The young man groggily wakes up. He sees an unfamiliar ceiling. This isn't his house. He slowly gets up to the dark room. He recalls back to what happened yesterday. Right: his house was burned down, his wife laid unconscious, he brought her to the doctor at Eientei, the doctor agrees to check up on her, he tried to help but was rejected by the doctor, he went to one of the room to wait for his wife, as the adrenaline dies down, he fell asleep. That happened all at one night, no wonder the young man is tired. He stretches his body to chase away his tiredness. As he look underneath him, he realized that he was tucked in to one of the futons. Somebody must have put him in there. He has to thanked whoever that did that to him. Then, he look to his left. There's somebody who is laying next to him. Inside the same futon as him. Her black hair, her small nose, her long eyelash, her floral scent smell, her disheveled clothes that reveal her you- no no no! This is bad. The young man couldn't believe it. He can't believe who's sleeping with him right now. The girl slowly open her eyes, as she was woken up by the young man movement. Yes, the person who was sleeping with him was none other than,
Princess Kaguya.
"Fuah~~, is it already morning?" the princess rubs her eyes, her bed hair protruding, her white robe dishevel, almost revealing her modest, yet cute che- no, wait that's not important right now!
"Ah," the princess sees the young man, "Good morning~~" she greets, "I apologize that you have to see me in this unruly state," an embarrassed princess states.
"P-princess, I-I," the young man stutters.
"Please, be at ease, you might be confused right now. But it's alright, I shall explain. Ehem," the princess clears her throat, "Last night, after I went on home, I was resting at one of the rooms, when suddenly, I heard a yell. Curios, I went and to check up on what the commotion is all about. There, I see that you are screaming, hollering at Eirin. I have never seen you this frazzled before, so, I asked Eirin what was happening. And, after I heard it, I was shocked. To see that your home has been burned down, and to see that your… soon-to-be fiancée… was inside that home. I felt devastated," she wipes a tear, "So, I went and I searched for you, to see how you are holding up. There, I found you in one of the rooms, laying down, sleeping. You must have been exhausted at that time, and I won't like it if you were to catch a cold, sleeping on the floor like that. Thus, I brought over a futon and tucked you in. Then, I was worried. What if you were feeling unwell? I made the conscious decision to watch over you," the princess finish.
"But!" she adds, "Rest assured. Nothing happens between us as we sleep together. Unfortunately…" the princess mutters the last word. The young man listen to the princess. He understand the reason for doing all this. But he couldn't comprehend why the princess needs to climb to his futon and sleep together. The princess blushes,
"Well, it is embarrassing for me to say…" the princess twirls her hair, "As I was watching over you, I… may have gotten tired and unconsciously enter the same bed as you. I apologize if that made you uncomfortable," the princess bows her head to the ground.
"N-no princess, please, raise your head. You're not at fault here. I understand that feeling. I done that all the time with Miss Hikaru," the princess twitches hearing the information, but the young man didn't notice, "At one point, Miss Hikaru just accepts it. Honestly, it is pretty embarrassing. Hahaha," the young man laugh.
"Yeah. Ha Ha Ha" the princess joins in the laugh. Talking about this reminds the young man. About his wife!
"Wa-wait, princess. Do you know what happen to Miss Hikaru? Is she fine? How is she right now?" the young man inquires. The princess raise her head.
"Eirin is attending to her right now. Miss Hikaru is still unconscious. She's trying her best to find out what the cause of this. But rest assured, Eirin is a fine, if not the best doctor that I know off. She will find a way to cure Miss Hikaru of her sickness. I'm sure of it," the princess puffs out her chest.
"I see… Thank goodness…" a weight has been lifted from the young man. He couldn't ask for any other doctor. The doctor here is the best around. The only thing that he can do right now is pray. Pray for a speedy recovery for Hikaru. He wants to see her. Maybe the doctor would allow him to help her. "Thank you, princess. I need to go see Miss Hikaru now," he tries to stand up. Before he could, the princess says,
"W-wait. Before you go, there is… something that I would like say to you," the princess look crestfallen. The young man wait for the princess to continue, "Last night, at the lake…". The lake? Ah. Right. The confession… "I would like to… apologize. I… didn't realize that you are to be wed already. It must have put you in an awkward position. For that, I apologize," she lowers her head.
"It's fine, princess. It was only an honest mistake," the man reassured.
"Then, I know that this may be selfish, but…" the princess raises her head slowly, locking eyes with the young man, "If it wouldn't trouble you, can we still… be friends?" her voice quivers at the end. It seems that the princess was worried about that. The young man has heard many tales of two people, after the break up, wouldn't even meet up again. Maybe it is to show that they move on, or an understanding between both parties, or they're afraid that they fall in the same trap again. Nevertheless, the young man knows that it's painful for a rejection to happen. It has happen to him many times. And, the consequences of his action, he has thought and gone through with it many times too. It is difficult. It is tough. And, he can understand why the princess would shrink inside her hole like this. The young man doesn't want to see the princess sad. Her face should always be smiling. Laughing. So of course, the young man agrees. It's not like it would harm him. Sure, it may be awkward at first, but the pain of severing a connection is much more severe. The princess scared face has changed to a relief. The one the young man love to see.
"T-thank you. Thank you. I-I was worried, worried that, you wouldn't forgive me. Thank you, thank you," the princess repeats. Albeit she's happy right now, the young man walks up to her and place his hand on top of her head. The princess was surprise as she look up to the young man. He is smiling. His smiling face lights up the dimly lit room. Just as how the sun would light up the world. How the sun would shine the moon. The princess's face flushed at his action, but the man wouldn't be able to see her. The room is dimly lit, after all. Then, the young man quickly removes his hand, Why? Why? Why? Why would he removes his hand? Was the princess's head dirty? Is it uncomfortable? If it is not to his liking, she would change her hairstyle. Anything so that she can feel the warmth of his hand again.
"S-sorry princess. I went and did that to you. It just that, you remind me of Miss Hikaru whenever she was sad. And, she… likes it when I did that to her so I just…" the young man explains.
Ah, she understood. He was not looking at her. He was looking at his wife. At that wench, Miss Hikaru.
"It's okay," the princess giggles, "Oh, before I forget. Seeing that your house was burned to the ground, and you don't have a place to stay, I have asked Eirin, and Reisen for permission for you to stay here. They both have already agree. So, you don't have to worry about finding a place to stay."
"Thank you very much, princess!" the young man clasps the princess's hands, "You have done so much for me, and I don't know how I could ever repay you."
"Don't worry. You are already like family to us. Now, weren't you in a rush to see Miss Hikaru?"
"Oh, you're right," he lets go of the princess's hands, "I'm sorry princess, and thank you again!" the young man leaves the room, waving at the princess. The princess waves back. Now, the princess is all alone. She look at her hands. Her hands that was held by that young man. She place her left on top of her head, where he had patted it. Ah, bliss. Truly. How kind that young man is. If he had done that a bit longer, the princess would have gotten pregnant. It is a bit disheartening to see that the princess wasn't his first, but that is alright. Because soon, she will be in everything else. It is only a matter of time. And the princess has plenty of that. It is truly... unfortunate... for misfortune to befell the young man. But what can you do, life works like that. Once you go up, you have to come down eventually. And it is very unfortunate... to see that that wench manage to get out... Oh, how truly unfortunate.
But it is fine, she has gotten plenty of chances to get the man to fall for her. And she would employ all of it. She does not care for pride anymore. What good does it do to the princess? Would it make her reach the young man? Hah, how laughable. Well, she has stayed in this room for too long. However, the young man bed seem to reeled the princess in. The princess has been tired looking at the young man all night, so it is only reasonable for her to take a quick rest, right? Of course. It is only natural. This isn't weird at all. Thus, the princess dives in to the bed that the young man rest on, her breathing rough. Her night(day) has only begun.
The young man couldn't take it anymore. It has been a week and the princess has been driving him crazy. He don't understand why, but the princess has been persistent with her... skinship. He recalls back to his week in Eientei:
After leaving the princess, the young man make his way to where the doctor is. He wanted to see his wife, but sadly, the doctor refused. He asked why to which the doctor said that she has not ascertain the cause for his wife condition. She worries that if there's some sort of disease that befell Miss Hikaru, and she does not want to take the risk. The doctor assured the young man that if she in need of help, she would ask for him. He nods. The doctor is only looking for what's best. It's understandable. So, he took his leave. Now, he has a lot of spare time in Eientei. Maybe he could help around the place? After all, the princess has given him a place to stay, it would be rude of him to freeload of of their kindness. He remembers that he hasn't put away the bed in the room with the princess. He hates to let the princess with her dainty figure to do the work. So, he returned back to the room. As he opened the bamboo door, he looked to where the futon was. And lay there, the princess is currently occupying it. He walked closer to where the princess is sleeping and take a closer look. The princess is sleeping soundly, her chest heaving slightly up and down, her eyes closed. This sight is something to behold. As he looked at the princess, he thought back to yesterday: the day where the princess accept his confession. If he had waited and tried harder, would he have gotten the princess? Would his hard work paid off? Would he have live happily ever after with the one he loved? Then, a face emerge: it was Hikaru, his fiancee. He shook his head, removing himself from his stupor. It's not good to look at the past. It has already happened, and he should move forward. Right. He took one last look at the princess before leaving the room, and closing the bamboo door.
Well, now what? Maybe he could go around and sweep the plac... nevermind. The place looked clean. When he was learning under the doctor, he saw several bunnies working around the place. It was impressive, seeing animals doing menial labor like that. Or is it abused? Nevertheless, the place was already cleaned. Just as he turns his head, he saw the bunny peddler wearing her gear, ready to head out. Maybe he could go and help the bunny peddler with her work? Not wasting any more time, he called out to her. The bunny peddler turn her head to meet his.
"Ah, ah, g-good morning," the bunny peddler answered, as she tried to avert her gaze.
"Are you heading out?" he looked at the basket the bunny peddler is carrying, "Going to the Human Village today?"
"Ah, yes, Miss Eirin has made a new batch of medicine," the bunny peddler meekly said.
"I see, I see," he nodded, "Well, can I come with? I can help you with selling the stuff."
"Y-you don't have to do that. It's fine. I can do this by myself."
"No, no, it's fine. I wanted to help. I got nothing to do here and I don't like not repaying you back for the hospitality you've given to me, so please, let me help. I insist," he pleaded.
The bunny peddler looked pensive at first, before giving in and letting he come along. Alright. That's not the only reason as to why he wanted to go to the Human Village. He wanted to see the state of his house. Maybe there's thing that was salvageable in the fire. Any memento that he can keep. Well, that's something to think for when he gets there. Thus, he and the bunny peddler make their way to the Human Village.
On the way to the Human Village, the bunny peddler was unexpectedly silent. Usually, she would talk about anything: her day, the weather, how Miss Eirin has been treating her, how Tewi pranks has been going a bit too far, anything, really. But today, the bunny peddler was quiet, only stealing glances at him. But when the he looked at the bunny peddler, she quickly looks away. He tried to make small talk, where the bunny peddler only replies in short and curt, like she tries to cut the conversation short. More often, she didn't even replied, only giving him small gestures. And after many fail attempts to converse with the bunny peddler, we arrived at the Human Village. As per agreement, he will help the bunny peddler with her work. So, he reached in half (as he usually does for her) but was stopped by the bunny peddler. She took most of the medicine and left him with a few handful to sell. He asked for what reason the bunny peddler does this, but she doesn't answer, instead, rushed away from him. How strange. Had he done something to the bunny peddler without noticing? He'll apologized to her when he gets the chance. But for now, he has a mission. He walked to where his house were, and see the aftermath. The house that he and his wife live in, now gone. Only the burned wood and charred rubble are left on the ground. He looked at the ground to see if there's anything that he could get, but there's hardly anything left. How devastating. As he was looking around his (once) home, a man called out to him. He turned around to see the rugged man from yesterday, the one who stopped him from entering his burning home.
"Oh, there you are! I was wondering where you run off to," the rugged man said. He was carrying some papers in his hand.
"Oh, hey. Sorry, I fell asleep at the doctor's house. Tiredness got the wind of me," he apologized.
"Hey, hey, no worries! It's great that you're fine," the rugged man gave a raucous laughter, "So, uh, how's the missus?"
"She's doing fine, but she still hasn't woken up yet. But the doctor said that she'll be fine, and I believe in her. She's the best doctor around."
"You can say that again. That woman a miracle worker."
"Oh, speaking of medicine, would you like to buy some?" he showed off the goods he been holding.
"Haha, no thanks, I've never gotten sick in my entire life. Hahahaha!" the rugged man laugh again. He continues, "But, it's good that you're here. There's something we need to discuss." The young man waited for the rugged man to continue, "So, about your home here, I've spoken with the Elder, and he agreed to help with the construction. I went ahead and asked the construction crew about your home and they agreed to help. When I asked about the fee and everything, they say that you don't have to pay. They say that they're paying back the favours of you helping treating their wounds. Lucky you, huh?"
"Thank goodness, I don't really have anything with me right now," he sighed a breath of relief.
"Also, there's something else, I think its fine to tell you this," the rugged man voice lowers, "So, me and my buddy, were trying to find the cause of the fire. How it started and all, you know? I know it may be insensitive of us, but it's so that we can try to spread awareness and prevent it from ever happening again. Anyway, so, we went around, asking the folks here, if they see anything that could have started the fire. But before that, let me ask. You… didn't light up any candle, have you?"
"I'm… not sure," he tried to remember, "I mean, I think I didn't, but, you know, it was crazy last night."
"… Sorry. Moving on," the rugged man changed the subject, "We asked some passer-by and they all agreed on one thing: your home was dark during the incident. Moreover, we believe that the fire didn't start insideof your home."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, this is still speculation, but… we think that someonedeliberately set your home on fire."
A moment of silent, then,
"Wh-what are you saying?" the young man confused.
"After the fire was put out, a couple of hours after, me and my buddy went ahead and tried to assess the damage of your home. We found out that the inside of your home was lightly damaged, but, there was something strange at the back."
"The back?"
"Yeah, we found some burnable trash and some fire starter. Not to mention, that place has the heaviest soot amount than anywhere else. However, this is still speculation, we need more time to get to the bottom of this."
The young man was left speechless. His house was burned down? It wasn't an accident? But, there's no way. What did he do to deserve this? And to whom? Multiple question circles inside his head.
"… W-well, you know, the thing that I just said there, just treat it like a drunken man ramble, ahaha," the rugged man gave an awkward laugh, "An-anyway, that's all I wanted to talk to you, if there's anything that you need help with, just reached out to me, I'll give it my all. Well, I need to leave now, I pray for you and the missus to be well. See you later!" the rugged man quickly said as he left the scene.
What the rugged man said left an impact on him. He went back to the rubble and tried to dig up anything that he could find. Upon digging, he found one thing strange: there wasn't any burned items. There were things inside his home that was flammable and non-flammable, and it should have leave a charred remains. But there was none, only rubble and burned floor mat. He couldn't find his things and belongings. He stood up, and went to the back, where the rugged man said the fire allegedly started. But then,
"oof" he crashed into someone, "S-sorry, I wasn't looking! Are you alrig-" as he was talking, he saw a familiar figure. A young boy. He recalls the way that he dressed. It was similar from yesterday.
"tch," the boy clicked his tongue and quickly gets up, running away.
"W-wait," he called out, but the young boy has already left, leaving him alone. What was that? Why was the boy here? Also, why did he clicked his tongue? Have he done something to the boy? He put those question aside for now, as he needs to go to the back.
He finally made it to the back. As he looked around, the place was clean. No trace of burn, no fire starter, no burnables. Exactly, pristine, like nothing have ever touch the area. Which made it even more weird. The rugged man from before said that they were soot from the back here. Now, there's nothing here. Did someone clean it? Maybe one of the villagers, in their act of kindness, helped clean up? Or rather, this is something he doesn't want to suspect, but… maybe someone was cleaning the evidence. Because of the claim that the rugged man have made, he now started to doubt. Doubt on whether or not this has been deliberate or accidental. Bah, it's not good to think like this. He doesn't even have any evidence to back his claims. It'll just tired him more if he thinks like this. Moreover, he doesn't want to believe that someone is out there trying to get him. Anyway, there's nothing left to do here, and he make his way to the center of the village, where he tries to sell his medicinal wares.
Thankfully, the villagers are kind. He managed to sell the rest of the medicine much quicker than ever. Lots of people come in, asking him about his wife and gave words of encouragement to him. Yeah, after seeing this, there's no way anyone out there would target him. With the job finished, he make his way to a certain dango shop, where the bunny peddler usually rest before going back home. Upon reaching, he asked the old lady if she had seen the bunny peddler, but sadly, she didn't come today. How strange. Usually, she would be eating her dango right here, but maybe there's something that she had to do today. She was acting odd today. Just as he thanked the old lady and prepared to leave, he saw a familiar red white . A certain miko from a certain shrine, casually munching on her dango. He make his way to the miko and sat next to her.
"Hello, Reimu," he greeted the miko.
"Hm? Whello," the mouthful miko greeted back. She swallowed the dango and drink some tea before asking, "Ehem, what is it?"
"Nothing. Just wanted to say hi, that's all."
"? Okay?" the red miko took another sip of her tea.
"Hey, Reimu?"
"Hm?"
"Have you heard about the house fire yesterday?"
"I have, that's why I'm here."
"What do you make of it? I heard from someone that this was intentional."
"Hm? Who told you that?"
"One of the villagers. The fire started when the person was returning home from his work."
"… he wasn't there during the fire started?"
"No, only his wife."
"His wife?" he nodded. As the red miko was thinking, he continues, "I heard again from that villager that this was targeted at the guy who was returning home, but… I can't see that happening. The villager here are all nice people, and… I don't want to suspect any of them. So, what do you make of this, Reimu?"
"Why are you asking me?"
"Well, someone said that your intuition are usually spot-on."
"And I guess this someonealso carries a broom around with her," the miko scratched her head, "Anyway, to answer your question: I don't know. From the way you said it, there's not much to go for, and if you exclude all the people from the village, that can only mean it's a work of youkais. Until I have something to go for, that this work started from them youkais, then my hands are tied. Human conflict should be solved by the village itself. I trust in their judgement," the miko took another sip of tea, "Also, one more thing: If this was intentional, who would you think the arsonist was aiming for?"
"? The guy of course. I mean, his house was burned down after all."
"If so, why wouldn't the arsonist burned down the house with him inside?"
"Maybe… he didn't know that he was out?"
"Or, he wasn't the target in the first place."
"What are you trying to say?" the miko sat there in silence, tea in hand. The man stood up, "What, are you trying to say that his wifewas the target? There's no way! Miss Hikaru is the nicest and well-mannered person that I know of! There's no way anyone would have any resentment towards her!" he raised his voice.
"No matter how you live your life, there will always be one person who would opposed you. Whether you are kind or not is irrelevant. Anyway," the miko finished her cup, then stood up, "I've gave you my two cents," she stretches, "You can think however you like. I won't stop you. Just make sure that you don't go off the deep ends. I'm going now, thanks for the information. Made my job a bit easier~" the miko walked away while waving. He watched as the miko walked away from the dango shop, out of his sight. Then, he sat back down. He needs a minute. Somebody was aiming his wife? Outrageous. Hikaru is the nicest, well-mannered, and friendly to all. There is no way anyone would held a grudge on her. There's just no way. But still, what Reimu said may hold some water. If the arsonist wanted to target him, wouldn't he waited until he reached his home? Was it to send a message? If his wife was targeted, by whom? Who would even do something like this? As he kept thinking, the store keeper walked by,
"Oh my, where did Miss Reimu go?" the old lady looked around.
"Oh, uh, she just walked out," he replied.
"Oh, this is troubling…"
"What's wrong?"
"Well, Miss Reimu haven't paid for her meal yet…"
"…eh?"
He walked back to Eientei. Thankfully, the old lady was understanding enough and let him go. As he walked up the steps to Eientei, he heard steps coming from his left. He turned to look at what was making the noise but was immediately tackled by a small figure. He was knocked back a few but managed to stay upright. He looked down, to see who bumped into him, only to see a silky black hair. A sweet subtle smell of sakura were there. The person who tackled him was,
Princess Kaguya.
"Where have you been?!" the princess worriedly said.
"I went to the Human Village. Wanted to check up on my house a bit. Maybe there's something that I could recovered from there," he explained.
"I was worried sick," the princess sniffles, "When I woke up, I looked around an-and, and, you weren't there. I was afraid, afraid that I'm going to lose you."
He looked at the princess, currently crying. This won't do. He doesn't like to see the princess cry. "Sorry, princess. I was going to tell you, but you were sleeping. It pains me to wake you up, after you take good care of me yesterday," he placed his hand on top of the princess's head. He knows that he shouldn't do this, but doing this calms his wife down. It would work on the princess too. He hopes.
" *sniff sniff* ... promise me."
"Hmm?"
"... promise... that you won't leave by my side."
That's a big promise. To not leave someone? For the princess no less? It would have been an honor for him before. But now, he can't accept that. He had found another. Another princess to care for. But, for this princess, he likes to care for her too. As she would care for him too. So,
"I promised," he lied. A white lie. A small lie. Just to keep this princess happy. It shouldn't be a problem, right?
"... un, thank you," the princess slowly let go of his body, and looked up. His hand that laid on her head has moved away, and he could see that there's a streak of water, rolling of her cheeks, "I'm... sorry that you have to see this unsightly side of me. Honestly, just today, I've shown you an embarrassing side of me," the princess shyly said, "But, enough of that. There is something that I would like to show you," the princess's dainty hands grabbed his hands, "Now come, it's this way!" and he and the princess moves to one of the room.
As they both enter, he could see there's a table laid in the middle of the room. On top of it, various food are laid on the table. The bunny peddler is there as well, sitting close to the table. It seems that she went home first. The princess brought him closer to the table and they both sat down. He took a closer look on what was laid on the table to see all of his favourite food.
"After all that, you haven't had anything to eat, have you?" the princess asked, "If so, I've made some food for you. I... hope that this is to your liking."
"Wait, princess, you made this?" he was shocked. In the time he tried to court the princess, he had never seen the princess cooked. She would usually write her beautiful poem, trimmed her well-kept bonsai tree and playfully play with the bunnies around here. So, to see this is something that surprised him.
The princess blushed, "It has been a while since I last cooked, and, I would not know how it would taste. But, I have confidence that it should be palatable. And... I would be honored, if you were the first to taste this," she clasped her hands together. He looked at her hand to see that it there was bandaged plastered around her fingers. When the princess was dragging him around, his mind was elsewhere. Preoccupied with the things that had happened in the village. The princess, to go this far for a random nobody, like him, is truly an honor.
"I would be honored to princess!" he said. In conjuction, his stomach started rumbling. How embarrassing! To do that in front of the princess! But, in turn, the princess giggles.
"I see that your body is honest. Now, let's not waste any more time, the food would cry if we waited a bit longer." And so, the three of you pay your tribute to the meal that laid in front of you. Oh right, the bunny peddler was here as well. He forgot because of how quiet she had been today. He'll have to find time to ask her what's wrong later. But for now, he focused on the food. He took a mouthful of fried rice and-
"Delicious!" he mouthed out. To describe the taste in paper would be a disservice to how good this taste. "Thank goodness," a relieved princess breathed out. He can't believe he got to taste something this good. It feels like the food are made to tailored him. Not to mention, it has this strange, nostalgic feeling to it. It kind of reminds him of the food that Hikaru made for him.
... oh how he missed her.
But, she's with the doctor right now, so she should be fine. More importantly, he needs to focus his full attention to this fried rice and savo- hm? In the corner of his eyes, he saw a floating chopstick, with the same fried rice, come in closer to view. As he turned his head around, he saw that the princess is pushing the food to him, one hand on the chopstick while the other are below, ready to catch any fallen food.
"Aaahh~~", the princess mouthed out.
"P-princess? What are you doing?"
"Ah, I-I'm sorry, it's just that, you were enjoying the food so much that I, I wanted to feed you my self. I-is that alright?"
"Well it's not wrong, it's just, a bit embarrassing really?"
"Embarrassing? How so? The act of feeding one another does not only reserved to loved ones. It could be done by anyone: friends, acquaintances, family. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. It is only embarrassing if you think it is embarrassing. That is to say, Reisen," the princess turns her head to the bunny peddler. The bunny peddler, startled as she replied back,
"Ye-yes, princess?
"Would you please feed me, I would like to show him that there's nothing to be embarrassed about doing such activities." the princess said while she opens her cute small mouth.
"O-of course, pr-princess," albeit stuttering, the way that the bunny peddler said sounds robotic. Must've been his imagination. The bunny peddler then placed the food into the princess mouth. The princess chew the food before swallowing it.
"Thank you, Reisen," the princess turns back to him, "See? There is nothing wrong with what we are doing. Or... is it that... you don't like it when I... do it?" the princess turned crestfallen.
"No, no it's not like that princess! Okay, okay, ahhh-" he opened his mouth and awaited the food to come. The princess, who is now smiling, moved the chopstick closer to his mouth, and arriving at its destination, he closed his mouth to retrieve it and started chewing before swallowing. The food taste the same. But, to see the princess smiling like that is a reward on itself. Well, with that done, he should go back to his foo- hm?
"Aaahh~~" the princess closed her eyes, mouth opened.
"...? Uh, princess?"
"Hm? What is it?" she opened her right eyes, to see him.
"What are you doing?"
"What do you mean? I am waiting for my turn."
"Wait, I have to do it too?"
"Of course. It's only fair. I've fed you and now it's your turn to feed me. Or, do you hate doing this wit-"
"No, no. I don't. Okay, okay, uh," he grabbed a mouthful of fried rice, "A-ahhh" he embarrassedly said, as he moved his chopsticks to the princess mouth. She gracefully accept the food that he gave out and slowly chewing, her body subtly rock side to side. God, how embarrassing that was. He had done this previously with Hikaru, but it wasn't as embarrassing as this. It was more pleasant to do yet this feels more nerve-wreckin-hm?
"Aaahh~~", the princess mouthed out.
...
And so, the meal ended-up being he and the princess feeding each other. On the other side, the bunny peddler awkwardly watched as she ate. He HAVE to apologized to her later.
After the meal, the princess would start to follow him around. Whether it's the orchard, one of the room, or trying to find where the bunny peddler went to ,she would always follow. When asked, the princess said that she only worries for him, as his mental state may be in disarray right now. But, being by the princess's side worries him more. As she starts to be more aggressive with her skinship. Like hand-holding. How lewd. Thus, in search, the noon turn to night. He (again) shared his meal with the princess, and after a whole day of walking around, it's time to bath. He had never enter the bath of Eientei before, as he never stays the night here. Thankfully, the princess understands the boundary when it comes to bahtrooms and toilets. It feels refreshing to see the princess following him all day. Cute even, but sometimes, spaces is needed. And only this moment is the time where he could get it. As he was thinking, he reached the bath area. He knocked first before entering and entering, he was greeted with a room before the bath. Its the place where he needed to put his clothes before entering. He doesn't have to worry for another sets of clothes as the princess has provided beforehand. He is eternally grateful for what the princess has done for him. Anyway, he shouldn't dawdle any longer. He removed his clothes and open the sliding door for the bath.
The inside of the bath is surprisingly normal. Just a bath in corner, a showerhead, some conditioner and small window for circulation. The floor are made of stone. For a place with high stature, he would have thought that it would be more extravagavant. Maybe it's prejudiced on his part. Also, this is where the princess would clean herself huh? Stop. Stop. That's enough. He should be quick. He don't want to burden the other resident here. Before entering the bath, he cleaned himself first, using the showers. Then, after he is properly scrubbed clean (with shampoo and the likes) he entered the bath. Ah, bliss. The warm bath water removes the fatigue on his body. It has been a single day after that arson happened. Remembering back to what the miko said, he just couldn't accept that someone has been targeting his wife. It must've been him. Hikaru is innocent. A weak and kindhearted person like wouldn't go out of her way to make enemies.
...
Ah, no good. Thinking like this won't get him anywhere. It'll just make him more tired. Well, he soaked inside the bath long enough. It's time to get out. Other people would like to use the bath as well. Just as he thought of leaving, a door can be heard opening from outside. He waited for a few before a silhouette could be seen next on the opposite of the door.
"... Hi-Hikaru?" he muttered. It can't be. Has his wife regain consciousness? Has the doctor finally did it? Did she knows that you're here now? How would he tell her about their house? Would she accept living here until their home is fix? That doesn't matter right now. What matters is Hikaru is fine. During his thought, the person outside has started to slowly undress and then, the door opens. However, it was not who he thought it would be. The person outside was,
Princess Kaguya.
...
PRINCESS KAGUYA?! Wh-what is she doing here?! He looked away, not before seeing her pristine, unblemished white skin on her body except the part where she covered with her towel, around the torso. But the towel was short as it was cutting it close to her nether region. He could've seen it if she moved ar- no no no no! That's beside the point! Before that,
"Pr-pr-princess, why are you here?!" he spoke, his face flushed.
"I heard that you were here and I wanted to scrub your back, but it seems that I was too late..." the princess explained.
"Oh, really? Uh, that's very sweet of you, but uh, I'm sorry to say this but if that's all, I would like for you to leave," he spoke fast.
"? Why are you saying that? It's fine for friends to bathe with each other, right? I have done it with Eirin and Reisen? Also, why are you looking away?"
Yeah, right, it's fine for them to bathe together, but the princess forgot one thing: we're opposite gender. There's a reason why there's place where they allowed only certain gender.
"... do you not like it?" the princess continues, "I understand. It must've been awkward for you, as you already have someone that you like. I'm just a nuisance to you all this time. And not to mention, my body isn't as beautiful as your wife is. I'm sure you wouldn't like to see me in this state..."
There's no way that's true. What the princess said is something farther than the truth. It's taking every willpower that he had to not salivate at the view of the princess. He feared that if he laid a hand on her, then everything is finished. All the relationship that he created to this day, ruin in an instance. He does not want that. Neither does the princess.
"It's not like that, princess," he spoke, taking his time to think of a proper response, "It's just, that you're too beautiful and I feel like if I looked at you right now, I wouldn't know what I would do. So please, princess, would you please step out of the bath," he finished. He waited for the princess to respond but it took her a while before saying,
"i-is that so? Thank you, I appreciate the compliment." He doesn't know what the princess looked right now, but he could hear her smile. "I would do as you say, but there's one thing that I would like to request, if that's alright with you?"
"If it's within my power, princess."
"Then, would you mind scrubbing my back? Eirin usually does it for me but she's busy with her patient right now."
As she said that, he turned his head to the direction where he thought the princess was. There, he saw it. The princess back. Her back that was usually hidden by her silky black hair (that is now ball-up with a towel on top). Her nape, her spine and her peach-like bu-
"! #$%$! %$#" he quickly got up and the princess was startled.
"Wh-what's wro-" the princess paused. He looked at the princess, at what she's looking at and ah-
"S-sorry princess! I-I'll get out first!" he rushed out of the bath.
It's over for him.
After that, he went to sleep early. He doesn't want to think about what happened at the bath. The consequences. Would he be tried? Would his head be rolled off the chopping block? He wanted to forget it all. He laid in his bed, forcing himself to sleep. Then, the door open,
"... are you asleep?" a familiar voice called out. He knows who it was. It's the person that he had committed a felony to. Yes, it's,
Princess Kaguya.
"I have not, princess," he spoke, his back was facing the princess.
"I would like to say something. Would you mind to listen. You don't have to get up," the princess paused a few seconds before continuing, "Regarding the bath incident, I would like to apologize. I was at fault. If i hadn't pushed you, this awkwardness wouldn't even begin. Also, you don't have to worry about your... ehem. Anyway, I would like to give you my sincerest apologies. I'm sorry..."
The princess finished. After hearing that, he sat. He saw that the princess is currently prostrating, "You don't have to apologize, princess. I should've have been a bit matured in handling that, then this situation wouldn't happen. I didn't know the custom of this place and ran out like that. Please, raise your head."
"Thank you. You truly are forgiving," the princess raised her head, "Anyway, there's another thing that I would like to ask of you, if you don't mind," he nod. The princess continues, "Would you... allow me to sleep with you?"
... what?
"A-ahh not like in the same bed, just right next to you. You see, I usually slept with Eirin and her breathing sounds are what made me fall asleep. Without it, I may have a hard time to sleep. And for Reisen, she prefers to sleep alone and I don't want to impose her. But don't worry, I have a good sleeping posture. I would not move around and interrupt you in your sleep... Is that, alright with you?"
"... that's fine, princess. I would be delighted to." The princess faces lit up.
"Th-then I'll bring over my futon. Thank you very much!" the princess stood up and left the room. If that's all, it should be fine. He had heard about how some people required background noises for them to fall asleep too. So, it wouldn't be farfetched for the princess as well. And, if it's to make her happy, then who is he to say no to, right? Minutes later, the princess came back with her futon. Saying goodnights, they both fell asleep.
And the cycles continues.
From the morning to night, Princess Kaguya would always stays by the man side. From meal time, to free time, to play time, to night time. Thankfully, she hadn't asked him to bath with her again. The only time that he managed to roam free is when he went to the Human Village. The princess protest at first, saying that it's dangerous and he doesn't know if the arsonist had been captured yet. Thankfully, the doctor managed to restrict her movement. He have to thanked her for this. However, the constant princess pester had made her way to his brain. Everything that he does now would remind him of the princess. It's driving him crazy. How long would this last?
And were back to the present. The young man has come back to where the doctor again: and was refused again. It has been a week and Hikaru has not waken up yet. The young man is desperate. He wanted to see his wife. If he stays here any longer, what would happen to him? Would he attack the princess? No, no, he still has a resemblance of dignity left. The young man wouldn't do that... Would he? Today, the young man would like to go to the village. He was asked to finalize certain things that he wanted for his home. As he is walking, he heard two people talking. He walked over to where the voices are and hear the all-familiar voice. It's
Princess Kaguya voice and another.
Looks like they are talking about something. It's rude to eavesdrop, so, the young man starts to walk away. But then, something caught his ear,
"So, about that guy-usa," a voice says.
? Who is she talking about. Curiosity got the better of the young man as he stayed and listen.
"How long are you going to chase after him-usa?"
"... why are you asking me this now?" the princess replied, irritated.
"I mean, it's clear that the guy got no feeling for you-usa. Shouldn't you just let him be princess?"
"What I do with my time is of no concern of you. I don't want to hear a lecture from someone who has failed their task."
"Princess, look. You already asking us too much-usa. Burning that guy's house just so that he could stay with you is outrageous-usa."
... what? Wh-what is she saying? There's no way that's true, r-right, princess?
"It's fine, isn't it? It's just a roundabout way of inviting him over. Also, you should have just done your job, why did you brought that wench out?"
"Princess, there is no way you suggest that. If we did something like that, that shrine maiden would be all over our tails-usa! I'm doing you a favour here."
... no, no it, it can't be.
"True. You may have a point there. Well, whatever. Eirin has already put her to sleep. And she won't let him see her again, so it shouldn't be a problem. Now, it's only a matter of time before he f-"
The princess's words were cut short as the young man roughly open the bamboo door. The two turn around to see who made the loud noise. The one that the princess was talking too was another resident of Eientei. She was the one who helped him to reached Eientei, a guide you would say. But that's not important right now.
"Ah, you're back," the princess jumps up from her seat. She now stands in front of the young man, "How did it go? How is Miss Hikaru, is she well? What did Eirin tell yo-"
"Princess."
"? Yes?" the princess tilts her head.
"Is it true?"
"? What is true?"
"Is it true, that you burned my house down?" the young man says, still containing his anger.
"Wh-what are you saying? There's no way that is tr-"
"PRINCESS!" the young man shout, he has reached it's tipping point.
The princess was taken aback. She had never seen the young man shouts like that. Did he hear what she and that bunny guide was talking about? Or is it from someone else. No, that's not important right now. The princess needs to think of a way to salvage this. Divert his attention to something else. Think princess, thin-
"It's true-usa," the bunny guide butted in.
Both of them turn towards where the bunny guide is, "There's no point in hiding it anymore-usa. He will eventually found out sooner or later."
Curse that bunny guide! Why does she has such a loose lips? And what's with that defeatist attitude? The only time you give up is when you die. If you're still alive, then you should be able to hold on. Wait, no, the young man. That's more important right no-
"So it is true then," the young man coldly says. Ah, the princess needs to butt in now,
"Wh-what? Please, don't take the word of Tewi as facts. She is someone who would seek attention from others. Please, why don't we talk this ou-"
"Why did you do it?"
"Whuh?"
"Why. Did. You. Do. It. ?"
"I-I don't know what you're talking abou- Wai-wait, where are you going?" the young man storm off the room. The young man is heading to where the doctor is. To where Hikaru is.
"Wai-wait!" the princess follows behind him. But he doesn't care. He wants to see Hikaru. And nothing would stop hi-
"I said wait!" the princess hold on to his hand. The once warm and loveable hand has turned to a disgusting, vile sludge that the young man would never touch if he to ever be immortal.
"Un-hand me, princess."
"No, not until you listen to me! You see, what happened was -" the princess is saying something, but the young man didn't listen. Why would he? Why would he listen to a word of criminals? The one that would dare to kill the person that he loves? Why does the young man even fall in love with this creature? She's wasting his time. There's no more time.
"Let go, princess," a tussle is happening between the princess and the young man. A shouting match between the two. But then, the young man turned impatient, accidentally,
*smack*
back hand the princess's face. The pride of royalty. The princess stands there, shocked by the physical action. The young man he, he smacked the princess. His once warmth hands has hurt the princess. Why? How? Every fiber of his body should be pleasure to the princess. But now, it has turn to nothing but. And when she looked up. Ah, his face. You shouldn't show that face to a princess. Why would he do that? He loved the princess, no? What the princess has done is all for his sake. All of it. From the start. But it was him. He changed. Why did he changed? Of course, the princess knows. It's because of HER. That wench. She has stolen him for her. She put her dirty hand and laid it all over his pure body. Ah, how detestable. How dirty. The princess place her hand to where he laid his hands. It hurts. It hurts. It hurts. This isn't what supposed to happen. Where was his warmth? Shouldn't he be the sun? The sun that was required for the moon to shine brightly? Where has the sun gone? Where has he hide? It's all her fault. her fault. her fault. HER FAULT.
"TEWI!" the princess shouts. Then, a hoard of bunnies came out and dog-piled onto the young man. The young man tried to escaped the bunnies grip but are unable to do so. The princess slowly walks up to the young man.
"The act of laying your hands to a princess carries a heavy punishment. Similar to how one would commit an act of treason. And for that, I sentence you to be put into solitary confinement. Your punishment would last until you have learnt your lesson. Tewi,"
"Yes, princess-usa?" the bunny guide walks next to the princess.
"Bring the traitor to, the cage."
"... of course, princess."
And like that, the young man has commit an act of treason to the princess. A bag was placed on his head and has obscure his vision. He was carried to an unknown place. He can only wait now.