, is sealed by blood and bound by destiny. The price of betrayal shall be paid by the heirs, and the secret shall remain hidden, lest the peace be shattered.*

The room fell silent, the gravity of the words sinking in.

"'Sealed by blood and bound by destiny,'" Haru repeated, his voice tinged with unease. "What does that even mean?"

Kazu shook his head. "It sounds like more than just a political agreement. This feels… personal."

Satoru frowned. "If the heirs are tied to this, it could explain why Father is so protective of the pact—and why Princess Hana's presence at the festival unsettled him."

Daichi closed the book, his face hard with determination. "Whatever this means, it's clear our families are deeply tied to this pact. We need to find out more. There has to be another document or clue that explains the full extent of this accord."

They continued their search, unaware that the truth they sought could alter the course of their lives forever.

In the Archives of Kagayaku

Meanwhile, Princess Hana and Kazuki found themselves in the shadowy depths of Kagayaku's archives. The room was eerily quiet, the faint flicker of their lantern casting long shadows on the walls.

Hana traced her fingers along the spines of the books until she found one labeled *Royal Accords.* She pulled it free, the weight of it making her arms tremble.

"Here," she whispered, setting the book on a nearby table. "This has to have something."

Kazuki kept watch as Hana flipped through the pages. Her breath caught as she reached a section titled *The Scarlet Pact.*

She began to read aloud:

*Under the crimson light of the scarlet moon, two kingdoms forged a sacred bond. This pact was to ensure peace, but the cost of such peace was great. It is said that the scarlet moon chooses its heirs, tying them to the destiny of the pact. Should the balance of this bond be broken, the scarlet moon shall rise again, and with it, the price of peace shall be paid in blood.*

Hana looked up at Kazuki, her eyes wide with fear and confusion. "Tied to the destiny of the pact…? What does that mean?"

Kazuki stepped closer, his brow furrowed. "It sounds like the pact is more than a mere agreement. It's tied to something… greater. Something beyond politics."

Hana's voice wavered as she whispered, "What if my presence in Arashihara has already upset that balance?"

Kazuki placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We don't know that. But whatever this means, we'll face it together. You're not alone in this, Princess."

A Rising Scarlet Moon

In the skies above both kingdoms, the faint glow of the rising moon began to take on a scarlet hue, a silent herald of the secrets coming to light.

The revelations found in the archives were only the beginning. As Princess Hana and the princes unraveled the truth, the ties that bound their kingdoms—and their fates—grew ever tighter.

But the scarlet moon held more than answers; it carried warnings of what was to come, and a price that neither side was prepared to pay.

Back in Arashihara

"Brothers, there's more information about the scarlet moon over here," Ryuu said, his voice echoing slightly in the dimly lit archive room. He pointed to an old, weathered manuscript spread across the table. "But it's in a different language—something ancient, like Egyptian or similar symbols."

Satoru leaned over the table, narrowing his eyes as he studied the unfamiliar script. "It's not Egyptian," he said after a moment. "It's older, but definitely not from around here. These symbols look more like… a mix of glyphs and runes."

"Fantastic," Haru muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "So not only do we have ancient prophecies about a scarlet moon and kingdoms on the brink of chaos, but now we can't even read the solutions to it."

Isamu frowned, picking up the fragile parchment. "Wait, these glyphs remind me of something." He walked to the corner of the room, where a thick tome lay open on another desk. He flipped through the pages rapidly until he stopped, his finger tracing a line of text.

"Here," he said, holding up the book. "It's a linguistic guide to old dialects from the era of the first alliance. If I'm right, this manuscript could be written in the language of the *Scarlet Pact.*"

Kazu raised an eyebrow. "The language of the Scarlet Pact? Why would anyone write in a dead language unless they wanted to keep something hidden?"

"Exactly," Isamu replied. "It's probably deliberate. Whoever wrote this didn't want just anyone understanding its contents. It might hold the key to the pact—and why it was made."

Yuji crossed his arms. "Then we need to translate it. How long will that take?"

Isamu shook his head. "It won't be quick. The dialect is complex, and without a full guide, it's like piecing together a puzzle with missing pieces."

"Great," Ryuu said with a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "So we're on a clock with this scarlet moon situation, and now we're stuck deciphering a forgotten language. What else can go wrong?"

Daichi, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. His expression was serious, his voice firm. "We can't afford to waste time. Start working on the translation. The rest of us will keep searching for anything else connected to the scarlet moon or the Rite of the Scarlet Bond."

Haru smirked. "Divide and conquer, huh? Alright, let's see if this archive has more surprises for us."

As the brothers dispersed, the weight of the situation settled over them. The mysteries of the scarlet moon were unraveling, but with every answer, more questions arose.

Unbeknownst to them, Emperor Daiken stood on the balcony of his private chambers, watching the faint glow of the scarlet moon as it began to rise in the horizon. A grim expression shadowed his face.

"Secrets hidden in ancient tongues," he murmured to himself. "But some truths are meant to stay buried."

Back in the Arashihara Archives

"What's taking so long? Have you translated it yet?" Haru asked impatiently, leaning over his brothers who were huddled around the scroll, their brows furrowed in concentration.

Ryuu looked up briefly, his eyes tired but focused. "It's not that simple, Haru. We're dealing with an ancient language, and it's not just words—it's symbols, meanings within meanings."

Satoru adjusted his glasses and tapped the parchment with a finger. "This isn't just a simple translation. Some of the words are concepts that don't exist in modern speech. We're trying to understand the context, but it's a delicate process."

"Besides," Isamu added, "this isn't just about finding the right words. The text talks about ancient pacts and rituals that could be dangerous if misinterpreted."

Haru frowned but didn't press further. He could see the strain on their faces, the sweat on their brows from the hours they'd been pouring over the scroll. "I get it. But time is running out." He looked toward the door, as if expecting someone to walk in with more news. "We need to know what this scarlet moon means, and soon. If the kingdoms are going to clash again, we have to be prepared."

Yuji leaned back in his chair, his gaze sharp as he studied the symbols. "I think we're getting closer. I just need a bit more time."

Daichi, standing by the door with arms crossed, let out a frustrated sigh. "We don't have much of that," he said, his voice steady but carrying the weight of responsibility. "The situation in Arashihara is growing more tense by the hour. If this prophecy has any truth to it, we could be on the brink of something catastrophic."

Isamu paused, his fingers hovering over a particularly cryptic symbol. "Wait... I think I've found something. The symbols here match the ones from the first *Scarlet Pact*—the one that supposedly bound Kagayaku and Arashihara together."

Satoru glanced over, his interest piqued. "The pact? What does it say?"

Isamu cleared his throat, then began reading aloud the translated section. "'When the moon bleeds scarlet, the two shall either unite or fall to ruin. The seal of the bond is broken by blood, but it shall not be mended by simple hands. A new heir, the key to the kingdom, will rise.'"

The room fell silent, the weight of the words hanging heavily in the air.

Kazuki, who had been standing quietly in the corner of the room, stepped forward. "A new heir?" he echoed. "Does this mean there's someone else involved in this prophecy? Someone who could change everything for both kingdoms?"

Isamu nodded slowly. "It seems that way. The 'new heir' could be someone neither of us expect, someone who has the power to decide the fate of both kingdoms. But..." He hesitated. "The mention of blood—it's not just symbolic. This could mean actual bloodshed, a sacrifice, or even an assassination."

Ryuu clenched his fists. "So, we're looking at a potential war, or worse... a betrayal within our own ranks. Someone might already be playing a dangerous game behind the scenes."

Daichi's expression darkened. "We have no time to waste. We must investigate this new heir and uncover the true meaning of the scarlet moon, before it's too late."

The brothers exchanged determined looks. The prophecy had set them on a path toward uncovering dangerous truths, but it also placed them in a race against time.

The fate of both kingdoms rested in their hands—and the secrets they uncovered might change everything.