The Fake Legend of Princess Mei Mei - Episode 3.5
Even the king and queen were no exception. Their eyes widened in shock as they exchanged glances.
“She was a very kind-hearted girl.”
Amid the murmuring crowd, Enshou continued in a calm yet resolute voice.
“She helped me, a complete stranger, without expecting anything in return. She took care of me with great devotion. She was hardworking, skilled in cooking, and deeply loved her family. But most of all, she had the most radiant and endearing smile.”
As he spoke about the kind girl, Enshou clenched his fist tightly.
“I wanted to stay by her side forever, just to see that smile.”
Watching Enshou’s earnest expression, Gekka let out a small sigh.
(So, he was in love with someone.)
No matter how sweetly Gekka smiled at him, there was no guarantee he would even notice.
After all, he already had another woman he found captivating.
(If I want to win him over, I’ll need a different approach.)
With that thought in mind, she gazed at his passionate plea with an expression of deep admiration, as if she were truly moved by his words.
Listening to the plea, Enki let out a low groan and furrowed his brow.
As the crown prince and future king, it was customary for him to marry a woman who would benefit the kingdom. Since childhood, numerous marriage proposals had been arranged between Enshou and the daughters of influential ministers to strengthen alliances.
Yet, even after reaching his twenties, he had never taken a single concubine. He had shown no interest in women, leading to unsettling rumors—some even suggesting he might prefer men. His unwavering purity only fueled such speculation.
It was a relief that he had finally shown interest in a woman. However, the fact that this woman was a lowborn commoner with no status made the situation much more complicated.
Enki groaned once more. He met Enshou’s serious gaze before sighing and turning toward his wife, Rougyoku.
“What do you think, my queen?”
His weary tone made Rougyoku raise an eyebrow slightly.
“There is nothing to consider. A commoner queen is out of the question. If it were as a concubine, perhaps it could be permitted… but the Crown Prince seems unwilling to marry anyone else.”
At Rougyoku’s words, Enshou nodded firmly.
“Yes. I only want to be with her. Like an ordinary couple—just one husband and one wife.”
As he spoke, he recalled the night they had spent together. Sitting by the brazier, sharing a warm meal, laughing together—it had been a night that filled his heart with warmth.
“When I’m with her, I feel truly fulfilled. And when my heart is full, I find the drive to face my responsibilities. To properly fulfill my duty, I believe it is essential to have that sense of fulfillment and motivation.”
Hearing Enshou’s reasoning, Enki had to admit that he had a point.
The weight of the crown was far heavier than most could imagine. Every king needed a place where they could find peace. It could be an object, a hobby, or a person—whatever it was, having something to rely on was invaluable.
If, for Enshou, that person was the girl who had saved his life…
After a brief silence, Enki finally spoke.
“I understand. I will keep the Crown Prince’s feelings in mind.”
At that, Enshou’s expression darkened slightly with discontent. He hadn’t expected immediate approval, but hearing that it was still undecided left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Seeing his reaction, Enki chuckled wryly.
“I won’t keep you waiting too long. But be patient. This is not a matter that concerns only you.”
“Indeed, Ryusou,” Rougyoku added, nodding in agreement.
“There is a teaching that says all lives are equal, but in reality, people are bound by their social status. When someone of lower status is elevated above their place, resentment follows. Look around you.”
At her words, Enshou glanced around the hall.
“Do you see? Every minister here is troubled by your request.”
It was true. Most of them wore expressions of confusion and unease, the atmosphere tense and uncertain.
“If this opposition grows, there may be those who seek to take advantage of the situation.
And if that happens, it is the girl who will suffer.”
Rougyoku’s voice was not harsh but calm, as if simply stating a fact. Enshou’s displeased expression faded. He had not overlooked that possibility entirely, but hearing it spoken aloud made him realize its gravity.
Seeing that Enshou had accepted the reasoning, Rougyoku gave a faint smile.
“His Majesty has promised not to delay the decision for long. Wait patiently.”
“Yes, my queen. I pray for a favorable answer.”
Seeing Enshou accept the delay, Enki felt a sense of relief.
“Now, you may go. You must be tired after your journey.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I take my leave.”
After watching Enshou leave, Enki turned his gaze toward Gekka.
“I must find a good husband for you as well.”
“What!?”
Gekka, who had also been watching Enshou’s departing figure, turned around in shock at her father’s words.
“You’re already eighteen. It’s a good age to marry, isn’t it? What do you think, my queen?”
“Indeed,” Rougyoku agreed. By eighteen, many women had already given birth to children. It was by no means too early to marry.
(No way!)
Gekka barely stopped herself from shouting in frustration, swallowing her anger.
The reason she had wanted to escape her village so badly in the first place was because she had been forced into an arranged marriage with Seishin. She had no desire to get married, and even if her fiancé was wealthy for a village head, it was nothing compared to the life she wanted.
If her father, the king, were to arrange a match, it would be with someone of much higher status than she could have ever imagined.
But it would still be a marriage she did not want.
Gekka forced a sorrowful expression, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“I’m truly grateful, Father. But… I wish to stay by your side a little longer.”
Enki sighed, touched by her words.
“We have only just reunited, and now you want to send me away so soon? It’s too early.
Please, let me stay with you a little longer.”
“…Gekka!”
Overcome with emotion, Enki stood and rushed to her side.
“You’re right, Gekka. We’ve only just found each other again. Stay with me a little longer.”
“As long as you wish, Father, I will remain by your side.”
Saying this, they clasped hands.
The gathered ministers murmured amongst themselves, but none objected. It was well known that Enki had spent years searching for Gekka and her mother, Getsuran. Given that, his emotional reaction was understandable.
It was hard to believe this was the same man who had once condemned his own brother for lacking the qualities of a crown prince after burning down his beloved’s family home on false charges.
Rougyoku, too, shared the ministers’ thoughts. But she noticed something that the others had missed.
Gekka was wearing a small, twisted smile.