The five men, including Fujiwara no Fuhito, were undoubtedly fearsome beings Lancer labeled as "senior lolicons." After all, Lancer couldn't bring himself to relentlessly pursue a child. But these five hadn't completely lost their minds; their pursuit of Kaguya-hime was basically an "extracurricular activity." They still had to set aside time each week for their actual work.
For instance, as the Minister of the Right, Fujiwara no Fuhito had to return to Fujiwara-kyo periodically to handle affairs. Of course, if someone notified him, he had to rush back. Fortunately, there had been no major events recently, so he could maintain this "slacking" work style.
However, just as he had finished dressing and was preparing to go to the palace to report to the Emperor, a guard rushed in.
Though the guard tried to remain calm, his heavy breathing made Fujiwara no Fuhito frown. He wasn't angry at the man, but the man was a guard he had stationed at Bamboo Mountain—officially to protect Kaguya-hime, but actually to monitor his other four "competitors."
"Did something happen?"
"My Lord, Lady Kaguya-hime is about to announce her requirements for choosing a husband!"
"Prepare my horse!!"
Without a moment's hesitation, Fujiwara no Fuhito chose to skip the palace and rush to Bamboo Mountain. To him, the Emperor was his son-in-law; taking a day off wasn't a huge issue. but if he missed out at Kaguya-hime place, those four old geezers might get ahead of him!
Undoubtedly, at this moment, Fujiwara no Fuhito had no self-awareness of being a middle-aged man. But this was the nature of the era; for nobles, age was never an issue.
Meanwhile, Emperor Monmu was waiting in his study for Fujiwara no Fuhito. To him, his father-in-law was not only his wife's father but also his most relied-upon assistant. When he succeeded the throne, the man had put in immense effort. They were, in a sense, complementary existences.
Recently, however, he noticed something was off. Today's scheduled meeting was canceled—unusually strange. He called for his wife, the Empress Fujiwara no Miyako, Fuhito daughter.
"Miyako, do you know if Lord Fuhito has some business lately?"
As the leader of the country, Emperor Monmu was not like his descendants whose power was hollowed out by the Shogunate. He controlled most of the military, and the Onmyoryo reported directly to him. Because of this, he trusted his father-in-law deeply. Even though information was being collected, he only glanced at it periodically. Unless it was something urgent, he remained very trusting.
Fujiwara no Miyako, dressed in magnificent junihitoe robes, sighed quietly.
Her husband didn't care, but she did. She knew her father well; he had always been quite a romantic, hence her many siblings. She didn't even know how many illegitimate children he had. She just didn't expect him to be so unreliable this time.
"It is because of Kaguya-hime."
At the mention of Kaguya-hime, Emperor Monmu grew interested, but only superficially. For him, there was no need to offend five of the top ten most powerful men in the country over one woman.
He was the ruler, but that didn't mean he could act without restraint.
"Lord Fuhito truly is..."
In the end, he only gave a helpless smile and said no more. He knew the man knew his priorities, so he waved for the attendants to leave.
Since there was no official business, he would take the rare chance to accompany his Empress. Though the marriage was for political benefit, he had gradually fallen in love with this gentle woman.
Unfortunately, the wise Emperor Monmu didn't know that in future generations, he would be most famous for being the "cuckolded" character in visual novels...
By the time Fujiwara no Fuhito arrived at Bamboo Mountain by carriage, he was panting slightly. Though he sat in the carriage the whole way, he couldn't have his subordinates carry him up the mountain, could he? It would damage his brilliant image. Finally, a strange scene appeared: four elderly men with graying hair waiting for one panting middle-aged man.
"Apologies for keeping you all waiting."
"It is fine. Lord Fujiwara, please have a seat."
They spoke warmly, but everyone present wished Fujiwara no Fuhito hadn't come at all. Everyone had a basic understanding of the situation; in terms of age, looks, talent, future, and every other aspect, Fujiwara no Fuhito was better than them.
More importantly, while Fuhito was absent, Kaguya-hime had stated she wished to wait for him before announcing anything. To them, this clearly showed Fuhito advantage.
But in reality?
Kaguya Houraisan simply thought saying it twice was a hassle. It was better to gather everyone and say it once. That time would be better spent playing games.
Once the five were seated, the screen was pulled back. Through the partition, everyone could see the shadow of Kaguya-hime. Their expressions grew serious; after all, this concerned their "happiness for the rest of their lives."
"I have asked you lords here today because I have certain requests. If any of you can fulfill them, I am willing to marry that person..."
Though the five men said nothing, the atmosphere in the room instantly became tense.
Undoubtedly, they already knew her intent because the old man who adopted her had told them, but hearing it from her own lips still made them excited.
They had been waiting for this day for a long time!
The doors slowly closed. The five men, still sitting formally, had various expressions, but the only commonality was bewilderment.
They had expected Kaguya-hime to set some strange requirement, but they never expected her to just ask them to find items as proposal gifts.
To them, this seemed far too simple. She even gave them books documenting where the items were. Everyone had only one thought now.
'This time it's secure!'