The Legend of the Reclusive Princess Zuicho of the Rikan Empire ~She Escapes From The Palace Everyday and Works as a Capable Government Official.~ - Chapter 5

Even though she had lost time dealing with people in the corridor, Saya finally managed to cut across the wide courtyard of the inner palace.

As she walked toward the storage building, she carefully fixed her outfit.

(Is my head cloth straight? I need to keep just the tips of my blonde hair showing outside…)

She quickly adjusted the area around her face and straightened her plain clothes.

(The chest binding is fine… and I’m wearing my official uniform under this outer layer…)

Once she got inside the storage house, she could take off the outer clothes, put on her official cap instead of the cloth, and she’d become a typical government clerk. As long as no one focused on her small build, this disguise—used for five whole years—had never once been exposed. It was perfect.

As the storage building finally came into view, Saya slowed her steps and stopped at a spot that wasn’t too visible.

It would be a disaster if somebody saw her entering the building.

She pretended to admire some nearby plants while carefully scanning her surroundings.

This spot is usually deserted, so… Just as she relaxed a little, she saw…

“…Lady Hiryō of Yōryō…”

Of all people, the very girl everyone in the inner palace was talking about appeared, walking right down the path toward the storage.

This was the girl rumored to have spent the entire night with His Majesty.

No one had dared to directly ask her about it, but many had seen her in the early morning returning to her chambers with her maids. It was said she had been blushing, sharing stories about the Emperor’s expression, his voice, and even his gestures—clearly trying to make a statement.

With her thrilled maids whispering excitedly beside her, there was no doubt: this Lady Hiryō had become the leading contender for the Emperor’s favor in the harem.

“…Who are you!?”

Lady Hiryō stopped walking and shock was written all over her face.

Her ashy blonde hair and deep blue eyes were considered too pale for nobility, but they suited her youthful features and made her undeniably beautiful.

Wearing a dazzling silk robe with a gemstone-studded sash and fresh flowers in her hair, she looked every bit as glamorous as Lady Rangetsu, a higher-ranking consort, even though Hiryō held only the rank of Ninth Concubine.

Saya, who wore plain clothes just to hide her uniform, stood beside her, and together they looked like a princess and a maid.

(…I’ve lived in this palace for five years and no one has ever called me by name, huh…)

That useless thought passed through her head as she quickly remembered her mistake from earlier and bowed her head deeply.

“M-my apologies, Lady Hiryō.”

“…No, it’s fine. I was only taking a walk through this area by chance.”

Her tone was cold, but at least she wasn’t lashing out. Saya was slightly relieved, but she kept bowing politely.

In truth, she was standing in overgrown grass off the path, and the tall leaves kept brushing against her bare hands. It tickled terribly, and she was silently begging Hiryō to move on quickly.

But instead—

“…Still, for someone of low status like you to look directly at me… how disgusting. Which lady do you serve?”

Just as Saya expected—Hiryō had completely misunderstood who she was. Saya had to hold back a laugh and bowed even lower.

“My deepest apologies… I never imagined someone of your stature would walk this far into the palace grounds.”

“Are you mocking me with that comment!?”

(Ugh, I said too much again…)

By the time she realized it, it was already too late.

Along with Hiryō’s high-pitched, angry voice—

—SPLASH!

She was hit with water suddenly and forcefully.

“…So cold…”

Since her head had been bowed, she didn’t immediately understand what had happened.

But when she felt the water dripping from her hair and caught a whiff of a foul, damp smell…

She remembered the old wooden bucket beside the storage building—filled with rainwater.

“I am a daughter of the Riku family, who has even been honored to stay with His Majesty until dawn! A commoner with no status like you has no right to even speak to me!”

Lady Hiryō was trembling in rage, her cheeks flushed.

But still—

(…That night, I was actually the one beside His Majesty…)