The Fake Legend of Princess Mei Mei - Episode 3.6

The news that the Crown Prince wanted to take a commoner’s daughter as his official wife quickly spread throughout the royal palace.

The court ladies who had dreamed of becoming his concubine were frustrated, while others remained hopeful, thinking there was still a chance. Regardless of their reactions, the palace was in an uproar.

Though the commotion was not visible on the surface, it was undeniable. Enshou watched it all with an exasperated expression.

As he sighed while going through the pile of documents, Junkei, who was helping organize them, looked up.

“What’s the matter?”

“No… Women are just too noisy.”

Hearing those words, spoken with a furrowed brow, Junkei chuckled slightly.

“This time, it’s not just the women, is it?”

“Well, true.”

Indeed, it wasn’t just the women in the inner palace. The nobles who had daughters of marriageable age, hoping for a connection to the royal family, were also deeply upset. Their frustration and disappointment only added to the chaos.

“What about you?”

Junkei, who had been addressed, looked up again.

“There were talks about your sister, weren’t there?”

Junkei smiled.

The daughters of high-ranking nobles close in age to Enshou were all considered potential wives for him. Kouji, the daughter of the distinguished Jo family, which had produced many high-ranking officials, was among the top candidates.

“Yes, we did receive such proposals, and my grandfather was eager about it. But my sister is far too rebellious… There’s no way she could serve by His Highness’s side.”

He shrugged and sighed with a wry smile.

Enshou nodded, acknowledging his words, as he stamped the final document.

“By the way, how is your relationship with the princess?”

“What do you mean?”

As he stacked the completed documents, Enshou tilted his head.

“I mean, are you getting along well?”

“Ah…”

His expression became unreadable, causing Junkei to blink in curiosity.

“To be honest, I’m not sure.”

His words were spoken with a slightly displeased expression, making Junkei chuckle.

“You’re still not good with women?”

“That’s right. Especially those who act overly flirtatious, dressing up just to show off their femininity…”

A few days ago, when Enshou returned, he was introduced to a girl as the king’s daughter. She was undeniably beautiful, with a charming smile that could easily captivate others.

Even the usually strict king seemed to soften around her.

For women without physical strength, using their beauty to attract and secure a protector was perhaps their greatest means of survival. Even though he understood that, Enshou had always struggled with such women.

Unfortunately for him, he was constantly surrounded by them. The older court ladies, the girls of his age—everyone sought his favor with calculated charm.

He disliked them. No, he feared them.

As a man, Enshou did have desires, but he couldn’t bring himself to approach such women.

But she—Keigetsu—was entirely different.

She never tried to charm him, nor did she act suspicious when he concealed his true identity. Instead, she genuinely cared for his well-being. Even when offered a reward, she refused anything expensive.

That sincerity left a strong impression on him.

And then, there was her voice. Not too high or too low, clear and pleasant. A voice that was both gentle and full of laughter. He realized he liked that about her.

As he unknowingly sighed while thinking about Keigetsu, Junkei noticed and smiled.

“By the way, I heard something interesting. Your Highness’s first love.”

Enshou’s eyes widened in surprise.

“First love?”

“What’s so surprising? If you’ve found a woman you wish to marry, wouldn’t that be your first love? Or… was it a calculated decision?”

Junkei’s tone was amused, but Enshou shook his head slightly.

“No, it wasn’t planned… But is this really what they call love?”

“I’d say so. It’s the first time you’ve felt this way, isn’t it?”

Indeed. He had never once desired the presence of a woman before.

“I see…” Enshou muttered, finally understanding. So this was what ‘love’ was.

Seeing Enshou nod to himself, Junkei gave a bright smile.

“It’s wonderful that someone has captured Your Highness’s heart.”

“You think so?”

“Yes. And this should finally put an end to the strange rumors.”

Junkei laughed teasingly, making Enshou smile wryly.

Since Enshou had never shown interest in women, rumors had started that he preferred men instead. The person most often named as his supposed lover was Junkei, simply because Enshou valued his abilities and kept him close.

As a military officer, Junkei had no real reason to be in the Crown Prince’s office, yet he was always there assisting with documents. It wasn’t surprising that people misunderstood.

Of course, the truth was simpler—Junkei was just far more competent at organizing than Enshou’s actual attendants.

“By the way, where are the records for last month’s flood control project?”

“They’re right here.”

As soon as Enshou stood up to check, Junkei retrieved the records from a shelf.

“You should really consider becoming an attendant.”

Enshou chuckled as he took the documents. His attendants were not incompetent, but they couldn’t match Junkei’s efficiency and memory.

Junkei was pleased to be recognized for his abilities, but he responded immediately and firmly.

“I must decline.”

“If I became an attendant, I wouldn’t be able to protect you.”

His words were clear, and Enshou nodded in understanding.

Despite his slender frame and gentle manner, Junkei was one of the best swordsmen in the guards. His combat skills ensured he never lost, even when outnumbered.

Junkei had honed his skills for one purpose alone—to protect Enshou.

Attendants focused on palace affairs and didn’t carry weapons. If they were attacked, they would be defenseless. Junkei could never accept that.

After a small sigh, Junkei knelt before Enshou.

“…What are you doing?”

“My blade has always been meant to protect Your Highness. And yet, I failed…”

He bowed deeply.

“I am sorry.”

Enshou nodded.

“This wasn’t your fault. Don’t blame yourself.”

“But—”

“I said it’s not your fault. Don’t make me repeat myself.”

He firmly made Junkei raise his head. Even so, Junkei’s expression remained conflicted, so Enshou gave a bright smile.

“Not everything about the attack was bad. Because of my injury, I got to meet Keigetsu.”

Hearing that, Junkei looked taken aback. But once he realized Enshou was serious, he could only smile wryly.

“…So, in the end, my late grandfather was Your Highness’s matchmaker?”

“Looks like it.”

Enshou chuckled, and Junkei finally relaxed and smiled as well.

“By the way, Junkei.”

Now that the mood had lightened, Enshou spoke again.

Junkei turned to face him, sensing a serious tone in his voice.

Something important was about to be said.

Then, Enshou asked a question he had never expected.

“How do I propose marriage?”