The Fake Legend of Princess Mei Mei - Episode 2.3

The wind and rain that had raged through the night had completely died down before dawn.

Keigetsu opened the tightly shut door, letting the morning sunlight into the room, and began preparing breakfast.

“Good morning. Are your hands numb?”

While waiting for the pot to heat, Keigetsu went over to Enshou and untied the rope that had been tightly binding his wrists.

Enshou nodded with a simple “Ah,” but cautiously opened and closed his fingers, checking their condition. Seeing this, Keigetsu couldn’t help but smile.

Since they had spent the night together, Enshou had voluntarily offered his arms and suggested, “Tie me up so I don’t do anything bad.”

Of course, Keigetsu had no such intentions, but since Shugetsu had glared at them with a sharp expression and warned, “You understand, don’t you?” he wanted to leave behind clear proof. He had asked Keigetsu to testify that he had been tied up and unable to do anything, and Keigetsu had willingly complied.

After finishing breakfast quickly, Keigetsu started gathering the requested medicinal herbs to take down to the town.

(Gekka must have caused trouble, so I should add a little extra…)

As Keigetsu bundled the mugwort that had been ordered by Fuyourou for their herbal baths, he pondered whether to increase the quantity or slightly lower the price.

For now, he packed the specified amount and prepared a little extra separately. Dong quai, known for its benefits for women’s health, would also be a good addition. If they didn’t need it, he could just sell it to the herbal wholesaler.

After wrapping up the star anise and cinnamon that had been requested by the wholesaler, he was ready to head out at any time. However, visiting Fuyourou before noon, given that it operated through the night, didn’t seem appropriate. He decided to leave for town at midday.

While waiting for his father to arrive, Keigetsu checked on the other medicinal ingredients.

As Keigetsu busily moved around, Enshou watched before finishing his assigned task of washing dishes. Then he sat back down on his borrowed sleeping space with a sigh. Keigetsu quickly rushed over.

“Does it hurt?”

It seemed Keigetsu had assumed the sigh was due to pain. Enshou chuckled and shook his head.

“I told you, lying around too much makes the body sluggish. I just feel a little tired.”

“I see.”

Keigetsu nodded, trusting his words.

The wound had seemed quite deep, but it appeared to be healing faster than expected. Maybe it was because he was young, or perhaps he had a naturally strong constitution.

Relieved, Keigetsu went to retrieve a basket from the corner of the room.

“Here, these are your clothes, Enshou. I patched up the torn parts as best as I could.”

Keigetsu wasn’t particularly skilled at sewing, but he was good at mending small rips. He felt this job had turned out quite well.

Enshou thanked him, took the clothes, and unfolded them. When he saw the stitches on the front, he frowned slightly, likely recalling the moment he had been cut.

“Oh, right! I’ll be going to Harin Town at the foot of the mountain after noon. Do you need me to run any errands or send a message to someone for you?”

Keigetsu offered to deliver a message or letter, but Enshou shook his head.

“Actually, if it’s not too much trouble, may I accompany you?”

Keigetsu instinctively blurted out, “Eh?”

Though he could move better now, his wound hadn’t fully healed. Shouldn’t he rest a little longer?

Worried, Keigetsu voiced his concerns, and Enshou gave a wry smile.

“I already made an agreement with Shugetsu from the start. I was only allowed to stay here for ten days.”

“What? Did my father really say that? To someone who was seriously injured and collapsed?”
Keigetsu frowned in disbelief, but Enshou quickly shook his head.

“No, I think he had a valid point. A father would naturally worry about leaving a young, beautiful daughter in the same house as an unknown young man.”

That was the common belief in society. Since he understood, he had no complaints and planned to abide by the agreement. Hearing his firm response, Keigetsu nodded in reluctant acceptance.

As they were talking, Keigetsu’s father arrived.

Enshou sat up straight, expressed his gratitude for the hospitality, and informed him that he would be leaving with Keigetsu for town.

His father simply responded with a curt “I see,” before heading toward the kiln.

Keigetsu made a slightly dissatisfied expression, thinking he could have at least said a little more, but Enshou just smiled lightly, seemingly unbothered.

After receiving the rest of his belongings, including the gear he had been wearing when he was found, Enshou efficiently prepared to leave. When he fastened the sword at his waist, it felt heavier than usual, and he could only give a small, wry smile.

While Enshou was changing, Keigetsu stepped outside and called for his horse.

The horse, named Ou, was indeed intelligent. As soon as it was called, it came running over and stood still while Keigetsu fastened the saddle. Such a good horse.

“How’s Mother?”

Keigetsu asked his father while tying together the chili peppers he had brought from their field to hang for drying.

“She’s still in bed this morning. Says she’s feeling dizzy.”

Her illness was likely caused by worrying over Gekka’s absence.

(How long does Gekka plan to wander around?!)

Of course, Keigetsu was worried, but knowing their mother was being put through this stress made him a little angry.

Gekka had always been spoiled by everyone around her, and no amount of scolding had changed her whims and selfish behavior. Keigetsu had nearly given up on her ever changing, but making their mother sick was just too much.

(When she comes back, she’s getting a serious scolding!)

Just as Keigetsu clenched his fists in determination, Enshou emerged from the house, fully prepared.

Though his attire was simple—only light arm guards and shin guards, likely for hunting—the way he stood in the sunlight gave him the presence of a noble young warrior.

“Shugetsu-dono,”

Keigetsu was still admiring how different he looked just from changing clothes when Enshou approached her father and bowed deeply once more.

“I have no money and cannot properly repay your kindness, but please, at least accept this.”
He drew a small dagger from his belt.

“I doubt you would want anything from me, but please take it.”

Keigetsu’s father scowled at the dagger.

“It was crafted by a skilled swordsmith, so I can guarantee its sharpness. You may use it for daily needs or sell it for money.”

Enshou held it out respectfully. With a deep sigh, Keigetsu’s father reluctantly took it.

“…Never come back again.”

His voice was a quiet murmur, but Keigetsu heard it clearly and called out to him in reproach.

Enshou, however, merely smiled and shook his head.

“I can’t promise that.”

“You—”

“In life, you never know what might happen.”

“…Do as you please.”

With those cold words, her father turned away and returned to work.

Watching his retreating back, Enshou once again bowed deeply.

“Please guide me to town, Keigetsu-dono.”

His cool voice carried the request, and Keigetsu picked up the prepared luggage, ready to leave.