Chapter Text
If someone had told him years ago that he would fall madly in love and experience a reciprocal and lasting romance, Rui would have laughed and called the person crazy. Him? Rui Kamishiro in a relationship? It could only be a cruel joke. Luckily, that's not the case. In fact, all that nonsense was completely real, seeing as he and Tsukasa announced their official courtship five years ago.
Yes. Five years have passed since all the confusion of that social season; and a lot happened too. Firstly, two years after everything, Saki, Ichika, Honami and Shiho got married! It was a beautiful and grand wedding, and not unexpected considering that they had been dating in secret for years before the official announcement. Not that most people in high society waited that long to get married, but it was slowly becoming normalized.
Furthermore, Lady Mafuyu rebelled against her mother; Toya and his father began to understand each other better, which led to the recent official announcement of the courtship between him and Akito; and Nene is now known as a successful actress and singer throughout the empire, performing with troupes run by the Otori family. In other words, everything was going extremely well.
The relationship between him and Tsukasa remained perfect, and despite having received disapproval from some members of high society for a while, nothing shook them; they had the support of their families and close friends, nothing else mattered. In fact, the love between the two only intensified over the years, and Rui couldn't be happier.
Except… With over five years of a royal courtship, society expected to have already received a betrothal announcement by that time. Rui and Tsukasa had already talked vaguely about this before, a year after Saki's wedding, and they had hinted mutual want to marry each other, but despite that, three years had passed and no sign of a proposal from Tsukasa. Maybe the prince had forgotten, and it's not like Rui had a problem with not getting betrothed, but it made him a little scared — in case Tsukasa's feelings for Rui had changed in recent years.
If Rui could, he would have already made some kind of move himself, but it was against the rules. The etiquette is clear in this regard: the highest ranking family in a courtship is the one who should make the marriage proposal, as it symbolizes a union that is not out of pure interest (although a good part of high society marriages are). Etiquette makes it even clearer that in the case of a royal courtship, the royals are the ones who must make the proposal, no matter who the other party member is. Therefore, Rui is forced to patiently wait for a proposal from Tsukasa, and any insinuation of his own would be suspicious and considered a lack of respect.
Absurd, but it's not like Rui can change the old-fashioned rules so easily.
But that's okay, because in the end, Rui would wait all eternity for Tsukasa as long as he could remain by his side during it.
In all his thinking, the nobleman barely noticed the hand waving in front of him, calling for his attention. Rui blinked a few times, and his vision finally focused on the man sitting in front of him inside the moving carriage.
“… Ah! Sorry, Asahi.” Rui smiled embarrassed, remembering that minutes before he lost himself in thought, he was talking to the other nobleman. Asahi in turn just laughed quietly, without a care.
“It’s not like I’m not used to it.”
“Still, it's rude of me to stop our conversation when it's been years since we last spent time together. Even longer since you last joined a social season!”
“Yes, I'm sorry about that, but you know how busy my job is.”
Rui nodded understandingly. Asahi Genbu, unlike him, has never had problems socializing with others; and despite being only three years older than Rui, he runs a trading company that covers the entire empire, besides working directly with the Otori family to organize charity events, being himself a frequent member of a theater troupe.
Asahi started traveling and taking care of his family business when Rui was 16, and before that, he was one of the few friends he had, so of course his departure made him sad. As the years passed, Asahi's work only increased while his parents managed the head office in the north, so the few times Rui saw him was during some special events. That is, when Rui appeared in them. His youthful years of seclusion are not something he likes to talk about much.
Even with the constant exchange of letters between the two, Rui couldn't help but be extremely happy when he showed up at the Kamishiro residence and announced that he would take part in that year's social season.
“I will show you all the exciting activities we have in the capital these days! It’s been almost ten years since your last season, hasn’t it?”
“Yes, the last times I came to the capital were out of season.” Asahi admits, “I’ll look forward to your tour then.”
After all the confusion with Tsukasa years ago, Rui opened up more to other people. It was not entirely by his will, but being in an official courtship with the prince, it is natural that he would be pressured to take part more actively in high society activities and interact with others. At first, Rui wasn't very comfortable, but over time he ended up getting used to it. It was also part of his duty and learning as heir to the northern duchy, so he put effort on it.
Nowadays, after a few years of getting used to the interactions in the capital annually (as of course Rui visits Tsukasa as often as possible and vice versa) Rui even organizes his own events for the social season! Nothing as elegant as Lady Shizuku's parties, or exciting as the knights' duels, but at least it was something he now found pleasure in doing.
Ah - Rui didn't notice that he had lost himself in thought once more. Asahi was understandable enough to not try to get his attention again, having already experienced the same thing several times before.
When Rui blinked back to the reality outside his mind, his eyes focused on the capital's buildings that were quickly passing by. Both he and Asahi silently contemplated how much the empire prospered after the war thanks to the efforts of its rulers and the population, allowing for a greater abundance of cultural and technological development for all.
Watching decorations being put up in the main streets and squares, it was clear that high society would not be the only ones celebrating that season, probably with numerous festivals planned with the help of the Otori family. Rui would have to ask Emu later, as the girl only vaguely mentioned it in a letter to Nene before completely changing the subject.
Speaking of Nene…
“Where are you staying during the social season, Asahi? Nene said that perhaps you would stay at the Kusanagi residence” The question after so long in silence made the other nobleman take a few moments to process the words, but he soon smiled.
“She came to speak to me on behalf of Countess Kusanagi, but I refused. I imagine it would be a nuisance if I prevented her from being alone with Lady Emu.”
“Are you sure you just didn’t want to serve as their chaperone for the entire season?” Rui laughed.
“You know it’s unlikely that Lady Emu’s brothers would let her spend the season away from home, let alone at the Kusanagi residence with her own suitor.”
“But at the same time, they give Emu a lot of freedom, so it’s very possible that this could still happen.”
Asahi chuckled airy and agreed. “I'm staying at the Otori's luxury hotel. It’s close to one of my family’s company buildings, so it makes my work easier.”
‘Extremely efficient and hardworking, as always.’ Rui thought internally, as not even during the social season Asahi gave himself a break from his workload.
“Plus, it’s practically next to the Royal Theater! I planned in advance with Lady Emu to take part in this year’s big performance.”
Rui's face lit up even more with the news, giving the other an excited smile. "Really? It's been so long since I saw you act! I can’t wait!”
“I will do my best to meet your expectations!” Asahi responded with a wide smile of his own.
It would be a great social season. Rui could sense it.
In the grand royal palace, servants were rushing to make the final adjustments in the rooms of the most important guest of the coming months: the prince's suitor.
The latter was not calm as many would imagine. Tsukasa had been much more agitated than usual in the last few weeks, checking over ten times if everything was perfect for Rui's stay, if he himself was presentable for his arrival, and if the social agenda was perfectly planned for the main events.
Even though they saw each other last month, and Rui has attended every social season since that fateful year, Tsukasa could never shake the anxiety of having so much free time to simply enjoy Rui's full company and attention for over two months followed. Furthermore, there was a particular reason for the prince to be extra excited for that season.
Tsukasa would finally ask for Rui's hand in marriage.
Yes, after five long years of courting, the blond finally decided that it was time to make a proposal.
Technically less than five years, since Tsukasa had actually decided at the beginning of last year. The reason for the delay? He had to check a lot of things first. Firstly, tell his parents (and Saki, of course) about his decision; they supported him, and Saki even complained about him taking too long.
“Brother, even I got married before you!” She mocked him. An unfair comparison in Tsukasa's opinion, given that Saki had already been courting (albeit secretly) her now-wives for more years than he had been courting Rui.
Secondly, ask Rui's parents for permission to marry him. This was the most complex part, as their schedules had to line up when Tsukasa had time to visit the north. Furthermore, a marriage involving two powerful families is a delicate matter, usually needing a lot of discussion to reach an agreement.
Although, remembering now, everything was quite simple with Rui’s parents…
.
.
.
It occurred a few weeks after the festivities celebrating the winter solstice, when Tsukasa finally had more time in his schedule to set aside time to visit Rui and his family in the north. As always, he was very well received, and everyone exchanged gifts in front of a large, cozy fireplace.
Unfortunately, it wasn't that day that Tsukasa could talk to the Duke and Duchess Kamishiro, but since he was staying for the entire week, he was able to arrange a short meeting with them in two days.
Tsukasa was extremely nervous, he could feel the palms of his hands sweating even though he was in the coldest region during winter. He truly had nothing to fear, since Rui's parents were always very receptive to the courtship between the two and seemed to like Tsukasa a lot. Taking a deep breath, he entered the duke's office.
“I apologize for making you wait!” He said in his usual loud voice.
“You're not even a minute late, Prince Tsukasa~” The duchess replied with a smile on her face and invited him to sit on the parallel sofa where the couple was sitting.
Apparently Rui's extreme politeness ran in the family. “Please, after all this time, you can just call me Tsukasa.” He bowed slightly before sitting.
“Well then, Tsukasa. What would you like to talk to us about to the extent of asking for an official meeting?” The duke asked, but his expectant look showed that he already had a clear idea of the matter.
“Your Graces, Duke and Duchess Kamishiro of the Northern Kamishiro Duchy.” Tsukasa looked serious and determined at the two in front of him, trying to exude as much confidence as he had. “I, Crown Prince Tsukasa Tenma of the Tenma imperial family, humbly ask for your permission to propose to your son.”
Luckily, that was the topic they had been waiting for, so Tsukasa was graced with a satisfied smile from the Duke and Duchess. The blond breathed a sigh of relief at that reaction.
“Hmm, but do you truly deserve to marry our beloved and only son?” The duchess pondered with a playful tone, and yet Tsukasa tensed again.
“Please don’t tease me like that, Your Grace!” The prince said almost trembling, and the duchess laughed alongside her husband.
“Sorry, sorry. We would be happy to witness a wedding between you and Rui.”
He relaxed again.
“Our son has never been happier than with you, so we are relieved to know that you intend to strengthen your relationship in this way.”
Tsukasa opened a sincere smile at the sentence said by the duchess. This only reaffirmed his determination, knowing that Rui felt the same way as him and was inclined to delve deeper into things.
They had briefly talked about the matter a year ago, and although he had received an overall positive response from Rui, the prince couldn't help but be slightly unsure. That is, until that moment.
Yes, the universe was in his favor. Rui would accept his proposal, they would get married and live happily ever after.
.
.
.
One of the biggest dilemmas, however, is that even after planning everything for so long, Tsukasa had no idea how he would make the formal proposal to Rui. During the social season was the perfect time, but it was all he had decided on so far.
Unfortunately, marriage proposals for high society had their own rules to follow:
- It should be done by the person with the highest social position (to avoid marriages by interest);
- It’s needed to have permission from the parents of both families;
- It should be done in public with at least one witness from both families (to avoid any forced/intimidated acceptance of the proposal).
Not the most convenient, but it was how things worked for a long time. In fact, not all nobles made their proposals completely in public — they usually took place at lunches and dinners between the two families, public enough for there to be witnesses but not enough to expose them to all of high society.
Unfortunately, this strategy was not well accepted in case of royalty. It is necessary for the proposal to be made in public so that everyone would know instantly whether the royal member would be available again (in case of a refusal), or definitely committed (in case of acceptance). After all, no suitor is more desired than a royal one.
And knowing all this, Tsukasa still hadn't decided when to propose. He had a few options in mind, but was uncertain between them.
“Tsukasa!~” A sweet, familiar voice called his name at the end of the corridor, and the prince turned to greet his sister, who was approaching with quick steps.
“Saki! What are you doing here at this hour? Not that I’m not happy to see my dear sister.” He said smiling and giving her a brief hug.
Since Saki got married, she has moved out of the main palace and into a mansion with her wives for privacy. Of course the mansion was located within the secure walls of the palace grounds, but the distance didn't allow Tsukasa to see her as often as before, despite them still seeing each other daily.
"What do you mean? I came because it’s almost time for Rui to arrive!”
“Eh?” Tsukasa quickly checked a wall clock and exclaimed again when he saw his sister was correct. "EH?! I DIDN’T SEE THAT TIME HAD PASSED SO QUICKLY!”
“I figured, that’s why I went after you, since you weren’t near the entrance.” Saki said with a sigh. “Why are you so distracted, anyway? You never lose track of time when it comes to meeting Rui.”
As always, it's impossible for Tsukasa to hide anything from Saki. He signaled for them to walk while explaining his dilemma, and Saki gladly followed him.
“The social season officially starts tonight, but I still haven’t decided how to propose to Rui…”
Saki gasped loudly. “How not??!! You had so much time, Tsukasa!”
"I know. But all my ideas don’t seem worthy enough of Rui.”
Despite sighing with a disapproving look, Saki gave his downcast brother a few light pats on the back, trying to cheer him up during the walk to the main entrance.
“Maybe it’s time for you to ask others for help before it’s too late and you have to delay it for another year.”
“… You're right, Saki. I definitely can’t delay any longer.” Tsukasa took a deep breath, reinvigorating his usual energy, and turned to Saki with determination in his eyes when they finally left the palace. “Do you have any ideas for me?”
“Hmm, maybe some. But anyway, we'll have to talk about this later. The carriage has arrived.” She pointed out.
Tsukasa's eyes immediately shifted to the main gate that opened in the distance, allowing the luxurious carriage with the emblem of the north to pass through. The prince didn't even wait for the carriage to stop in front of the stairs, already going down the steps, beaming to meet Rui.
When the carriage finally stopped, Tsukasa was already waiting at the side, and immediately opened the door in place of the coachman, offering his hand for Rui to get out like an honorable gentleman would. He heard his suitor's sweet amused laugh first, and then the nobleman appeared and accepted the hand offered to him, gracefully descending from the carriage.
“A gentleman as always, Tsukasa~” The blond only widened his smile with the compliment and bowed, taking Rui's hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss on it. Rui smiled and returned the kiss.
“It surprised me when you didn’t arrive with Nene and Mizuki last week… You usually like us to have some quiet time alone before the hustle and bustle of the social season.”
“Sorry, I had to take care of some unforeseen matters and I couldn’t arrive earlier like in other years.” Rui apologized, sounding truly sad, but Tsukasa gave a light squeeze of comfort to his hand that he still held in his own.
“I hope the trip was pleasant, Rui~” Saki's voice made a presence, approaching right behind Tsukasa. The nobleman greeted the princess and friend with the usual light kiss on the hand.
“Yes, everything went well. And Asahi was always splendid company, so we kept each other entertained!”
“You flatter me, Rui~” The male voice replied, and only then did Tsukasa notice the other man with brown hair and blue eyes next to Rui.
"Oh, right! Tsukasa, Saki, this is Lord Asahi Genbu, soon to be Marquis of the northern Genbu family.”
Rui introduced them, embarrassed that he had forgotten to do so as soon as he got out of the carriage. What could he do if Tsukasa made him forget his entire surroundings?
“It’s nice to meet you, Your Highnesses. We’ve only seen each other before on special occasions, but we’ve never spoken outside polite greetings.” Asahi bowed briefly to the two royals, kissing the air above Saki's hand and shaking Tsukasa's hand afterward.
The prince took a few seconds to process the presence of the other nobleman, but he soon opened a friendly smile when he remembered who Asahi was. Rui had already commented on Asahi several times during their years of relationship, talking about some subjects present in the letters that the two exchanged frequently.
“The pleasure is mine, Lord Asahi. Rui told me about you before. It's great that you're finally going to take part in a social season after so many years away! I hope you can enjoy your stay in the capital.”
"Thanks for the reception. I hope Rui said nothing bad about me.” He laughed while Rui rolled his eyes in amusement.
“We were not informed of your presence in advance. Will you stay with us in the palace, my lord?” Saki asked, ready to ask the servants to prepare a room immediately if that was the case. But it wasn't necessary, as Asahi shook his head.
"No. It would be rude of me to ask to prepare a room in the palace without prior notice or an invitation. I'll be staying at an Otori hotel, so you don't need to worry about me. I just came to accompany Rui here.”
“I see.”
In the following minutes, Asahi said goodbye to them and returned to the carriage, which left the palace to take him to the hotel. They would see each other again in a few hours during the opening ball, so the four of them could talk more later.
“He seems like a good person.” Saki commented as the three watched the carriage pass through the gates and disappear into the horizon. “Well, shall we have afternoon tea?~”
“As you wish, Saki~”
Throughout the afternoon, when they met with Saki's wives to talk and drink tea, Tsukasa couldn't help but think of several different times to propose to Rui. The prince blamed himself immensely for leaving Rui waiting for this so long, although the other didn't seem to mind. This only showed how Rui deserved the best of the best for everything, for a proposal and a wedding.
‘Maybe the garden would be a good idea?… No, too isolated to have witnesses.’ Tsukasa muttered in the corner, waiting for Rui to get ready.
Night had already arrived, and with it, guests in their carriages for the royal ball. As always, the rulers were already in the main hall receiving the nobles who arrived in line to greet them; Saki and Tsukasa would only enter after the majority had already arrived, along with their respective lovers.
‘If it is a public place, then perhaps the Royal Theater would be appropriate?…’
“Tsukasa?” Rui caught his attention as soon as he appeared in the hallway. “Why so serious?” He chuckled and instantly made Tsukasa soften his expression, approaching him.
“It’s nothing, I was going over in my head whether all the details were ready for the ball.” Rui accepted the excuse, taking advantage of their proximity to fix the earring on the blond's right ear, which had bent a bit while waiting.
The prince thanked him, completely enamored by Rui's perfect and impeccable appearance (as always), and couldn't help but caress one side of his face with his gloved hand. They had decided that they would match the design of their clothes for the most important balls, and although Rui could not wear the colors of the imperial family (yet), Tsukasa made sure that he wore at least one orange dravite tourmaline earring that the prince ordered to the nobleman as a gift. In return, Rui presented him with an amethyst earring.
In a few seconds of silence of mutual loving appreciation, Rui caught the attention of Tsukasa's passionate eyes. "Shall we go now? Saki said that she would go ahead with Ichika, Honami and Shiho. We shouldn’t keep the guests waiting too long for our appearance either.” He said, extending a hand to the prince, who gladly accepted.
"You're right. We are practically the main attraction of the season! We cannot disappoint the public!” Tsukasa exclaimed in the few steps they took to the door of the main internal staircase, where a servant would announce their names and open the doors.
“Hm? Why?"
'Because everyone is waiting for our betrothal, of course.' Tsukasa almost replied, but luckily the doors opened before Rui could insist on an answer. The bright lights of the hall blinded the two for a brief moment, but this did not affect their posture, as they walked elegantly down the stairs with dazzling smiles.
Everything happened as usual. After officially joining the ballroom and greeting the rulers, they spent the night talking to everyone who came to them, dancing together and with others.
“Will you need me to stay in the palace with you, Rui? I still technically came with the duty of being your personal guard.” Mizuki asked in a conversation with the nobleman.
“There is no need, I believe. There have never been any accidents inside the palace, and you will be present at every event I go to, right?”
“Yes, but still…” Mizuki frowned.
“Seriously, I'll be fine. Furthermore, I heard that you are staying at the Yoisaki manor during the season, together with Lady Mafuyu and Lady Ena~.” He smiled teasingly, as if he knew something.
“Nene said she didn’t need me to stay with her either, so Kanade offered me to stay with her.” Mizuki sounded strangely defensive and Rui just laughed again.
“Then consider this social season as a kind of vacation for yourself~”
“Ha, as if that were the reason you want me away. You just want to have more time alone with the prince!” Mizuki scoffed.
The nobleman was about to retort, but Mizuki just made an amused face at him and fled, probably going after Ena. Alone for the first time in a few hours, Rui sighed in amusement at the interaction, but soon a hand came from behind and grabbed his.
“Tsukasa?~” Of course Rui would recognize his lover's hand even though it was gloved.
Tsukasa made a sound of affirmation, standing in front of him with a glass of champagne in his other hand, offering it to Rui. “Lady Mafuyu came to the social season this year?”
Rui nodded, taking a sip from the glass before speaking. “Yes, but I don’t think she will make many public appearances. Countess Asahina still hasn't given up on trying to convince her to return, despite the Count having already made peace with Lady Mafuyu. Mizuki told me she is staying at the Yoisaki residence together with them and Lady Ena.”
Tsukasa hummed. “Well, Viscount Yoisaki has not yet awakened from his years in a coma, so it will do Lady Kanade good to have company. Honami is her close friend, she tells me how lonely the house is often.”
His lover agreed. “Everyone is happier than usual this season, isn't that a great sign?~” Rui smiled radiantly, returning to sip from his glass. The way the happiness he fells when witnessing the happiness of others is so contagious. The shine in his eyes, reflecting all the emotions he often kept contained within himself, like a window to the starry universe. Tsukasa loves it all.
“Yes, it’s the perfect sign.”
Happiness suits him so well; Tsukasa wanted to see Rui even more happy. If he could, he would love to propose right then and there, but it wasn't appropriate to draw all the attention at the opening ball, even though Tsukasa loved attention.
…
He would really have to ask others for help. Tsukasa didn't want to wait even one more day to be betrothed to Rui.