Chapter 37: Chapter 36 visiting Kenji

I missed our family breakfast, because I needed to prepare for my trip to Kenji's mansion. 

Nana is here, helping me to pack my dresses. Yes, a girl needs more than one set of clothes if she is going to visit someone she likes. Ah, I am thinking about him again. Focus! 

 

I was able to convince my parents to let me depart in the early morning, using the royal carriage. I had to promise my mother that I would eat properly while travelling. However, it took some more convincing to let my guards return home, only dropping me off at my destination. Well, I just don't want anyone else around me, just him and me. Ah, what am I thinking again? Besides, mother Ima will protect me if something should happen, right? 

 

I am almost at my destination, having travelled for about an hour and a half. Tomoko, Minako and I used the time to review our recent adventure in Acria. Travelling by carriage is much nicer compared to horseback riding. But still, I am happy when I can finally stretch my legs. According to our carriage driver, we should definitely arrive before noon.

 

And of course it starts to rain. Luckily I am safe from the rain inside this carriage, but I won't make it dry inside, luckily I have some extra dresses in my travel bags.

 

Sure enough, we pull away from the main road. This is very much a rural area, in the distance between the trees, I can sometimes see the ocean. Ah, now I can see more signs of civilization, we are approaching a small town. The driver gently knocks on the front window of the carriage, then informs us that we have arrived.  

 

The road now slowly changes more and more into a lovely muddy, soaked path. The path to his mansion.

That is, until we are stuck in the mud. 

 

"Please, your highness, just wait a bit. We will get unstuck soon." Tomoko said, with a hint of doubt in her voice. 

 

"Sorry Tomoko, Minako. But this is it. It is only fifty metres from his front door. I think I will survive the walk there." 

 

"But princess, think about your dress, it is all muddy here and it pours!" Minkako said. 

 

"Yes, yes, well, I may be a princess, but a bit of rain won't hurt me. Besides, it is summer and the rain is not as cold as in winter. No kindly give me my bags and I will go there myself."

 

"No princess, at least let us bring your bags to the front door," Tomoko says.

 

"Alright, alright, but we leave now." I said. I just want to get away from this situation. Why do they worry so much? It is just rain and mud, nothing else.

 

A few minutes later, and we are all outside. I take my shoes in my hands, and start walking towards Kenji's home. I can't run, even if it is pouring at the moment, because I would definitely fall into the mud.

And of course, the rain is bloody cold, just as in winter. My two guards are following me, both carrying a single small travel bag, because, well, I like to travel lightly.

 

I see Kenji's door opening, he sees us ploughing through the mud, then he walks to me, but stops where the muddy path starts.   

 

"Greya! You made it! Well...almost..." Kenji said, grimacing at the soaked princess in front of him.

 

"Hi Kenji. Yes, nice..."  I got stuck for a second "..to see you..." stuck again, "...too!..." I said with each step I could take, but then I lost my balance. 

 

Kenji was able to keep me from falling completely, but my knees were now covered in mud.

 

"Oh princess, I am so sorry. Why didn't your driver use the road in front of my mansion?"  Kenji said innocently.

 

I then turned around, gave a firm glare at the driver, then shrugged at Kenji "I guess he didn't know. Whatever, I am already soaked, so just take your time. Can you please take that bag? I will take the other one."

 

"Sure thing Greya."  Tomoko gave him one bag, while Minako gave me the other.

 

"Alright ladies. thank you, and now go home. I will return tomorrow."

 

"Yes princess!" the both of them said. Ploughing back through the mud. I could hear someone yelling at the driver, it must be my imagination. Still I wonder, I don't think they will be sitting inside the carriage on their way back...

 

When I arrived at Kenji's home, the rain made sure that I was as thoroughly soaked as I could be. Nothing was dry, not even my poor ears were spared. I had lots of water in them, which made me hear really bad.

 

Of course the rain then stopped. Sure, why not?

 

Kenji then said "come in quickly, I don't want you to catch a cold." 

 

I only nodded, ashamed of my situation.

 

His mansion was huge, not a palace, but still huge. He could easily start a hotel in this place, and have room to spare. 

 

When we were inside, I put my shoes to the side, placing them on the doormat. I don't want anyone to say that I am a badly-mannered princess. 

 

"Kenji, can I get changed somewhere? I have some spare dresses in there." Only then I realised that the bags were soaked as well. Of course they were. 

 

"Ah, Greya, I don't think that is going to work. Please go upstairs, we have a heated bathroom ready for you. Please take a bath, while my maid provides you with some temporary clothes. I will let her dry your spare clothes for you."

 

"Thank you, I would...  achoo... love that." I said.

 

"Bless you. Now hurry up, your hand feels icy cold. You need to warm up soon."

 

Five minutes later, I was undressed and relaxing in a hot bath. I felt life return to my poor body.

 

The maid had indeed prepared spare clothes for me. The dress was a bit too large for me. My temporary underwear was also too large, it felt really uncomfortable, but at least I had dry clothes. I should be grateful for the help, and not complain about this situation. I found a thin piece of rope in one of the cabinets. No idea what they are used for, but I put them around my waist, so as not to lose my dress when walking. 

 

I thanked the maid, who bowed in return. She then apologised to me for providing clothes that were not well fitting. Of course I told her that I didn't mind, as I only needed to wait for my spare clothes to dry. I also said that she didn't need to worry about my muddy dress. But she is one of those proud maids and she assured me that it was no inconvenience to clean them. Well, I have no other reply than a "thank you very much," and an honest, polite bow to show that I truly appreciate her help. 

 

When I went down again, to finally spend some time with Kenji, he laughed hard at me for a minute as soon as he saw me wearing this dress. 

 

"Sorry...ha ha. ha. Greya, you look cute. Be sure to return the laundry line to my maid." He dared to say.

 

I faked a disappointed look, then said "I am sorry, but did you really need to laugh at my expense? Maybe I should go home instead?" Let's see his reply, while I use my puppy eyes.  

 

"Ah, no no no, Greya. I didn't mean it like that." he came to me and gave me a hug. Well, that warmed me up alright.

 

"Ah, sorry, again, sorry," Kenji said. "I..have a sister and I always gave her a hug when she needed consolation..." 

 

"No Kenji, I don't mind. I just imagined our day together would start a bit more, well, normal? I didn't think I needed to get changed the minute I arrived here."

 

"No problem Greya. Now, please, do sit down. The weather is already much better, so I think it will remain dry for the rest of today."

 

"Really Kenji? You think we can go out this afternoon? Look at me! I brought my favourite dresses. They won't be dry until at least tomorrow. And then it will be time to go home already. Well assuming the driver will now arrive on the front side of this mansion..." 

 

We both laughed really hard, earning a surprised look from the maid.  

 

"Good, Greya, I like you better this way. Let's have our mid-day meal, and then maybe we can walk along the coast line? The temperature is already going up, and it won't be long before the sun will come out."

 

"Yes, well, I don't have any shoes for walking on the sand, so...I don't know." I said, shaking my head slowly.

My ears were still filled with water. "Kenji, I have water in my ears, how do you get rid of this? I never had this before."

 

"Ha ha ha," he laughed, "wait, you are serious? Sorry. Let me get you a towel." 

 

He returned a minute later and showed me how to dry my ears. Well, let me fake the innocent princess here, the one without life experience. He doesn't need to know I only arrived in Mirai a short while ago.

 

After having my ears dried properly, they stood proudly on my head again. We enjoyed our midday-lunch together, just a light soup and bread, nothing too fancy. But I showed my honest appreciation to the maid. She thanked me and returned a warm smile.

 

These people are great. If the town is anything like them, then I am in for a treat today.

 

Kenji assured me that the road in front of the beach was paved, so we won't actually be walking on sand. 

So I put on my, now clean, shoes and signalled Kenji that we can go whenever he is ready. 

 

The maid then came to me and asked "excuse me mylady, might I help you correct the dress a bit? It might be a bit too big for you, but with a small adjustment it will look even better. I am sorry that your own dresses won't be dry today."

 

"Of course, I appreciate any help you can give me." I said, truly thankful for her help.

 

She smiled and did her best to make me presentable. She even took her time, brushing my hair, gently, making me feel like a true princess. Then she replaced the rope with a leather belt. I guess she needed the rope this afternoon...

Then she asked me to look at my reflection in the standing mirror in the hallway. 

And I actually looked presentable. "Thank you! I really appreciate your help, ehh,. " 

 

"Mika. My name is Mika" she said.

 

I looked surprised. "Amazing, thank you Mika. Actually one of my friends is as capable as you are, and she also is called Mika." 

 

"Amazing coincidence, isn't it my lady? Now please excuse me." She bowed, then went outside.

Yep, bingo, she is using the rope to dry the laundry and my dresses.

 

But the leather belt really looks better on this dress. Sure it is a plain, dark green dress, not my favourite colour. It gives a commoner vibe, but I don't care. I don't need to be all princessy all the time. Maybe this is better, nobody will interrupt our walk by recognising me as a princess. So maybe it was good after all. 

 

I return to Kenji, not saying anything, my tail is swaying proudly. As does his fluffy tail. 

 

Then he smiles  "you look lovely Greya. Mika can do miracles." 

 

I blush, then say "indeed she does. She is amazing."

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"Shall we go then?" he asks.

 

"Sure, please lead the way."

Five minutes later, we were already walking along the shore line. In the distance I can see two boats, probably fishermen working hard to catch the next load of fish. Everything is nicely paved here, so I can walk properly. Occasionally my high heels find a spot between two stones, but I manage to disguise that. 

 

"Are you alright?" Kenji says.

 

Oops. He did notice. "Yes, I am just having difficulties walking on these high heels. Maybe I should just go barefoot."

 

He then offered his arm for me to hold on to. I blushed and put my arm around his. "Thank you Kenji."

 

Kenji only smiled. 

 

During our walk, my thoughts wandered a bit. When I arrived it was around noon. Then I bathed, and we had a mid-day meal. We have been walking for about two hours, so it must be around five o'clock by now.

 

Then my calves started to hurt really bad.

 

"Greya, I see you are in pain. Just be honest with me, shall we have our evening meal in town now?"

 

"Yes, please, I am getting hungry, and my calves really hurt. Did you have some place in mind?" I said, while massaging my calves. I made a promise to myself, to not heal myself of any discomfort. Unless things are hindering my job or something. I am afraid to become arrogant if I act like an omnipotent goddess all the time. 

Ah what the heck. It bloody hurts!  

 

"Eeek!"  I say out loud. I am a princess, who is currently being princess-carried by Kenji. 

 

"Enough Greya, you can't walk like this. It is only a five minutes walk to the restaurant. I already made reservations, don't worry I will release you before we come close to other people. Trust me."

 

"I trust you, Kenji," I said softly, blushing really hard.

 

Indeed, about five minutes later we arrived at the village. Surprisingly, I saw no other people until now.

 

Kenji released me, then asked "are you good to go?"

 

"Yep, I can walk now, besides we can sit while we are having our evening meal, so I will be fine. Thank you."

 

We then approached a small restaurant, named "the flying fish", where Kenji opened the door and let me enter first.

 

He showed the way to a table near the front window, having a nice view over the ocean. 

"I hope you like fish," he said, all smiling.

 

"Of course, I love fish." I returned the smile.

 

He then pulled back a chair and motioned me to sit there. I sat down, making sure to smooth my dress before sitting down. Knees locked next to each other. All princessy as it should be.

 

He then sits opposite of me, so we can have a conversation, but I also have a nice view outside.

 

Kenji then said "do you like the view, princess?"

 

I looked at him and said, while making sure to only look at him "I do, yes"

 

I think he got the message, as he started to blush now.

 

Oops, one of the waiters comes over to us. He overheard us, "heya Kenji, I didn't know you had a girlfriend, and then already calling her a princess." 

 

"Ah ha ha," Kenji scratches his head, "you see Kayo, we, we, are not a couple."

 

I then played along, showing a sad expression, my ears following my sad mood "really, Kenji?"

 

He panicked, seriously "Greya, no, for goddess sake, I didn't mean it like that."

 

I grinned "I know Kenji, I was hoping you didn't mean it like that."

 

Kenji now grinned too, "you see, Kayo, she is not only a princess but also a goddess." Kenji winked at me.

 

Now I started to blush, no my face was plain red now. 

 

"Now, now, kids, please don't flirt here in my restaurant."

 

Now Kenji turned red as well.

 

Then I turned towards Kayo, took off my royal necklace and made sure he could see the royal insignia on it. 

 

"Wha? Is that...are you...?" Kayo tried to say something, but he spoke only gibberish.

 

I motioned for Kayo to come closer so I could whisper: "yes I am a princess."

But before I could put my finger on my mouth, indicating him to keep this quiet, Kayo shouted

"people, people, listen, we have a genuine princess here. Right here in my old establishment."

 

I put my head on the table and only mumbled "no no no no, oh goddess no." Then made the universally understood gesture of simulating hitting one's head on the table. 

 

I looked up at Kenji, he smiled and shrugged. 

 

Nobody actually bothered us during the meal. They gave us the needed privacy and I really liked the meal.

It was now getting dark outside. Not because of the sunsetting, but another rain front approaching this coastal area. 

  

Kenji then takes my hand and asks "are you ready to go?"

 

"I just have to visit the restroom, I will be right back." I said.

 

I asked Kayo if I could use the restroom for a minute, and then I did. 

 

Checking my makeup in the mirror, well, I am on a date, right? Then checking my teeth, yep clean. Just a touch of my pink lipstick and I am good to go. 

 

Meanwhile, Kenji paid the bill and smiled when I approached. I thanked him for the meal and said to Kayo that I really enjoyed it. After saying a mutual "good evening", Kenji and I were outside again.

 

Kenji assured me that we would be at his mansion in about fifteen minutes. 

 

Then he asked me "Greya, should I carry you to my mansion?"

 

"No, thank you, I think I can manage. I am more worried that I ate too much. It was really a perfect place for an evening meal." 

 

"Yes it was, I am just happy that Kayo didn't seriously think you were a goddess."

 

"Well, demi-goddess actually, but you are right," I giggled.

 

"Well, I would then have honestly said that I never dated a goddess before". He smirked. 

 

"So Kenji, does that mean that you dated many others before me then? " I feigned my disappointment.

 

"No no no, you are my first date. Honestly!" He almost cried, actually thinking I was disappointed.

 

"Relax Kenji. I am only teasing you."

 

"But I am serious," Kenji said, "can you imagine me telling them that you really are a goddess, and then kneeling before you?" 

 

I giggled at the idea, until he actually kneeled before me. Right there in the streets. 

 

I then laughed, "do you want to confess your sins to your goddess then?" I smirked.

 

"No, Greya, but would you please become my girlfriend?"  

 

That is when I stopped working? Wha? Did he say girlfriend? No need to think...

 

"Yes!!!" I then kneeled as well. Holding his hands.

 

Then I said, "boy, you people really move fast here! Let's go before people think we are crazy, kneeling like this."

 

"I am so happy you agreed, maybe we can...." Kenji couldn't finish his sentence.

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