The Fake Legend of Princess Mei Mei - Episode 5.4
Keigetsu, who had lost her home to a fire, had nothing of her own. The only belongings she had were the kimono and decorative cord that Enshou had bought for her, and the comb that had become a keepsake from her mother.
She had entered the inner palace with nothing but the clothes on her back. There was probably no other girl like Keigetsu who had entered in such a state.
Feeling her heartbeat quicken from nervousness rather than excitement, Keigetsu was led to the room that had been prepared for her. Enshou was the one guiding her.
“By the Queen’s arrangement, Lady Keigetsu, your residence will be in the Central Palace—the Queen’s own quarters. She has kindly prepared a room for you and will also teach you how to conduct yourself here.”
“I see.”
As Keigetsu nodded at the explanation, they arrived in front of a grand building where many court ladies stood in orderly rows. At once, they all bowed deeply.
“This is the Queen’s residence, the Central Palace.”
Enshou pointed to the building, addressing the surprised Keigetsu.
“Your Highness, Crown Prince. Your Highness, Crown Princess.”
From among the bowing court ladies, an older woman stepped forward smoothly.
“The Queen is expecting you.”
She gestured elegantly, inviting them inside. Keigetsu nodded and lowered her head in respect.
Enshou leaned in and whispered to her, “Her name is Gijouu, and she is the Queen’s head lady-in-waiting.”
Keigetsu did not yet understand the workings of the inner palace, but she grasped that among the Queen’s attendants, Gijouu was the most important.
The fact that Gijouu, who always remained by Rougyoku’s side, had come to greet her indicated that Keigetsu was receiving highly favorable treatment. However, she was unaware of this. It was Enshou who noticed, feeling deeply grateful for how much effort Rougyoku had put into welcoming Keigetsu.
The interior of the Central Palace was bright and impeccably clean. The pillars, walls, and ceiling were all adorned with luxurious decorations.
The most splendid building Keigetsu had seen before was the Fuyou Pavilion, but this palace was far grander and more beautiful. Yet, it was not gaudy—its elegance was refined.
Overwhelmed by its beauty, she felt even more nervous.
Instead of a door, a beautiful curtain hung over the entrance to the reception room. At Gijouu’s call, the curtain was smoothly drawn aside.
“You have come.”
From the depths of the room, Rougyoku spoke, her voice directed at the wide-eyed Keigetsu.
Startled, Keigetsu quickly lowered her head in a deep bow. The mistress of the room seemed to smile faintly.
“A seat has been prepared for you over there. Please, come in and sit down.”
Not knowing how to properly conduct herself before royalty, Keigetsu remained frozen in place with her head bowed. Gijouu whispered guidance to her, discreetly pointing to the area where Rougyoku was seated. Two chairs had been set up.
Encouraged by Enshou as well, Keigetsu finally raised her head but kept her gaze lowered.
She stepped forward hesitantly, and just as Enshou was about to sit down first, she suddenly fell to her knees in a deep bow.
“Lady Keigetsu!?”
Enshou turned around in shock, while Rougyoku and Gijouu widened their eyes in surprise at the same moment.
“I have committed an unworthy act. Please forgive me!”
Her trembling voice, high-pitched from anxiety, carried her words of apology. The people in the room exchanged confused glances, wondering what had happened. Only Enshou understood.
Letting out a sigh, Enshou glanced at her while Rougyoku gently asked, “Why?”
Her tone was not accusatory but rather a soft inquiry, seeking an explanation. Even so, Keigetsu shrank back in fear.
“I accepted the Crown Prince’s kindness without knowing my place. Even though I was unaware, that is no excuse. It was an act beyond my worth.”
She spoke firmly, “I sincerely apologize.”
Enshou knelt beside her, looking troubled. “Lady Keigetsu, we already discussed this, did we not?”
His words left Keigetsu feeling conflicted.
Four days ago, Enshou had revealed his true identity to her. She had spent two nights struggling with confusion before deciding to stay by his side. Even when leaving Junkei’s estate, she had resolved herself again, knowing there was no turning back.
Yet, now that she was inside the palace, facing the Queen, the enormity of her situation struck her anew.
“You… didn’t know?”
Rougyoku furrowed her brows in confusion.
Enshou, who had managed to get Keigetsu to sit up, turned to Rougyoku and hesitantly admitted, “I never told her my status.”
Rougyoku raised an eyebrow. “You mean she only learned you were the Crown Prince after arriving at Rokugen?”
“That is correct.”
Rougyoku widened her eyes in surprise and momentarily fell silent, processing this revelation.
After a brief pause, she turned a questioning gaze to Enshou. “So, Lord Ryusou, you deceived this girl into coming here?”
“I would never deceive her!”
Enshou quickly denied it, but when he glanced at Keigetsu, he looked slightly guilty.
“…I suppose one could see it that way.”
His dejected tone made Keigetsu frown in confusion.
“I don’t think I was deceived. Enshou simply… forgot to mention it, right?”
“Well…”
Her innocent response made Enshou falter. He had not intended to deceive her, but he had deliberately kept the truth from her.
Rougyoku and Gijouu exchanged a look, then both shook their heads slightly and chuckled.
“It seems there was some misunderstanding between you two. For now, sit down. Let us talk over a meal.”
Noting that it was already midday, Rougyoku’s words made both Keigetsu and Enshou blush slightly as they stood up.
As they took their seats, the court ladies moved with practiced grace, setting up the table and arranging the dishes swiftly and elegantly. Their smooth, refined movements made Keigetsu recall her own clumsy rushes when preparing meals, bringing a slight blush to her cheeks.
“Keigetsu, was it?”
Keigetsu, mesmerized by the unfamiliar dishes, snapped to attention as Rougyoku addressed her.
“Yes, my name is Hakukeigetsu.”
“Do you have any favorite foods? How about fish? This pickled dish is quite good.”
“I grew up in the mountains, so I haven’t eaten much fresh fish.”
“Then try it first. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to finish it.”
Smiling, Rougyoku placed a small portion on Keigetsu’s plate. Though overwhelmed by the gesture, Keigetsu could not reject the kindness.
“Do you like it?”
Rougyoku watched expectantly as Keigetsu took a bite.
“It’s delicious… though a little sour.”
“It’s because the weather is getting warmer. Do you dislike sour food?”
“I haven’t eaten much of it before…”
“I see. Do you prefer meat, then?”
Rougyoku gestured to a dish of stir-fried chicken and vegetables.
Seeing Keigetsu hesitate, Enshou chuckled.
“Something amusing, Lord Ryusou?”
“Forgive me, Your Majesty. I did not know you were so fond of taking care of others.”
Rougyoku smirked. “If she is unfamiliar with this place, it is my duty to guide her.
Besides, I like honest children.”
Her bright smile reassured Enshou. Rougyoku had truly welcomed Keigetsu into the palace.