Illegitimate || Tokyo Revengers

- 9 -

You were currently in the library of the duke's mansion, reading a book by the side of the window when a sudden commotion outside grabbed your attention.

Imperial guards and carriages were gathered at the front of the duke's mansion making a fuss and you could see Ran trying to settle things down at the front.

You quickly shut the book and rushed downstairs to the front of the mansion where they were creating a ruckus.

"What is the meaning of this?" You exclaimed.

You were surprised when all the guards suddenly bowed to you deeply before greeting you. "We greet her imperial highness the first princess!"

"What is going on here?" You demanded, brows furrowed in irritation.

"The second prince requests your presence at the spring palace." One of the guards replied.

You looked over at Ran who shook his head, he didn't know what was going on either. A sigh left your lips as you walked closer. "I understand, please take me to the palace."

"As you wish, your highness. This way please," the guards escorted you into the imperial carriage, guarding you thoroughly with guards on horseback surrounding the carriage as you made your way to the spring palace.

When you arrived you were greeted by a lineup of palace servants, similar to how they welcomed you in the duke's mansion.

A guard opened the carriage door and offered you his hand, helping you down. It was strange to you, how well they were treating you all of a sudden, but perhaps it's out of fear from all the rumors that went around villainizing your image.

You heard one of the rumors was when a guard had mistreated you, you had forced him to kneel before you and have him as your step stool. Of course this was just one of the many exaggerated rumors about you. You were cold, yes, but you weren't heartless.

When you entered the palace you were surprised to see Haruchiyo there waiting for you with Senju at his side. He looked more mature, his once silver hair was now pink in color, and he grew a lot taller. Senju was the same, except her hair was still silver, but she grew to be more beautiful.

"Your imperial highnesses," you bowed in greeting.

"There is no need for formality, sister, we are siblings after all," Haruchiyo stated, offering you his arm. "It's been a long time since you've been here, allow me to show you around."

You stared at him for a moment before you took his arm, allowing him to guide you around the palace as Senju followed behind. You noticed she wasn't looking at you the entire time and you realized she was probably afraid of you.

"This was your favorite place before," Haruchiyo said as you entered the imperial library.

You hummed, glancing around. "I'm surprised you remembered, then again this was the place you tormented me the most."

You spoke so nonchalantly that Haruchiyo couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Past is past, I'm more mature now, dear sister."

"I'll be the judge of that," you said, turning to him. "What was the purpose of summoning me to the palace? I'm sure it wasn't just so you could give me a tour."

"You'll be staying in the palace, why else?"

You looked at him, utterly confused. "I beg your pardon?"

"You're still a princess of this empire, Y/N. You belong in the palace. Not in some rotten duke's mansion," Haruchiyo said.

"Careful what you say about father," you warned.

He scoffed, "'Father'? Has the duke brainwashed you into forgetting your place? You're the daughter of the emperor, need I remind you every time?"

"You never treated me well and you expect me to accept that man as my father? He never cared about me!"

"He never cared about any of us!" Haruchiyo raised his voice. "He only needed an heir to the throne, he probably couldn't keep it in his pants and thats the reason why he had the rest of us!"

"You're quite bold, disrespecting the late Emperor like that." You said.

"You did it first, did you not? By referring to him as 'that man'." Haruchiyo countered, crossing his arms.

You sighed, looking away from him. Your gaze landed on Senju who was looking at the ground, trying to keep herself out of the conversation. "You're acting quite timid, dear sister." She flinched the moment you addressed her. "You know... I'm not going to do anything to you."

"Nobody knows that," she whispered, but you heard it loud and clear.

Your expression darkened and she seemed to sense your cold aura. "Be careful what you assume about me, dear sister. I'm not the same person I was ten years ago. I won't sit back and allow myself to be disrespected."

"I-I apologize," she muttered.

"Good," you turned back to Haruchiyo. "I've seen enough of the palace, if you will, please take me to my room."

"As you wish," he said, looking over at Senju briefly. "You may go now."

He offered you his arm again, and you stared at him before taking it. "You used to despise touching me," you said.

"I'm not the same man I was when I was younger, Y/N."

"I have no reason to believe you," you said stubbornly.

He sighed, shaking his head. "We shouldn't be getting along."

"We don't."

"Must you make things so difficult?"

"Why shouldn't I? You've done the same to me when we were kids," you retorted.

"I'm just saying it would be nice if we could be civil to each other."

You let go of him, causing him to stop and turn to you, confused. "We're fighting for the throne, Haruchiyo. If this is not civil enough for you then I don't know what is."

His gaze darkened into a glare. "We may be equals in society, but know this, Y/N. We will never be equals by blood."

"At least I've got half decent blood in me, unlike you, blood trash."

He raised his hand to slap you, but you caught his wrist in a tight grip.

"Careful." You warned. "If you put so much as a scratch on my face, not even you will be able to evade the consequences."

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