You meet her husband

Months passed. Rikako’s pregnancy progressed until her belly was heavily, unmistakably rounded. As her body changed, so too did the weight of the reality settle upon you. You made a decision—one that required a visit to her household under the guise of official family business.

You met Rikako’s husband in his private study. He was an older man, quiet, with sharp, weary eyes that had seen decades of courtly maneuvering and quiet compromises. He poured sake for the two of you, his hands steady.

"I imagine this isn't merely a polite social call," the husband remarked, taking a small sip from his cup.

"It isn't," you replied flatly.

The older man looked out into the inner garden, his expression unreadable. "You know... Rikako had affairs with your grandfather. And then with your father. She gave birth to children belonging to both of them." He paused, looking directly at you. "She also gave me two daughters. And now, she carries your child. I am well aware the baby in her womb is yours."

You kept your face neutral, waiting to see where he was leading.

"Does it disgust you?" the husband asked plainly. ". He continued, taking a sip. "I used her to strengthen my family's power. I twisted her fate to suit my ambitions, just as she used her charm to secure her place. But I am no saint either. I have my own affairs with other women. So tell me, Doe-sama... why are you asking to see me?"

"I am planning to make the child Rikako is carrying my official heir," you said firmly.

The husband raised an eyebrow, genuinely taken aback. "Does she know this?"

"No," you replied. "Not yet."

"And what of your future?" he asked. "You will eventually see other women. You will sire children with them. You will almost certainly marry one of them for political leverage."

"I will," you acknowledged. "But the child I fathered in Rikako is the first one. He will be my primary heir."

The husband stared at you for a long moment, then let out a low, breathless laugh. "You are an odd one, Doe-sama. Probably being romantic, in your own strange way. Your grandfather would likely be okay with it though, so long as Rikako actually gives birth to a son."