The Fake Legend of Princess Mei Mei - Episode 3.4

By the time Tsukika had started getting used to life in the royal palace, a young man arrived to a grand welcome.

Living in her private quarters deep within the inner palace, Tsukika did not witness the event firsthand. However, the commotion outside caught her attention, making her curious.

She turned to Bihou for an explanation.

“His Highness, the Crown Prince, has returned,” said Bihou, the senior court lady who had become quite familiar to her. She smiled as she spoke.

“About a month and a half ago, he left for training and an inspection tour. However, he went missing for a while… He eventually reappeared but was severely injured.”

“Oh my…”

“He has since recovered from his injuries and returned today.”

Bihou expressed her joy at the prince’s safe return, and Tsukika nodded in agreement.

“It is good that he is safe.”

“Indeed. He is your elder brother, after all, Princess.”

“My elder brother…?”

Now that she thought about it, it made sense. The Crown Prince was the heir to the throne, meaning he was the son of the current king, Enki.

If that was the case, she needed to find a way to meet him soon. Suddenly gaining a younger sister might be confusing for him, and if he did not accept her, it would be troublesome.

As if in response to their conversation, a summons from the king arrived, calling her to the outer palace.

“I’m sure His Majesty intends to introduce you to the Crown Prince.”

Tsukika agreed with Bihou’s reasoning and instructed the court ladies to help her prepare.

They dressed her in a beautiful layered kimono of red and white. Her hair was elegantly braided, adorned with her mother’s hairpin. A decorative belt with red agate stones completed her attire.

Looking into the mirror, she saw a breathtakingly beautiful young girl staring back at her. Tsukika smiled in satisfaction.

“You look stunning as always, Princess.”

Bihou, adjusting her collar, smiled as she admired Tsukika’s reflection.

“Do you think so?” Tsukika responded shyly, but inside, she was pleased.

(Such an adorable little sister—I’m sure my brother will be delighted.)

To secure a peaceful life, she needed as many allies as possible. The future king was the most important of them all. The timing of this meeting was truly fortunate.

Although she had lived in the palace for over half a month, she still had few allies.

Even among the court ladies serving her, some kept their distance. Queen Rougyoku met her daily, but she had yet to show true warmth.

As for the court officials, she had not even met them.

However, she knew that she would eventually need the support of powerful ministers. After all, even a king’s fate could be decided by their will. Even though she had grown up in a rural village as a commoner, she understood that much.

To enjoy a life of luxury, she had to put in some effort.

Still, compared to gathering wild plants on mountain trails or plowing fields, this was nothing. A friendly smile and carefully chosen words were usually enough to win people over. This life felt far easier than her previous one.

(I must be quite suited for strategy…) Tsukika thought, gazing at her reflection.

It was her first time stepping into the outer palace, where government affairs were conducted.

Feeling a bit nervous, she entered the grand hall, where many men in official robes were lined up.

“Oh, Houmei!”

Seated on the throne, King Enki noticed Tsukika’s arrival and beckoned her over. Queen Rougyoku was seated beside him.

The gathered ministers turned to look at her, some clearly curious, others whispering among themselves.

Tsukika ignored their reactions, maintaining a confident smile. She gracefully executed the bow she had learned from her etiquette instructor and walked toward the throne.

Standing nearby was a young man, still in dusty travel clothes—surely the Crown Prince who had just returned.

“This is Houmei,” King Enki introduced her.

The young man turned to her.

“Houmei?”

He tilted his head slightly as he studied her. Tsukika bowed her head.

“I am Houmei… It is an honor to meet you, Elder Brother.”

For a brief moment, his eyes widened in surprise. King Enki nodded in satisfaction.

“Ah… So, this is the one Your Majesty had been searching for,” the young man murmured, realization dawning upon him.

King Enki nodded again, this time more emphatically. “That’s right. She is the one.”

“I see.”

The young man nodded in understanding before turning fully toward Tsukika.

“I am Enshou. Pleased to meet you.”

“Yes, Elder Brother.”

Tsukika smiled sweetly as she replied. However, Enshou did not seem particularly affected by her charm. He simply acknowledged her with a brief nod and looked away.

(Oh?) Tsukika was slightly taken aback. Most men would be delighted by her smile. Many had given her discounts at markets or helped carry her belongings just because she smiled at them.

(He must be a serious man…)

She found him rather uninteresting.

A frivolous man was undesirable, but one who ignored a woman’s charm was equally annoying.

In such situations, wasn’t it polite to at least return the smile?

Throughout her life, men had always responded warmly to her, showering her with attention.

This reaction was a first.

(I should avoid dealing with him too much…) she decided.

Unaware of Tsukika’s thoughts, Enshou let out a deep breath before looking straight at the king.

“I know it is sudden upon my return, but, Your Majesty, I have a request.”

King Enki raised his eyebrows slightly but straightened his posture before responding, “Speak.”

Enshou nodded.

“You may have already heard, but I was gravely injured and collapsed in the mountains. A kind young woman found me and saved my life.”

“Yes, I have heard of this,” King Enki replied.

The official report had arrived ahead of time, stating that the Crown Prince had been found and was safe. The king had been relieved and grateful to the village girl who had helped him.

“She should be rewarded. Gold, perhaps, or silk and jewels—”

Before the king could continue, Enshou hurriedly interrupted, “No, Your Majesty.”

Taking another deep breath, he looked at the king with a serious expression.

“I wish to take that girl as my wife.”

At his firm declaration, everyone in the room gasped in astonishment, their murmurs filling the hall.