[The Prince's POV]The trip was long and I was able to pass by the town by the border where I caught the slave traders. I was quickly recognized by some of the residents, mostly the children and the young women who were once captured. They all bowed their heads at me and they told me how grateful they were. I knew that their gratitude was not for me. The person deserving of that gratitude is in another Empire. It was getting dark so I had decided to let the other guards who were with me to set up camp. We’ll leave first thing in the morning. “Your highness, the tent has been set up.” One of my men told me. I nodded and thanked them for their hard work. Usually the guards accompanying me will take their turns keeping watch. I went to our supplies to double check that everything is still well and complete. As my father instructed, I gathered different kinds of herbs to be broug

“I haven’t been completely honest with you, Himawari.” The Empress said. This caught my attention and I turned to her. Usually when I hear that phrase, I would get nervous and wonder if something bad has happened. She averted her gaze when I turned to her which made me even more nervous. “What is it, Empress?” I asked. My hands started to sweat and my anxiety just went up. The longer she stays in silence, the more nervous I get. I just want her to start talking before I lose it. And just as I had thought that, the Empress spoke. “The Emperor, my husband, sent a letter to your Emperor regarding the situation here and the deal between the two of you. I was opposed to the idea however, it was necessary. In any case, it could start a war between our two Empires if we didn’t tell them about what you’re doin

“Lady Himawari, please come in. I’m sure you can already tell why I called for you.” The Emperor said. I couldn’t even comprehend his words as I felt my heart beat so loudly in my chest. I felt mixed emotions and I don’t know how to express them all. I felt excited yet terrified, I have no idea why the prince is here, he didn’t even spare the time to meet me when I left the Empire so why is he here now? It’s impossible that he’s here for me so maybe he’s here under the order of the Emperor. “You must be confused, Lady Himawari. Allow me to explain, when you first arrived here and offered me that deal, I had secretly sent a letter to the Nanto Empire regarding your presence and your contribution to my Empire. The Emperor quickly responded by sending his son carrying various herbs from your empire. I’m hoping that you’ll find these

“A fine selection indeed. I do see that the lady is already holding some herbs in her hands. I suppose you’re eager to use these now however, may I take a look at those herbs?” Empress Yukina asked me. Of course I immediately obliged and I gave her the basket filled with the herbs. She examined them and she even sniffed a few sprigs. She knows what this is but I doubt she knows how I’ll be able to use this since she did mention she had very little medical knowledge that she retained from her previous life. “I see, well then Lady Himawari, it seems that you’re indeed in a rush so I won’t hold you in here for much too long. You are excused.” Empress Yukina said to me as she looked back at the Emperor, who was smiling and nodding his head. I thanked the both of them and I excused myself as I went back to the affected area. I requested a small laboratory to

“I’m sorry.” The moment he uttered those words, I felt a pang in my chest. Those were the only words I wanted to hear from him ever since. Why did it take him this long to say them? Was it really that hard to admit that you were wrong? And why now? Why here when he could’ve done it back in the Palace. He had plenty of opportunity. Why did it only take me leaving for him to apologize. I don’t understand. Before I knew it, tears were already falling down my cheeks. “Please don’t cry, my lady.” He said as he stepped forward to wrap me in his embrace. I was still angry, I was angry because he took so long to apologize but I was also angry because I knew in my heart that I still wanted this man in front of me. I started hitting him with my fist. I vented all of my anger and frustration by hitting him in the chest while he hugged me.