The Fake Legend of Princess Mei Mei - Episode 2.4
“Does your wound hurt?”
Keigetsu asked Enshou, who was following behind. Enshou let out a deep breath and nodded.
“No, it’s fine. But I am a little out of breath.”
“Then let’s take it slow.”
“That would help.”
“You’re welcome,” Keigetsu said with a smile. Enshou took another deep breath.
At first, he had been riding a horse, but the rough mountain path made the wound ache more than expected, so he switched to walking. Walking was better, but it seemed his body had lost more strength than he had thought due to his time recovering.
The town of Harin, which spreads at the foot of Mount Harin, is the busiest and largest settlement in the area.
Enshou had entered the mountain from the direction of the capital, but he did not recognize the place where they had descended. He looked around curiously, with a slightly amused expression.
“To go to the capital, the main road is to the east. That way—”
“Ah, wait. Before that, I want to stop by the government office.”
“The government office?”
Keigetsu tilted her head, puzzled, as she had been about to explain the route. Enshou nodded.
“I’ve been missing for days. Someone might be looking for me.”
If there was a report about him, it would be faster to go directly and let them know he was safe.
That made sense. Keigetsu thought about just giving him directions but decided to accompany him since it was on the way to Fuyourou.
Walking side by side felt a little strange.
Maybe it was because Enshou had been bedridden for so long, or maybe it was because Keigetsu had never walked around with a man before. Realizing this, her heart skipped a beat.
“Keigetsu.”
She was called and turned around, but Enshou was no longer beside her. Confused, she looked back and saw him gesturing from a nearby shop.
“I want to give you something as thanks. Pick whatever you like.”
It was a shop selling accessories for women.
“You don’t need to—”
“You’ve helped me a lot. Giving you money would be too impersonal, but something you can use daily would be good.”
As he insisted, Keigetsu was unsure what to do.
She didn’t think she had done much, and her father had already received a small dagger as thanks. That should have been enough.
“The young man is right,” the shopkeeper, an older man with thinning hair, chimed in.
“A young lady like you should get a pretty hairpin and wear it in her hair. That’ll make her even more beautiful. He’ll be happy to see you wearing it, and he’ll feel like he properly thanked you. And I’ll be happy to sell one! It’s a win-win!”
His playful tone made Keigetsu laugh.
“Then, just one… this.”
She picked up a simple decorative cord with a small blue gem at the end.
“…Is that really enough?”
Seeing how plain it was, Enshou seemed slightly dissatisfied.
Keigetsu smiled wryly. “My hair is thick and hard to style. Hairpins don’t stay in place, so something I can tie my hair with is more useful.”
If she had soft, manageable hair like Gekka, the delicate lotus-shaped hairpin the shopkeeper suggested might have suited her. It was a little disappointing.
“I see,” Enshou said, nodding with a slightly regretful expression. He handed the money to the shopkeeper.
“Thank you for your purchase. I’ll get your change.”
“Wait, shopkeeper. Can I buy something else with the remaining money?”
“Of course!”
The shopkeeper beamed. “With what’s left, you can get five more of those cords.”
“Then please pick out something good for me.”
“Leave it to me! I’ll get it ready right away.”
Excited, the shopkeeper started rummaging through his shelves.
Soon, he brought out not just hairpins and combs but also bracelets, rings, and sash ornaments—things Keigetsu had never used before.
“These should do. And—Hey, dear!”
The shopkeeper called to his wife, who was tending the fabric store next door. After explaining, she brought over several rolls of fabric and ready-made clothes.
“You can choose one or two from these as well.”
Realizing they were treating Enshou as a generous customer, Keigetsu smiled as she admired the displayed goods.
She wasn’t as obsessed with beautiful things as Gekka, but she still liked them. She enjoyed dressing up Gekka, who looked good in anything, but she never thought of adorning herself. She never had the luxury.
“Keigetsu, what color do you like?”
As she gazed at a coral hairpin, Enshou asked her.
“I’d like to hear a young lady’s opinion.”
His charming smile made her blush slightly.
“I don’t know if my opinion is useful.”
“It is.”
Taking it as a question about gifts for his sister, Keigetsu quickly picked up a piece of fabric.
“I like blue and green, but girls my age prefer pale pink or dandelion yellow. My sister likes peach and coral colors—they suit her very well.”
Enshou nodded thoughtfully and whispered something to the smiling shopkeeper, who then put the displayed items away and began preparing something else.
Keigetsu wasn’t confident in her sense of aesthetics and wondered if her opinion was really helpful. Gekka would have been a better advisor.
Then she realized something.
“Ah, Enshou, I need to go soon.”
If she was late, Fuyourou would get busy, making it hard to have a proper conversation.
“I see,” Enshou said, nodding. He took the decorative cord from her hands. “I’ll have them wrap this up. You can pick it up later.”
The shopkeeper agreed. “I’ll keep it safe for you.”
Since she had another errand at the herbal shop after Fuyourou, carrying it around risked losing it. She appreciated their kindness.
As she nodded, she decided to take Enshou to the government office first.
After walking down the bustling main street, they reached an open area in front of the office.
“Truly, thank you for everything.”
Enshou bowed deeply. Keigetsu shook her head.
“The journey to the capital is long. Please be careful.”
“You as well. Take care, and send my regards to your parents and sister.”
“I will.”
Smiling, she adjusted her bag and left.
Enshou watched her walk away, a faint smile on his lips.
She was a wonderful girl—kind, cheerful, family-oriented, hardworking, and a good cook.
Most of all, her bright smile was charming.
She must be her father’s pride. Thinking of Shuugetsu’s usual stern face, Enshou chuckled.
They had done so much for him. His gift was small in comparison, but he knew they wouldn’t accept more.
With that thought, he turned toward the government office.
As he approached, a guard glanced at him. Enshou took the jade token from his waist and held it out.
“I need to see the magistrate. Tell him Ryusou is here.”