The Fake Legend of Princess Mei Mei - Episode 5.5
At the beginning of the meal, Keigetsu was nervous, but as she continued eating, she gradually relaxed and even began to enjoy the flavors of the luxurious dishes.
It seemed that both Enshou and Rougyoku quickly noticed this change, as they both smiled at her.
“Keigetsu seems to like vegetables. I will instruct them to prepare meals with more vegetables for you.”
Surprised by these words, Keigetsu looked up to see Rougyoku passing this instruction to Gijouu.
“It is because you have been eating that stir-fry dish quite often,” Enshou pointed out from the side, as if he had read her mind when she wondered how they had noticed. She was taken aback once again, but Rougyoku laughed, confirming that it was indeed true.
“How is the seasoning?”
“It is very delicious.”
“Is it not too strong?”
Being seen through so easily, Keigetsu blushed and admitted, “Just a little.”
“There is no need to hold back. Food is essential to life. If your meals do not suit you, not only your body but also your heart will suffer.”
Rougyoku spoke as if she had personally experienced this, her smile gentle.
Keigetsu nodded in response, feeling a strange sense of wonder.
She had always thought that a queen would be strict and terrifying. Yet, in reality, Rougyoku was warm and approachable. Despite Keigetsu’s low status, she treated her with kindness, almost like a mother.
At the thought of “mother,” Keigetsu’s eyes grew slightly moist.
It had not even been ten days since her beloved mother passed away. The searing heat of the flames that took her life, the sound of her labored breathing—Keigetsu could recall it all as vividly as if it had happened just moments ago.
“Keigetsu-dono?”
Noticing Keigetsu staring down at her plate in silence, Enshou called out to her, observing her closely. Startled, she lifted her head, only to realize that tears had fallen. She hurried to wipe them away.
Seeing this, Enshou’s expression darkened with sympathy.
Since leaving Haso Village, Keigetsu had carried herself with resilience, but Enshou understood that the pain and sorrow of losing her mother so suddenly were profound. He had occasionally seen her drift into thought, her expression distant, and he wanted to comfort her. However, lacking experience in such matters, he hesitated.
“I’m sorry… It’s just that Her Majesty is so kind that it reminded me of my late mother.”
Keigetsu wiped her tears and smiled at Rougyoku, though it was clear she was forcing it.
Rougyoku nodded with understanding in her gaze. “I have no children of my own. Therefore, I may not truly know what it means to be a mother, but from now on, I will care for you as if I were your mother, for the sake of the one you lost.”
“Would you dislike that?” she asked.
Keigetsu hurriedly shook her head.
Yet, something about those words lingered in her mind.
“Um… May I ask a question?”
Hesitant, Keigetsu spoke, and Rougyoku looked slightly pleased as she responded, “What is it?”
“Your Majesty… Are you not the mother of Crown Prince Enshou?”
Since Enshou was the crown prince and Rougyoku was the king’s legal wife, Keigetsu had assumed she was his mother. But was that not the case?
“Ah,” Rougyoku nodded. “I am Ryuusou’s adoptive mother, but not his birth mother. His mother passed away shortly after giving birth to him.”
She spoke with a sorrowful expression, though she quickly forced a smile.
“I married His Majesty sixteen years ago. Since Ryuusou is already twenty-two this year, it would have been impossible for me to have given birth to him.”
Keigetsu nodded in understanding, thinking that was only natural.
“I was raised by my wet nurse,” Enshou continued, taking over the explanation. “Her Majesty took me in when I was about seven years old. By then, I had already grown quite stubborn, so I’m sure I must have caused her a lot of trouble.”
“Indeed,” Rougyoku laughed, nodding.
“When Ryuusou was little, he was quite mischievous. He played many pranks on me.”
She sighed theatrically before softening her gaze. Her nostalgic expression made it clear how much she had cherished the young Enshou.
Keigetsu, listening to their conversation, thought of her younger sister, Gekka.
With her tiny voice, Gekka used to call out to her and toddle after her everywhere. She was three years younger than Keigetsu. Where was she now, and what was she doing?
“Children are wonderful. They bring joy to each day. So, you two must give me grandchildren soon.”
Smiling at Keigetsu, who had fallen into deep thought, Rougyoku suddenly spoke of her wish for heirs.
Keigetsu blinked in confusion, not immediately understanding what she meant, while Enshou turned red and said, “Your Majesty!” in a slightly reproachful tone.
“Keigetsu-dono has not yet agreed to become my wife…”
“Ah, that is true. I had forgotten,” Rougyoku said, clapping her hands together lightly.
She had been informed of the circumstances that led Keigetsu to Rokugen through an urgent report. Because of that, no official decree had been issued to establish her as the crown princess, nor had a formal residence been prepared for her. Instead, she was taken in under the guise of “training in court etiquette.”
Hearing this explanation, Keigetsu nodded. In truth, she still did not fully grasp her own position.
While she was treated as the crown princess within the inner palace, she understood that emotionally, she was still merely a candidate. Enshou hesitated before adding that he wanted her to think of herself that way. His expression looked slightly lonely.
“It is common to take in noble daughters for etiquette training. You need not feel pressured,” Rougyoku reassured her.
Feeling a little relieved, Keigetsu nodded.
She understood, in theory, what it meant to become someone’s wife. As a young woman, she was aware of these things. However, while she was happy about Enshou’s proposal, she still felt more confusion than excitement.
“Therefore, Ryuusou and Keigetsu, you are forbidden from meeting alone.”
As Keigetsu grew anxious, Rougyoku interrupted her thoughts with a decisive statement.
“Huh?” Enshou faltered.
“It is only natural. A young man and woman spending time alone could lead to unexpected situations.”
She went on to clarify that they could only meet during daylight hours, and if they wished to see each other at night, they would need her permission.
Enshou made a conflicted expression and awkwardly glanced at Keigetsu.
Tilting her head, Keigetsu said, “This feels strange. Before, my father used to glare at us, and now we need the queen’s permission to meet.”
Finding the situation amusing, she laughed, and Enshou let out a small, uncertain smile.
In the inner palace, Rougyoku’s word was absolute. Even the king’s orders could not override her decisions.
Since she had declared this, there was no choice but to accept it.
After the meal and conversation ended, Enshou returned to his duties, and Keigetsu moved to her assigned room.
As Rougyoku sipped her post-meal tea, she turned to Gijouu with a mischievous smile.
“She is quite a delightful girl.”
Gijouu nodded. “Indeed. She is cheerful but not overly forward. While she is too familiar with His Highness, she carries herself well for someone of common birth.”
Rougyoku chuckled. “Ryuusou has good taste, wouldn’t you say?”
“Who knows?” Gijouu responded, her expression turning serious.
Rougyoku frowned slightly. “Is there something concerning you?”
Gijouu lowered her voice. “Appearances can be deceiving. And as for the princess… she has begun to show her true colors.”