The Fake Legend of Princess Mei Mei - Episode 1.1

Ah, I don’t want to—” Gekka Tsukika pouted.

In frustration, she untied the ribbon that held her shiny hair and shook her head vigorously.

(Why am I doing this?)

With a dramatic sigh, she squatted down and roughly pulled up the herbs at her feet. She tossed them carelessly into the basket beside her.

“…Ugh. Dirt got under my nails.”

She muttered in annoyance and tried to scrape the dirt from between her nails, but it wasn’t working at all. It kept pushing deeper and deeper, even getting pushed into her hairline.

Rough hands were unbecoming. Tsukika’s delicate, fair hands should be smooth and soft, but they were always rough and dry.

It’s only natural with things like this, she sighed while glaring at the basket of herbs.

She was always getting dirty from the soil, and even if she was careful, the sap would irritate her skin. She often got careless with leaves, and sometimes they would cut her deeply. It was truly frustrating.

“Tsukika!”

As she was getting irritated by the dirt on her hem, she heard a voice calling from a distance.

Turning around, she saw her older sister, Keigetsu, emerging from the bushes.

“Shall we head home soon? Did you pick enough?”

Keigetsu smiled at her as she adjusted the basket filled with herbs on her back. Tsukika, in contrast, pouted and frowned.

“What’s wrong?”

“…My hair got undone.”

“Oh? Did you get it caught on something?”

Keigetsu gave a wry smile as she noticed Tsukika’s hair, which she had carefully tied, was now disheveled by the wind.

“Please redo it.”

Tsukika, still pouting, held out the ribbon to her sister. Keigetsu took it with a vague, slightly troubled smile.

“But your hands are dirty… how about we go to Father’s hut first?”

Tsukika clearly looked unhappy, but after a moment, she realized throwing a tantrum wouldn’t help. She grabbed the basket and started walking.

Tsukika desperately wanted Keigetsu’s comb. Even though she had her own, she always wanted to use Keigetsu’s. Since they were little, Keigetsu had always indulged Tsukika’s whims. If she wanted something, Keigetsu gave it to her, and if she asked for something, Keigetsu would make it happen. But this comb was the one thing she didn’t want to give up.

The comb Keigetsu owned had been given to her by their mother.

Their mother, who had come from a good family, had given Keigetsu the comb, which looked far too expensive for someone like her. That was why Keigetsu treasured it as a precious heirloom.

Tsukika admired the beautiful comb with intricate designs, feeling deep envy.

But no matter how much she wanted it, Keigetsu didn’t want to give it up.

They reached their father’s charcoal kiln, confirming that smoke was rising from it, meaning they would be staying overnight. Keigetsu needed to ask about dinner arrangements.

After setting down the basket, she turned around and saw Tsukika throwing the mugwort she had picked onto the drying shelf in a messy heap.

“Tsukika, go ask Father what we’re doing for dinner.”

“Ugh…”

“I’ll wash my hands in the meantime, and when you come back, I’ll do your hair.”

“…”
“Come on, don’t make that face. You’re so cute, don’t waste it.”

With a reminder, Keigetsu sent Tsukika off toward the kiln, and Tsukika, still sulking, turned and walked away.

Sighing to herself, Keigetsu dipped a ladle into the water jug.

Lately, Tsukika had been refusing everything, saying she didn’t want this or that. It was troublesome.

Just the other day, the village head’s son had proposed to Tsukika. Keigetsu thought maybe it was bothering her. It was a good match, and Keigetsu hoped Tsukika would accept it, but she was only fifteen, and it was understandable that she might be confused.

The man who proposed, Seishin Aoki, was a good person. He was kind, gentle, hardworking, and admirably serious. He was an ideal person to become her husband.

The girls in the village thought highly of Seishin, and even Keigetsu had a mild admiration for him. He had chosen Tsukika, who was considered the most beautiful girl in the area, to be his wife.

The village girls often whispered among themselves, “If it’s Tsukika, then it’s understandable. Seishin must have chosen her for her looks.” Keigetsu had been one of those girls, watching the couple’s engagement unfold with interest.

“Father said he’ll be happy if you bring dinner.”

Tsukika returned just as Keigetsu put the towel away. Her face was still sulking.

“Alright,” Keigetsu nodded and pulled the comb out from her waistband.

“Come sit here.”

She motioned, and Tsukika finally gave a small smile. She sat on the threshold with her back to Keigetsu.

Keigetsu gently combed Tsukika’s long black hair, which reached her waist.

Tsukika’s hair was thinner and softer than Keigetsu’s own strong, thick hair, and it shone beautifully with every stroke. Keigetsu couldn’t help but feel a little envious.

After twisting it into a neat coil, she tied it in place with the ribbon.

“Done.”

With her hair fixed, Tsukika looked even more beautiful and adorable than anyone else in the village. Keigetsu’s proud little sister.

Since there was no mirror, Tsukika gently touched the shape of her hair with her fingers, her face softening.

“I knew it. When you comb my hair with your comb, it always looks so much prettier.”

“What are you talking about? All combs are the same.”

“No, they’re not.”

As Tsukika continued, Keigetsu laughed and began putting the comb away, but Tsukika suddenly snatched it from her.

“If you say that, then I’ll take it. I’ll take good care of it.”

“Tsukika.”

“Well, you said all combs are the same, right? Then let me have this one.”

Tsukika hugged the comb tightly to her chest.

Keigetsu sighed, shaking her head.

“I told you, you can’t have it. That’s why I gave you the pink kimono last time.”

That kimono was her favorite, a gift from their father when she turned fourteen.

Fortunately or unfortunately, Keigetsu hadn’t grown much in the last four years, so it still fit her well. She had worn it on festivals and New Year’s celebrations. Tsukika had envied that kimono just like she did the comb. So, to stop her from wanting the comb, Keigetsu had given her the kimono as a trade. That was just last New Year. Now Tsukika was going back on their agreement.

Realizing she had only agreed to it recently, Tsukika pouted and looked guilty. Her discomfort was clear in the way she avoided Keigetsu’s gaze.

Keigetsu was amused at how Tsukika quickly dropped the comb, realizing her mistake. This honesty was something she couldn’t help but find cute.

Keigetsu tucked the comb back into her waistband and picked some fresh young leaves from the mugwort Tsukika had picked.

“Let’s go home. We still have time before dinner, and I’ll make steamed rice cakes for you.”

“Really?”

Tsukika’s face brightened immediately.

Steamed rice cakes were a special treat that Keigetsu’s family only made on celebrations. It was rare for them to make it on ordinary days.

“Yes,” Keigetsu nodded. “And with mugwort, your favorite.”

Tsukika, who had suddenly cheered up, smiled and grabbed Keigetsu’s arm.

“But you’re not going to eat it alone. It’s for encouraging Father, who will be working overnight, and wishing for Mother’s recovery.”

“Yes, I know. I love you, sis!”

“You’re so smooth.”

Keigetsu chuckled, but she couldn’t help but think how cute Tsukika was in her innocent moments.