One day, in the main hall of the Land of Water Royal Palace.
Shun sat on the main seat, his fingertips idly caressing the intelligence scrolls sent from various places.
In recent months, he and Kaguya had been searching for Isshiki. But no matter how they searched, they couldn't find a single trace.
The two had no choice but to pause their search and live a life of leisure, engaging in sex whenever they had nothing to do.
"Your Excellency, Shun-sama, the Land of Snow envoys Koyuki and Sandayū have arrived outside the hall."
The guard's announcement interrupted Shun's thoughts.
He withdrew his gaze and placed the intelligence scrolls on the table.
"Let them in."
A moment later, two guards led the two into the hall.
Koyuki was dressed in a pink dress, its hem swaying gently with her steps, her dark hair styled into a low bun, secured only by a single jade hairpin, revealing her smooth neck.
Her skin was like snow, her features picturesque. Though her face showed fatigue, it could not hide her elegant and refined temperament.
Following behind her, Sandayū's eyes were as sharp as cold blades, each step he took was steady, as if he was desperately trying to maintain the last shred of dignity for the Land of Snow.
As soon as they entered the hall, they bowed to Shun.
Koyuki bowed, the hairpin in her bun gently swaying, carrying a hint of an imperceptible tremor.
"Princess of the Land of Snow, Koyuki, greets Your Excellency, Shun-sama."
Santayu followed closely, bowing, his aged voice carrying a certain solemnity. "Minister of the Land of Snow, Sandayū, greets Shun-sama."
Shun sat on the main seat, his gaze scrutinizing Koyuki from head to toe.
He did not speak immediately, but instead picked up the intelligence on the table, slowly flipping through it, deliberately prolonging the silence in the hall for a moment.
The intelligence collected by the Anbu recorded the detailed process.
Dotō of the Land of Snow had launched a rebellion, killing the former leader Sosetsu in order to seize power.
To consolidate his power, he not only slaughtered loyal officials of the Land of Snow but also increased taxes, causing the people of the Land of Snow to suffer immensely.
Koyuki, as the legitimate heir, was forced into exile from a young age.
To escape pursuit, she went into hiding and entered the film industry, gradually making a name for herself with her outstanding beauty and acting skills.
Later, hearing that the Land of Water's film industry was developed, she traveled to the Land of Water, hoping to use its power to return to the Land of Snow.
A small line at the bottom was particularly striking: It is reported that Koyuki is aware of the rumor that "the Daimyo of the Land of Water is lustful," and her visit this time seems to be an attempt to seek assistance at her own expense.
Shun placed the intelligence on the table, his gaze once again falling on Koyuki.
At 18 years old, Koyuki was in the prime of her youth, and her beauty was outstanding. Even in plain clothes, her princess-like demeanor was undeniable.
He picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and spoke in a calm tone, "The Land of Snow is far away. You two have come all the way to the Land of Water. May I ask what important matter brings you here?"
Upon hearing this, Koyuki's body trembled slightly. She gripped the hem of her dress tighter with both hands, her knuckles almost digging into her palms.
"Your Excellency, I have come to seek a path to survival for the people of the Land of Snow." She looked up, as if having made a huge decision, her gaze firmly fixed on Shun.
"I know this matter is abrupt, but Dotō is cruel and inhumane, and the people of the Land of Snow are already in dire straits. I have heard that Your Excellency favors beautiful women, and I am willing to offer myself as a betrothal, to serve Your Excellency, only asking that Your Excellency dispatch troops to help me quell the rebellion and restore peace to the people of the Land of Snow."
A sudden silence fell over the hall.
Sandayū's expression changed slightly, his lips moved, but he ultimately did not speak.
He knew better than anyone that this was the Land of Snow's last chance, and the only method the princess could think of.
The Land of Snow could not afford to wait. If they delayed any longer, they might not even have a place to flee.
Seeing the helplessness and delicate beauty in Koyuki's eyes, Shun felt a leaning in his heart.
He put down his teacup, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Your Highness's beauty is indeed outstanding. However, I am helping you quell the rebellion not because of your beauty. Although the Land of Water is unwilling to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, it cannot stand by and watch a tyrant harm his people."
Upon hearing this, Koyuki suddenly looked up, tears finally uncontrollably streaming down her face.
She staggered as she bowed again. "Thank you, Your Excellency. I... I am willing to keep my promise and serve Your Excellency."
Shun knew that haste makes waste. He said in a gentle tone, "Once the rebellion is quelled, if you truly wish to remain in the Land of Water, it will not be too late to decide then. If you do not wish to, I will send people to escort you back to the Land of Snow and protect your dignity as the rightful monarch."
Upon hearing this, Sandayū quickly stepped forward, knelt on the ground, and bowed deeply, his forehead almost touching the ground.
"Thank you, Your Excellency, for your righteous assistance. The people of the Land of Snow will never forget the kindness of the Land of Water. Your Excellency and the princess, must still have important matters to discuss. I will take my leave first and wait outside the hall."
With that, he turned and slowly exited the hall, gently closing the main door, isolating the two figures from the outside world.
Only Shun and Koyuki remained in the hall, and a faint awkwardness filled the air.
Koyuki lowered her head, a little shy, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her dress.
Shun slowly walked forward, the increasingly close footsteps causing Koyuki's cheeks to flush slightly.
He said, "I know a little about the Land of Snow's situation. Your father spent a huge sum to create a geothermal generator. Dotō thought it was some secret treasure, so he killed your father."
Koyuki suddenly looked up, her eyes full of shock. "A geothermal generator, what is that?"
Shun gently rubbed her waist and said, "Activating the geothermal generator can melt the ice and snow in some areas, allowing green grass and flowers to grow on the land, enabling the people to plant crops and no longer rely on imported food. The key you carry with you is used to activate the geothermal generator."
"A geothermal generator."
Koyuki murmured these words, tears once again welling up in her eyes.
She loved spring when she was a child and longed to play in the spring grass.
Her father once told her: "Don't give up hope, the Land of Snow will also have spring."
She raised her hand to touch the key on her chest. A chill spread from her fingertips, but it filled her heart with a warm glow.
"So... so father was killed by Dotō for this."
Twelve years of misunderstanding and longing finally found their answer at this moment.
Koyuki could no longer hold back. She squatted down, buried her face in her knees, and began to cry loudly.
Hearing her cries, Sandayū pushed open the main door and rushed straight in.
"Princess, don't be afraid. This old subject will protect you with his life."
Looking at Sandayū who had forced his way in, Shun's expression was somewhat displeased.
Koyuki wiped away her tears and cried out, "I'm fine... I just learned some truths."
***
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