The Fake Legend of Princess Mei Mei - Episode 6.4

As I settled down at a table by the window, making sure not to get in the way while the dining table was being cleared, I heard a small tapping sound.

The sound came again, twice, three times. Wondering if someone was calling for me, I turned around and looked around the room. A short distance away, I spotted Gekka.

“Ge—!”

I nearly called out loudly, but she quickly pressed a finger to her lips, signaling me to stay quiet. Obeying her silent request, I shut my mouth.

Once she confirmed I had understood, Gekka quietly approached, lifting her hood slightly to reveal her face.

“…It really is you, Gekka.”

“Yes, it’s me, sister.”

Relieved yet exasperated, I let out a sigh. Gekka responded with her usual sweet smile.

“Why did you ignore me yesterday? Have you been here this whole time? I was so worried about you!”

Lowering my voice, I asked her one question after another. Gekka smiled awkwardly and peeked into the room. The palace maids were busy with cleanup and other preparations.

“Sister, I’ll explain everything properly. Can we step outside for a moment?”

Hearing this, I glanced around as well. Mornings were always hectic.

I nodded in agreement and climbed over the window frame.

“I don’t want others to overhear this, so let’s go somewhere quieter.”

With that, Gekka began walking.

I wondered why it mattered if someone overheard, but she must have her reasons. I decided to follow her in silence.

Gekka was wearing a beautiful kimono again today. Even though it was the same shade of pink as my treasured ceremonial outfit, hers was much more elegant, making her look even more charming.

(They called her ‘Princess’ yesterday.)

The memory of the previous day came to mind. Dressed in an obviously expensive kimono and surrounded by a group of graceful palace maids, Gekka had been referred to as “Princess.”
Even a country girl like me knew that “Princess” was a title given to the king’s daughter.

The current king wasn’t supposed to have a daughter, but according to Gina, a long-lost daughter had recently been found. She had been separated from her mother before birth and had remained missing ever since.

And that daughter—Houbai Princess—was Gekka.

But Gekka was supposed to be my parents’ child. She was the daughter of Hakushugetsu and Getsuran, who lived in Basoha Village—my beloved younger sister.

Lost in thought, I soon realized we had arrived at a building radiating heat. Gekka stood at the entrance, calling out to those inside.

“A pleasure to see you, Princess!”

Upon hearing her voice, a middle-aged woman, seemingly in charge, hurried over.

“Is something wrong with the food, Your Highness?”

“No, everything is fine. Thank you for always preparing such delicious meals.”

From their conversation, I realized this heat-filled building was a kitchen. Its sheer size surprised me, but given the number of palace maids alone, it made sense that the royal kitchen would be this large.

After exchanging a few words with the woman, Gekka instructed the kitchen staff to leave for a while.

Though they looked confused, they had just about finished cleaning up after breakfast.

With some hesitation, they bowed and left, saying, “We will take a short break for about an hour.”

“This should do,” Gekka said, turning back to invite me inside.

“We shouldn’t get in their way,” I murmured, sighing.

“It’s fine. A little break is good for them,” she replied with a cheerful smile and walked further in. With no other choice, I followed.

“You like cooking, don’t you? I thought you’d feel at ease in the kitchen.”

“Well… yes, I suppose so.”

I looked around at the many stoves, the pots boiling on top of them, and felt my lips curve slightly. The scent of ingredients and spices filled the air—it was comforting.

For the past ten days, I hadn’t been able to cook at all, and the lingering frustration I felt began to ease.

Seeing my content expression, Gekka rummaged through a cupboard and pulled out some rice flour.

“You can listen while you work. Make steamed rice cakes again, will you?”

“What?”

“This palace never serves steamed rice cakes! They’re so delicious, but no one makes them.

I want to eat yours.”

She handed me the rice flour, leaving me puzzled. I had never been able to refuse Gekka when she asked sweetly.

“But… are we allowed to use this kitchen?”

“Don’t worry. No one will mind.”

With so many people working here, what harm could it do if we used it for a bit? Gekka laughed, unconcerned. The kitchen was well-stocked with supplies.

Sighing, I gave a wry smile and nodded reluctantly. Gekka clapped her hands in delight.

“The mugwort should be in the herbal storage room. It’s next door, where they prepare medicinal baths. I’ll go get some!”

She dashed off before I could stop her, leaving me sighing in exasperation. She might be dressed like a noble, but deep down, she hadn’t changed at all.

As I searched for the right tools, Gekka returned. The mugwort she brought was of the highest quality—one glance told me that. Of course, in the royal palace, even herbs were sourced from the finest suppliers. Unlike the wild or homegrown mugwort we used back in the village, this must have been cultivated by specialists.

“Soak it in lukewarm water.”

At my request, Gekka happily fetched some hot water and prepared it. She had never liked cooking, but she enjoyed helping with small tasks like this.

While measuring out the rice flour, I noticed Gekka watching the mugwort soak with fascination. No matter how I looked at her, she was still the same little sister I had always known.

“Gekka, aren’t you going to explain now?”

As I chopped the mugwort and mixed it into the dough, I prompted her. She had yet to start talking.

Preparing the steamer, Gekka pouted slightly but, realizing that she had called me here for this very reason, shrugged and nodded.

“Alright, I’ll tell you.”

“You’ve been here for two months?”

Placing the rice cakes into the steamer, I asked my first question.

“Yes, I’ve been living here all this time.”

“Why…?”

She answered so casually that I was at a loss for words.

Leaning her elbows on the counter and resting her chin on her hands, Gekka smiled innocently.

“Because my real father is the king.”

Her voice, as sweet as ringing bells, left me completely speechless.