The Fake Legend of Princess Mei Mei - Episode 6.3

“The princess is missing?”

Hearing the report from Gijouu, who had returned after some time, Rougyoku responded with a puzzled voice.

Gijouu nodded, her expression equally troubled.

“She is not in her room… She has gone out alone for walks before, but this is the first time she has done so without any attendants.”

As a result, the court ladies were also somewhat confused.

Around the time the princess disappeared, three people had sneaked out to see Rougyoku, so it was assumed that they were accompanying her. No one thought to worry—until those three returned with Gijouu, and suddenly, the queen called for them. Naturally, the court ladies were thrown into panic.

“Has the princess been sneaking out frequently?”

Rougyoku asked Bihou, who had accompanied Gijouu for the situation report, with a curious expression. Bihou nodded.

“She mentioned that constantly being surrounded by people who are not family can feel stifling, so she occasionally takes strolls…”

Her destinations were usually the same and well-known, and she always took at least one attendant with her. That is why no one was overly concerned.

“I apologize,” Bihou said, bowing her head.

“Is that so?”

Rougyoku tilted her head in genuine wonder.

She had been surrounded by numerous maids and servants since childhood. Even after being crowned queen, only the faces of her attendants changed; her life remained much the same.

She could not even imagine a situation where no one came when she called.

“Well,” Gijouu also tilted her head slightly. Coming from a family that had served the Shou clan for generations, she too had always been surrounded by many servants. Since childhood, she had been by Rougyoku’s side, so she also found it difficult to grasp the concept of being alone.

The other ladies in the room were all from noble families, accustomed to similar environments. Even in the palace, they were never truly alone, always surrounded by fellow attendants. Being alone was simply not a familiar experience for them.

“Hmm,” Rougyoku nodded in understanding.

The princess had once mentioned that she was still not used to life in the harem. That likely included the ever-present company of attendants. If she was unaccustomed to such an environment, it was understandable that she might feel a little overwhelmed.

The sudden change in her living conditions must have been exhausting. If that strain led to mental distress, it would be a serious concern. Even Rougyoku herself had struggled with tension and pressure when she first arrived at the harem. If the princess was trying to find her own way to adjust, it was not something to reprimand her for—it was a sign of intelligence, worthy of praise.

“Understood.”

Nodding once more, Rougyoku instructed Bihou to stay.

“Shunryou, go and summon the princess.”

She addressed the young court lady standing closest to the door. The girl nodded and immediately left.

“I have some questions for you before the princess arrives.”

Rougyoku spoke quietly to Bihou, who looked as if she wanted to go find the princess herself. Her cold tone made it clear that the queen was displeased.

“First—yes, I suppose I should begin by reprimanding you for the lack of discipline among your subordinates.”

Though her voice was not angry, it carried a clear sense of discontent. Bihou nodded and bowed deeply.

“As the head of the harem, I strive to ensure that those living here do not suffer any undue hardships. I have always made it known that anyone facing difficulties may consult with me. That is why I listen and consider solutions.”

Bihou could only nod deeply in response.

“However, that applies only within the bounds of common sense and decency. Suggesting that someone be removed—especially a candidate for the crown princess—is beyond the scope of a simple concern, don’t you think?”

Bihou’s eyes widened in shock.

Her expression made it clear that she had no knowledge of what the court ladies had done, and that she found their actions excessive. Her reaction spoke volumes.

Rougyoku nodded internally.

So, the actions of those court ladies had been the result of youthful recklessness. Sometimes, immaturity can be dangerous when one fails to consider the consequences of their actions.

Punishing Bihou for this might be a bit harsh, but the lack of proper guidance was a fact. If they had received appropriate instruction, they would not have acted so selfishly.
“Gijouu, summon the Chief Court Lady.”

There were others who shared the same background and mindset as those court ladies. Until now, such behaviors had been overlooked, but the time had come to address them.

The Chief Court Lady, Sha Gyokuei, oversaw all women serving in the harem, including the court ladies and maids. Even Gijouu, as the queen’s head maid, ranked below her. Any announcement to the harem had to go through her first.

The leniency toward noble-born attendants had allowed their attitudes to fester. It was time to correct this issue at its root.

Hearing this, Bihou’s face paled slightly. She understood that she was responsible for failing to discipline her subordinates properly.

But it was too late. The damage had already been done.

Behind Bihou, the three court ladies who had overheard the conversation seemed to have finally realized the gravity of their actions. They now trembled, on the verge of tears.

Rougyoku felt exasperated that they needed such blunt words to understand, but it was not surprising. In their noble households, they had never been reprimanded, and in the harem, as long as they dressed up, arranged flowers, and composed poetry, they were rarely scolded. They had carried that mindset into their daily lives.

It was frustrating, but had she been raised in their position, she might have ended up the same way. This was the nature of noble daughters.

“While you’re at it, tell Kouji to summon Officer Jo. When he arrives, have Keigetsu and Kouji come to me as well.”

Rougyoku sighed and added more instructions to Gijouu, who was about to leave. It would be quicker to gather all the relevant people and hear the full story directly.

“Understood.”

Gijouu nodded and exited, casting a brief glance at Bihou. Understanding the severity of the situation, Bihou sat tensely, staring at her hands in silence.

Gijouu had served Rougyoku since childhood and had followed her into the harem when she became queen. Because of this, she had a fundamentally different mindset compared to Bihou, who had entered the palace as a young court lady.

That difference had also influenced the work ethic of the court ladies serving under Gijouu versus those serving elsewhere in the harem. Both Gijouu and Rougyoku had been aware of this for some time but had refrained from interfering since it had not caused major issues—until now.

Perhaps the queen had finally decided to bridge that gap. That was why she had summoned the Chief Court Lady.

A small remark from the princess—perhaps even a little lie—had triggered a major shift.

It was a good thing, Gijouu thought, though for many, it would be an unwelcome disruption.

As she approached Keigetsu’s chamber, she was met by a panicked Kouji, who burst out of the room.

“Oh! Gijouu! I’m sorry!”

Before she could ask what was happening, a woman’s scream rang out from somewhere.

“Keigetsu!”

Kouji shouted and dashed away.