The Fake Legend of Princess Mei Mei - Episode 3.1
When I woke up, I still felt like I was dreaming.
The thin silk curtains hanging from the canopy gently softened the morning sunlight.
There was no dusty or musty smell in the air. Instead, a refreshing floral fragrance filled the room, carrying a subtle sweetness.
“Are you awake, Princess?”
As I sat up and took a deep breath, a voice came from beyond the silk curtain.
“Princess…?”
Yueka tilted her head in confusion, and the voice chuckled softly.
“You are not used to it yet, are you? I am speaking to you, Princess Houbai.”
At those words, Yueka gasped and quickly pulled aside the curtain.
Outside the bed, about ten elegantly dressed palace maids were waiting.
“Did you sleep well?”
The woman at the front, an older maid, asked kindly. She was the one who had spoken earlier.
When Yueka nodded, the woman smiled gently and nodded back.
“I’m glad to hear that. Please come this way. We will help you change, and then you may have breakfast.”
Following the maid’s invitation, Yueka slid off the bed and stepped into the circle of waiting maids.
The palace maids moved with remarkable efficiency. Even without a single word spoken, they swiftly handed Yueka a basin of water to wash her face, a cloth to dry herself, and when she turned around, they were already holding a full set of fresh clothing, neatly prepared.
A pale purple robe, as delicate as the morning sky, was offered to her. Yueka’s eyes widened.
“What a beautiful outfit!”
She couldn’t help but whisper in awe. The palace maids smiled warmly.
“This is your attire, Princess.”
“His Majesty personally chose it to suit you.”
At the mention of “His Majesty,” Yueka let out a small breath.
“So… he is my father.”
The man who had wept with joy when she revealed her name. The voice that had trembled with tears and happiness, saying he had longed to meet her.
As if confirming it to herself, she spoke softly, and the palace maids smiled and nodded.
“His Majesty has been searching for you for nearly twenty years, Princess.”
As they dressed her in the beautiful robe, the older maid—whose name seemed to be Bihou—spoke with deep emotion.
She explained that Yueka’s mother’s lover, Enki, had been away at war when her mother’s family was unjustly accused and burned down. Enki had only learned of the tragedy more than half a month later. Overcome with despair, he searched tirelessly after hearing rumors that the number of bodies found didn’t match the household’s members and that someone had left the estate shortly before the fire. He had clung to the faint hope that it might have been Getsuran—Yueka’s mother.
“Sixteen years have passed since His Majesty took the throne. Though he welcomed a queen after his coronation, his heart always remained with Princess Getsuran.”
Bihou’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she smiled.
“I see,” Yueka nodded, smiling back.
(A beautiful love story, isn’t it?)
She had, of course, known that the king had a queen. As a subject of the kingdom, that was common knowledge. She was relieved that he hadn’t dismissed her existence to protect his position. In that regard, she owed her mother a debt of gratitude.
After changing into the new outfit and having her hair properly styled, Yueka looked at her reflection, trembling with joy.
“Oh…! I look like a heavenly maiden!”
She gasped at her own words and blushed, but the palace maids only smiled warmly.
“Yes, just like a celestial goddess.”
“Truly. You are incredibly beautiful, Princess.”
“And His Majesty’s choice of clothing suits you perfectly.”
As they showered her with praise, Yueka felt pleased but tried to act modest.
“I… I spoke too boldly. The clothes were just so beautiful, so wonderful, and I was happy…”
She covered her face with both hands and looked down, making the palace maids laugh softly.
“Do not be embarrassed, Princess. You truly are beautiful, like a heavenly maiden.”
(Of course.)
Yueka secretly grinned behind her hands.
Even in the countryside, she had been known as the most beautiful girl. Everyone had called her cute and charming, and many had spoken of how bright her future would be.
She had always despised wearing patched-up rags, knowing she was meant for something better.
(From now on, these beautiful robes, these luxurious hairpins and combs—all of them will be mine. This will be my new life.)
She peeked through her fingers at the mirror, delighted by the sight of herself adorned in riches she had never even touched before.
(See? I look so much better in this than my sister ever would!)
Unlike her plain and practical older sister, Yueka took after their beautiful mother.
Everything—the stunning attire, the fine accessories—suited her perfectly, as if they were made just for her.
She smiled again. This was the life she had always dreamed of.
Breakfast was just as extravagant.
Last night’s dinner had overwhelmed her with the sheer number of dishes, and now the morning meal was just as grand.
Back in her old life, breakfast was just a bowl of porridge and a single side dish. Now, seeing the abundance before her made her realize just how poor her past meals had been.
And everything on the table was prepared just for her. Without hesitation, she ate every last bite.
For years, she had suffered through meager meals shared between four people, never getting enough to eat.
Once she had finished everything, she noticed a few palace maids staring at her in surprise.
Blushing slightly, Yueka quickly lowered her gaze in embarrassment.
“Um… I’m sorry. I thought I would be scolded if I left anything behind…”
She let her voice tremble, as if holding back tears.
“Oh my…” Bihou looked at her with a pained expression.
“I did not realize we had caused you such distress. You do not need to finish everything, Princess. You may leave what you cannot eat, and we will take it away.”
“But it was so delicious. I didn’t want to waste it. I must have seemed greedy…”
“Not at all. The kitchen staff will be delighted to hear that you enjoyed their food.”
Seeing Yueka’s sorrowful expression, Bihou smiled and nodded, touched by her words.
“Thank you,” Yueka whispered, smiling sweetly.
Bihou seemed to have completely softened toward the ‘gentle and sincere village girl-turned-princess.’ The way she looked at Yueka was full of kindness, like a mother gazing at her child.
It was clear that she was the leader among the palace maids. If Yueka could win her over, she would ensure her own safety and comfort here.
(Being the king’s daughter alone won’t be enough.)
She understood that just because someone was of noble birth didn’t mean they would be treated well. Even in her village, Yurine, the chief’s daughter, had not received special treatment.
She didn’t know much about palace life, but she was certain that many people wouldn’t be pleased to see a low-born girl suddenly elevated to royalty. Even if they didn’t say it aloud, resentment would fester beneath the surface.
To survive, Yueka needed to secure the trust of those around her as quickly as possible.