The following day brought an unexpected turn. Himeya approached Naoko in the medicinal greenhouse, where she volunteered during her free hours. The scent of herbs filled the space between them.
"Lady Naoko," Himeya greeted, bowing slightly.
Naoko raised an eyebrow. "Lady Himeya."
"I didn't come to start a rivalry. I came to understand."
Naoko set down her tray of salve-infused petals. "Understand what?"
"You." Himeya smiled gently. "You're the one he looks at when no one's watching. You're the one whose name softens his voice."
Naoko looked away. "I didn't ask to be part of this triangle."
"Neither did I. But I don't want to become someone who forces affection through duty."
There was silence between them, but it wasn't cold. It was contemplative.
After a long moment, Naoko finally said, "I won't step aside."
"I wouldn't respect you if you did."
They exchanged a brief look—two women bound by fate to the same man, but not as enemies.
From the shadows beyond the greenhouse, Shisui watched, unseen, shoulders tense with guilt. He had trained with archbeasts, mastered deadly arts, and led soldiers—but in this delicate battlefield of hearts, he felt like the weakest man alive.