Chapter 25: Chapter 24: Aftermath

I wake up, startled by the sound of something falling. I look around and realise that I was sleeping in my bedroom. How did I get here? 

 

After a quick yawn and some stretching, I walk towards my big, standing mirror.

I see a sleep deprived princess, wearing pink pyjamas, and hair that looks like I plugged my fingers in an electrical outlet. 

 

Looks like someone brought me here last night and changed me into my pyjamas. There is no sign of my dress or my high heel shoes. I hope I don't have to see them for a while. 

 

Now that I think about it, my calves still hurt. Nothing I can't take care of myself, there we go, all done. Much better indeed. That is until I don't look where I am walking, and stumble over said high heel shoes: found them!  

 

I lie flat on the floor, standing up and massaging my poor muzzle which took the brunt of the fall. While I fix my pain with some healing magic, the second time in 2 minutes, Nanami enters the room.  

 

"Good morning Princess, are you alright? I thought I heard something falling."

 

"Good morning Nana, it was nothing, I only stumbled for a second, no harm done. But I heard something falling a few minutes ago, what was that?" 

 

"Ah, ha, that was our kitchen staff. They wanted to serve you breakfast in bed, but failed to notice the table outside your door. So you just might want to stay in your bedroom for a bit longer."

 

"I see. Well, that is nothing to be embarrassed about. Speaking about embarrassment. Do you know who brought me to my bedroom last night?"

 

"Well, I did change you out of your dress. Which was not very easy, as you were very deep asleep. But I managed of course. As for bringing you here, that was one of our guards. They were standing by all night, so one of them was honoured to bring you here." 

 

"I see, well thank you for that, I guess. Please would you thank him for me? And I don't know, give him some extra cookies?" I said, blushing....being princess carried to my bedroom, but without the memories of the event. 

 

"I will do that, princess. But they are hardly underfed, you know. How about you thank him personally outside while his fellow guards are preparing for their next shift? I am sure that will make an impact. His name is Masaaki."

 

"Yes, that sounds fair. When would be the best time?"

 

"Actually now, but I suggest that you get washed up and dressed first, otherwise you will make another kind of lasting impression." Nana said.

 

"You are certainly direct this morning. Didn't you sleep at all last night?"

 

"Of course princess, but we servants always wake up at the same time, so I had a little help this morning."

 

After washing up, I started my routine to get dressed. And guess what. A light pink dress, but nothing too formal, was waiting for its first use. Either someone is psychic here, or my mother Ima arranged this for me. 

 

"Your welcome sweetie, and congratulations on your job well done yesterday. I am proud of you". Mother Ima said in my mind.

 

"Thanks mom." 

 

"Ah ah ah.. it is mommy. Remember our deal?"

 

"Ah, of course." She was serious about that part. "Thank you very much mommy!" I said that out loud.

 

"But, princess, your mother is not here?" Nana said.

 

I sighed, I guess she doesn't know everything about me yet. "Nana, I was talking to my mother Ima."

 

"Ah our goddess, yes, of course. My apologies for intruding.' 

 

"Nana, for the love of our goddess, would you please, please, please finally stop being so formal with me?"

 

"Yes princess, I will try"

 

"Try harder Nana"

Before I could get some breakfast, I walked outside to the guardhouse at the entrance of the palace. 

One of the guards came hurrying to me "princess! you shouldn't come here without an escort! Let me guide you!"

 

"Why thank you very much, I do appreciate that. I would like to see your colleague, Mr. Masaaki " I said. Let's switch to princess-mode while I try to hide my rumbling stomach. 

 

"Yes my princess, please follow me. He is right over there."

 

He points at a young man, of course also a kitsune, but with a more grey fur overall. I guess colours are not the same for everyone? Wearing full body armour, and his sword neatly at his side.

 

After walking for less than a minute, I finally met my hero. "Mr Masaaki, I presume?"

 

"Yes princess, that is my name. How may I be of service?"

 

"First of all," I raise my voice, "you may all come closer. This is not a private matter."

The guards immediately came closer. 

 

"I just noticed, do you always have to wear full body armour?"  I asked.

 

"Yes princess, we are used to this. Those are the orders of his majesty."

"I see. Then there is nothing I can do about that. But I do have a question for Mr Masaaki." 

I then looked up at him, as I am much shorter than him. Well, shorter than all of them. Did you carry me upstairs to my bedroom yesterday evening?"

 

"Ah yes, princess. I hope you will forgive me, I meant no disrespect." His face started showing signs of sweat, he was obviously nervous in front of me. The others were showing a smile, some were even grinning, but politely I must say. 

 

"Relax, I came here to thank you." 

 

He instantly relaxes and smiles again "thank you my princess. Always at your service."

 

"This one time will do, but thank you very much indeed for your assistance. Know that it was deeply appreciated. I heard you were also respectful to me and my family by stealthily going through the employee backdoor, and not past our guests. That would have been quite embarrassing." 

I bowed deeply for a few seconds and said "thank you Mr Masaaki."  

 

"Ah it was nothing, your highness." Ah cute. He is blushing. But I am not finished. I can't leave like this.

 

"Mr. Masaaki, you earned yourself and your comrades here some fine beer. I have no idea how I can get my hands on those, being a princess and all, but expect it somewhere in the near future. Just don't let anyone know that I was involved."  

 

A unanimous and very loud "Yes princess!" could be heard far from our position.  

 

"Now, if you will excuse me.  No need to escort me back. I need to get food into my tummy. "

 

"Of course, enjoy your breakfast!" they said.

 

Well, they were very happy, well done Nana. You do have your moments. Maybe I should withhold my divine judgement on your formality with me. Just maybe. Nah, not gonna happen.

 

Returning to the palace, then entering the dining room, breakfast was waiting for me. For me that is, as the others already finished and moved on to the study. A room we gladly often abused as a family room, as it has a fireplace, comfortable sofas and a lovely view onto the palace gardens.

 

Looking around, I find Nana, who rushes to me. "Ah, princess, your family just left. I informed them about your duty to thank the guards."

 

"Thank you Nana, that was really a good idea. I just have one problem though. Where can I find some beer?"

 

"Beer, your highness? It is still morning?"

 

"Not for me, Nana! For the guards. I don't drink any alcohol at all. Can you arrange I don't know a barrel or something of beer for those poor lads? Tell them it is from a friend, they will know."

 

"Really? A barrel? As you wish my princess. You want to do this stealthily I presume?"

 

"You presume correctly, my dear Nana. Sharp as ever"

 

She grinned "you are some princess. Let me take care of it. I will take it out of your pocket money." 

 

"Sure thing. Wait, I have pocket money?" 

 

"Oh princess, you need to learn a lot. Forgive me for being blunt, but yes, you are not exactly poor, now are you?"

 

"Ah ha ha. Well said. I will leave it to you then."  Then my stomach made its presence known in a very audible way. "Now what does a princess have to do around here before she can put something in her poor tummy?

You know what? I will go to the kitchen myself."

 

"No Greya, you shouldn't. That is off limits to you"

 

"You called me Greya. FINALLY. Took you long enough"

 

"But, but" Nana sputtered.

 

"Not buts. I don't care about protocol when I am hungry." 

 

I opened the kitchen doors, all smiling, and said "beware, hungry princess, coming through!"

My joke backfired as all the kitchen staff dropped everything they had and bowed to me.

 

For crying out loud. Again?  I bowed, "my sincere apologies for intruding into your kitchen. Be at ease everyone. Please don't think of me as your princess, as I shouldn't even be here in the first place. I hope we can become friends, and well, maybe you could spare a sandwich or two?" Then I straightened my back again, while showing my warmest smile possible, because I really have had a lot of practice lately.

 

The staff looked at each other, then at me, I kept smiling, showing I was sincere. But not much happened here. Okay, I need to help them. "Okay, this is the part where you laugh and give me a sandwich?"

 

Then they all realised I was indeed informal with them. They laughed, and the chef approached me. 

"Good morning princess, our apologies as well, we were quite startled. We, well, never get esteemed visitors such as yourself here. Ah, my name is Noda Yuu."  

 

"Sorry, you?" I asked

 

"No, my name is Yuu".

 

"Ah, sorry, my bad. Anyway, no need to be so formal with me please. Well not unless there are guests present, our my parents of course. Otherwise I am only Greya. So, Yuu, just call me Greya."

 

"Of course, eh, Greya, if you like you can sit down here, but we don't have anything like fancy plates or cups for you here."

 

"That would be very impolite of me to expect. I am intruding after all. A simple plate and a sandwich will do nicely. I will be out of your hair in a minute, I promise." 

 

Well, fifteen minutes to be exact. Two tasty sandwiches and a cup of simple tea later, I made new friends and refuelled my stomach. I thanked my new friends and headed towards the study.

 

Arriving there, I knocked on the door and heard "enter!" so I entered the room. 

 

"Ah Greya dear, good morning." Father said.  Followed by a "morning sweetie" from a smiling mom, and a "good morning little sis" from Mizuki. 

 

"Good morning everyone, ah, all nice and comfy I see." I said.

 

"Yes, please sit next to your sister, we were just ordering tea. Would you like some?" father said.

 

"Yes please.' 'I replied. "I was hoping to discuss yesterday evening's events if you would allow. 

 

"Which part darling?" mother asked, sparkling eyes locked onto mine. 

 

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"Not that part, mother" I said down next to my sister. I waited before continuing, as fresh tea was served. 

When the servant left, I continued "It is regarding a behavioural pattern Mizuki and I discovered in the guests we entertained."

 

"Behavioural...ah, you noticed huh?" father said.

 

"Yes we did. Without trying to sound disrespectful, might I inquire why they all showed a personal interest in us. Well to put it bluntly, seeking a long term understanding between their sons, and one daughter, with me. Ah, same for Mizuki, but then only sons."

 

Mother answered "before we answer that sweetie, let me first tell you that your father and I were very impressed by how you both behaved. Mizuki has had many years of training, as being a servant brings many responsibilities. But you, who had no such prior experience, you acted with respect, kindness and grace. Truly becoming of a future queen. We only have one question first, then we answer yours. How?"

 

"Ah, about the how. Let me be honest. I did have some help. First Mizuki helped prepare me with some small things that turned out to be very important." I am counting on my fingers while I continue "then Nana assisted me, mainly between addressing our guests. Small hints about names and their importance.

And of course the tutor, Norio, you assigned to me managed to at least cover the most important topics, but only those as time was limited. We worked really hard though. That was why I was so tired and fell asleep, for which I apologise of course".

 

"Think nothing of it sweetie. You were exhausted.  But still, how did you learn to dance to our royal anthem so quickly?" 

 

"Anthem? Ah, I see. Well...",   "...mommy...." I whispered ,  ..."helped me."

 

"Who, dear? Who helped you?" father said.

 

"Mommy helped me" I said out loud, looking at the ceiling, so my mother could hear me in her godly realm.

 

"Ah, no need to be so loud sweetie, you know I will always help you." Mother Miyako said smiling.

 

Mizuki was watching the conversation between us like a tennis match. Left, right, left.

 

"Ah, no mother, I meant mother Ima. In exchange for some help, I should address her, well, properly."

 

"So, you need to call her mommy? Awww.  hahaha"  My mother laughed, then we all laughed.

 

"Yes mother, it is the truth. She helped me. She helped me a lot. So I see it as an honour to thank her like this." 

 

Then, a brilliant flash could be seen around us. Yes, here she is: "mommy! you're here as well!" 

 

Mother Ima came to me and hugged me as if we hadn't seen each other in a decade. "You did so well dear. And you can just call me mother again if you wish. Consider it paid in full, I could hear you up there. So that was enough, hehe" she giggled. A real goddess giggled at me, what a morning. 

 

"Thank you mother, mommy, I don't know which one it will be. But anyway, thank you for your help. I think you just saved me from certain embarrassment."

 

"It was nothing dear."

 

"Please mom, sit down. And have some tea if you will. There are also some cookies."

 

"Sweetie, you and your cookies. Not everyone is fond of them, you know?"

 

"Crunch....mm..wa doye mean mom?" I was barely managing to speak with my mouth filled with a cookie. And Quickly drinking some tea, totally not burning my tongue in the process.

 

"I rest my case." Mother Ima said.

 

"Ah, father, mother, what happened. Mother Ima said a child was born and someone would come and announce it as proof?"

 

Father then replied "you actually remembered that? I thought you were so focused on our guests, that you already forgot that part. Astonishing. Yes, when you were, well, resting shall we say, the miracle happened exactly as predicted by goddess Ima. The man's son came rushing in, shouting "it's a girl! It's a girl!"  Everyone, and I mean everyone, except for you who were resting, ahem, was in awe. It happened exactly as foretold. Let's say that people were properly convinced."

 

"I see, thank you, and back to my question if I may. What about the personal interest in us?"

 

"Ah, I was unable to distract you." father says.

 

"Yes dear, as expected. Our little girl has grown a lot. I remember her first dance, awww."

 

"Mother!" I blushed, remembering Kenji and our dance in full detail. 

 

"Seriously mother. Please elaborate. I thought this was only a celebration for my return to the palace, and Mizuki's addition to our family?"

 

"Sweetie, indeed, your father and I must apologise. Even though the celebration is genuine, we couldn't let this opportunity go by unused. As an heir to the throne, we want you to be happy in the first place. 

Have children, if possible, our goddess knows we couldn't have any. Until you arrived of course." 

 

Father then embraces mother, after which she touches his arm gently. 

 

Then mother Miyako continues "we do have a country to think of sweetie, and indeed you are a royal princess.

That means, even though you are expected to get married and, preferably have children, know that we would never, never have forced you into a relationship. We would always respect your free will sweetie."

 

"I see, thank you mother. Thank you for being honest with us. You too, father."

 

"Yes, thank you," Mizuki adds.

 

I was already thinking about other things, not about cookies though, when mother Miyako returned my thoughts to the former topic "oh goddess, I do hope Greya and Kenji might find happiness," then clapped her hands, twice. Her eyes sparkling with mischief when looking at mother Ima.

 

Ima then replies "your prayers have been heard and noted, my child." She shows a smug smile, while my face turns as red as it has done frequently the last few days.

 

Everyone present had a good laugh at my expense, while I tried to cover my head in my hands.

 

I tried to change the subject, but father beat me to it. 

 

"Now, now, let's talk about the festival. Tomorrow the festival will be held in the centre of the capital. 

Unfortunately none of us will be able to attend in person. Without worrying too much, you should know that there have been some disturbances near our kingdom's borders recently. Simply put, we cannot guarantee your safety there. We will tell the people to eat, drink and be merry, all expenses paid by our kingdom.

Someday, you will be able to go to our beautiful capital, visit the many shops and food stalls, and have fun. But now is not the time to do so. The people will understand, so it is only a matter of time."

 

"Ah, but father, I only visited the temple once. I never get out of the palace this way" I ask with obvious disappointment in my voice.

 

"Little sis, there will be more festivals. The harvest festival is nice too. Maybe we can go then, father?"

 

"Yes, Mizuki, perhaps. But now is too early to tell. Just trust me on this."

 

"Yes father", Mizuki and I both say at the same time again, earning rolling eyes from my mother.

 

Then Ima says "the harvest festival is one of the few festivals dedicated to me. I will not allow my daughter to be absent from it. I will be there myself if I need to be, but I promise she will be safe."

 

"Thanks mommy!" I said.

 

"Ah, sweetie, that is not fair, we only meant well." mother Miyako says.

 

"I know mother, just returning the tease to you" I said smiling. Earning a laugh from all present here.

 

"Well, regarding the teasing, I still need to stress that we were serious about our prior topic. You will not be forced into a political marriage of any kind. We just want you to be happy. Although I really want some cute grandchildren to cuddle with!" Mother Miyako stated.

 

"Ah, no. It is too late," Ima says, "prayers don't work that way."

 

Then everyone looked at mother Ima, who looked very serious for a second, then Ima showed a smug smile. 

 

"Just kidding there......or am I? Ha ha. Just watch."  The most evil laugh ever, especially coming from a certified goddess.

 

Then a knock on the door was heard. Father replied "enter!" 

 

Mika entered the study, closing the door after her. 

 

"My princess, pardon the intrusion, but a letter for you was delivered by a courier a few moments ago. It was marked as urgent. May I hand it over to you here, or should Nanami bring it to your bedroom?"

 

I look around surprised, then look at Mika "a, a letter? For me? Who could possibly write to me?"

 

Then father nods at mother, mother understanding the hint. She says "ah, maybe that handsome Kenji misses you already? Maybe he wants to hold your hand?"

 

Only one reply was possible "Mika, in my bedroom please. I will be there shortly."

 

"Of course my princess. Excuse me" Mika then left the room.

 

"Awwww we were only teasing you Greya," mother Miyako says. 

 

"I know, I am only returning the favour. Please excuse me, I need to read a letter" I showed a warm smile, not smug at all, then bowed and left the room. Who could write me a letter? Really?

 

When I arrived in my bedroom, the balcony doors were wide open. Nana knows I like the fresh air. 

On my desk lies an unopened envelope, a letter addressed to me apparently. Let's see.

I sit at my desk, and see myself in the vanity mirror. I have a blush, well that is to be expected. Now the envelope! 

 

On the front is written in well practised handwriting:

"To her Majesty, Princess Yoshimura Greya, Royal Palace of Eshar." 

 

The backside reads:

"Nakamura Kenji"

 

The envelope is protected by a red wax seal. It is a pity I have to break it. I still break it and open the letter.

Of course it is handwritten, there are no printers or hologram projectors in this era.

 

The letter reads:

-------

"Dear Princess, hello Greya,

 

With great respect, 

Thank you for allowing me to speak to you and thank you for our wonderful dance yesterday evening. 

Please know that I enjoyed every moment of your attention. It was the most wonderful day of my life. 

 

I was hoping that you might be interested in visiting our village soon, the date depending on your busy schedule. Even if only for a day, I would welcome you. Perhaps I could show you our beach, see the sunset and have dinner together?

 

You are welcome to stay in our guestroom in my mansion, or I could arrange a room in our luxury hotel for you. 

Of course your guards will be respectfully taken care of as well.  

 

I am looking forward to receiving your reply, and hopefully seeing you in person soon, Greya.

 

with warm regards,

Kenji

--------

My face was red as a tomato again. Oh my goddess. This is serious. He is serious. He wants to see me again! Me, nobody else? What is that strange feeling in my tummy?  Do I really like him?  

 

I don't know what to do. There is no time anyway, as I will need to visit the temple this afternoon. My first afternoon as a head-priestess. Mother Ima says that my time will be divided between royal duties and temple duties. So fifty-fifty. Not that a princess is that busy, but I am not complaining. 

 

I put the letter in the drawer, where nobody will find it, take some much needed fresh air in the gardens, and then prepare for the mid-day meal with my family.

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