CH 4

Volume 1.4 - Keigetsu, Learning the Reality

Around the same time.

After two nights of a fever that would not go away at all, Kou Reirin—no, Keigetsu in her form―let out a sigh of annoyance.

She raised herself up, fed up with it all, and leaned against the side of the bed that was stacked with pillows. Hearing the slightest noise, she noticed the ladies-in-waiting in the next room quickly turned to look at her.

“Lady Reirin, is there anything we can do for you?”

They were upper-rank ladies-in-waiting of the Kou clan who were permitted to wear gamboge.1

The corner of Keigetsu’s mouth unconsciously loosened at the sound of their reserved but worried voices.

“No, it’s nothing. I’m fine. Please don’t worry about me.”

She said meekly. After a beat, the ladies-in-waiting timidly slid the partition door.

“Lady Reirin, your perseverance is a virtue, but it will be painful for us if you don’t rely on us. Please don’t hesitate to tell us anything, even if it is as small as a grain of rice.”

“Really, everyone worries too much. I’m fine, you can all step back.”

It was difficult for Keigetsu to hold back her laughter as she desperately argued back.

(Actually, it feels really good.)

How comfortable it felt to be worried about and pampered so much.

Her fever was high and her joints were even creaking, but she still found this environment enjoyable enough to get up and enjoy the exchanges.

(This is exactly what I’ve been seeking.)

Still delirious from the fever, Keigetsu looked around the room in satisfaction.

Even within Kouki Palace, where the empress resided, this was an exceptionally spacious space. The furnishings were simple, perhaps reflecting the nature of the Kou clan, who loved steadiness, but one could tell at a glance that they were carefully looked after.

Incense was burned sparingly in order to ease the mind. A small fire was lit in the distance so as not to disturb her sleep. Loyal ladies-in-waiting who were constantly brimming with respect, affection, and attention towards their mistress. This space was filled with love for “Kou Reirin.”

(With so much care, even a sewer rat would become an elegant and delicate butterfly.)

Keigetsu pressed her head against the pillows with a thud and let an ironic smile carve itself across her face.

She knew how she was talked about in the Nestling Court. A talentless and sly Rat Princess.

However, from Keigetsu’s point of view, it was entirely because of her environment.

(From the start, it’s impossible. It’s impossible for the lowest ranking daughter of the Shu clan, who could only do a bit of doujutsu, to compete for His Highness’ favor in the Nestling Court.)

Yes, she was not originally born to be a Nestling. She was the daughter of a wretched woman who was said to be a failure even among the Shu clan and a delicate man who was a Doushi wannabe. That was Keigetsu. She was supposed to live quietly in a small estate given to them in the countryside not get involved in the political struggles of the five clans.

The situation changed abruptly only about a year ago—her parents had committed suicide after accumulating debts. Now with nowhere to go, she was taken in by the main family as a maidservant, whereupon by chance, she was spotted by Noble Consort Shu, who had on a visit back to her hometown and was designated as a Nestling.

——My, losing your parents at such an age. How piteous.

In the Shu family, which was known for its fierce personalities, Noble Consort Shu—Shu Gabi, was a woman with a reputation for being gentle and compassionate, and for this reason, she was favored by the graceful-loving Emperor Genyou, and was even given the title of Noble Consort. Even it was a stillborn, she was the only consort to have given birth to a boy, aside from the empress Kenshuu.

As such, she chose her Nestling, her successor, not based on aptitude or benefit to herself, but out of compassion. In fact, that made Noble Consort Shu famous, and Keigetsu became the woman of the hour almost instantly.

But thinking about it now, that was as far as Keigetsu’s good fortune went.

(Oh, just thinking about it makes me angry. The scornful eyes of the ladies-in-waiting. The sneers of the other Nestlings. The Noble Consort is kind, but all she does is get flustered.)

Keigetsu bit her thumb in frustration.

(There’s no way someone who came to the capital for the first time just a few months ago would be able to effortlessly read the sacred texts, memorize poems, and dance. Everyone is looking down on me.)

The Shu clan’s ladies-in-waiting and women of the other clans looked down on Keigetsu, who hadn’t received a proper Nestling education. They laughed at her loud footsteps and talked about her behind her work when she couldn’t give a clever answer. Because of this, Keigetsu only wanted to employ ladies-in-waiting who were more uneducated and crude than her.

The only person who didn’t laugh at her was the Kou clan’s Nestling, Kou Reirin. But that was why Keigetsu hated her.

A perfect woman who was blessed with beauty, intelligence, and even a personality. It made her sick.

(I don’t like that attitude of “this has nothing to do with me,” as if she’s looking down on me from high.)

In Keigetsu’s opinion, the reason why Kou Reirin was “His Highness’ Butterfly” was because she was born with all the strong playing cards from the beginning. Her position as the empress’ niece, her beauty, and her shared blood with the prince.

Furthermore, the Kou clan was known for their artless and loving nature, probably due to the nature of earth in the Five Elements. When a delicate and beautiful daughter like Reirin was born among people with sturdy bodies and caring personalities, it was only natural that she would be doted on. The fact that her older brothers, who were on campaigns in other countries, were constantly sending her letters and gifts showed how much she was loved by the Kou clan.

And, the comfort of being loved was what made her good.

(She developed her talents because she was warmly watched over without being rushed or belittled. I could have done well too if I were in that environment. In fact, if I was cared for and loved this much, I would be able to utter admirable words as well.)

Remembering that Gyoumei had taken the trouble to visit her at noon, Keigetsu let out a satisfied breath.

The crown prince, Gyoumei, excelled in both literature and martial arts and radiated a masculine charm that was as vivacious as the sun. Because of his gallant nature, he was always curt to those he found disagreeable, and Keigetsu, for example, was always treated with an indifferent attitude, but today he was smiling sweetly from start to finish.

“My apologies for making you feel anxious at the Beast Interrogation Rite.”

“Your fever still seems high. Here, lean on me a little.”

Sometimes apologetically, sometimes with concern. Keigetsu didn’t know how many times her heart fluttered as his lips whispered into her ear, almost grazing it.

Then she spoke, trying her hardest not to start grinning.

“I’m fine, Your Highness. The only thing that pains me is the fact that I made my dear cousin worry about me…”

She said those words as admirably and sweetly as she could.

(Ah, how good I feel.)

It was easy to pretend to be a good girl when this much love was poured into you. She could play the “loving, delicate, and virtuous Kou Reirin” forever.

Yes. With this body, even seducing Gyoumei was really a walk in the park.

(It’s your fault, Kou Reirin. You’re too ignorant of other people’s feelings.)

Looking at the night sky from the window, Keigetsu narrowed her eyes like a cat.

Because of his love for the innocent Reirin, Gyoumei refrained from making any serious moves on her. However, Keigetsu could sense that underneath his calm expression, he was quite impatient.

Perhaps it would only take a single move. A sweet whisper, or a moist gaze.

With such insignificant temptations, Gyoumei would probably take Reirin to bed without making her his empress.

(That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard.)

How surprised would Gyoumei be if he knew that the woman he had longed for and obtained was actually the woman he had been treating like a worm, Keigetsu? And how much would Reirin despair if she found out that her body was given to a man without her knowledge?

The two of them would probably hate Keigetsu. But even so, it was many times better than them taking no notice of her.

“I told you to just look at me for a little bit…”

It had been a year since she ascended to the Nestling Court. Keigetsu had been looked down upon, laughed at, and in the end, disregarded. No, in Reirin’s case, Keigetsu hadn’t even been in her sights from the beginning. This was her revenge on her.

“Thinking about it now, I’m glad that woman didn’t die in the Beast Interrogation Rite.”

If Reirin continued to live in the body of “Shu Keigetsu,” then even if the switch was exposed, Keigetsu wouldn’t be killed with her as the shield. After all, the only one who could bring her soul back to her original body was Keigetsu herself.

That’s right, tomorrow or so, she would appeal to Gyoumei, saying, “I don’t hold any grudge, so please take care not to impose any excessive punishment on Shu Keigetsu.” In this way, “Reirin’s” reputation would rise more and more, and “Keigetsu’s” safety would be secured.

However, it would be best if the switch remained unnoticed and she received the full favor of Gyoumei, so she would give priority to that.

“Fufu. It seems like my days are going to be enjoyable.”

At the very least, she would be able to lie around for a while with her bruises and high fever.

Keigetsu grinned and was about to roll over, when…

“——Lady Reirin.”

Just then, there was a knock on her door.

The one who entered on room with a quiet bearing was Reirin’s head lady-in-waiting, Tousetsu.

In the Kou clan, which was filled with unsophisticated people, she was a calm and composed woman who was often called cold. She was said to be a distant relative of the Gen clan, who governed over water and war. Looking at her difficult-to-approach expressionless face, she did seem to be of the Gen bloodline.

For the people of the Shu clan, who ruled over fire, the water-ruling Gen clan were thoroughly incompatible with them. Keigetsu looked at Tousetsu’s face, which hadn’t moved a muscle.

(A woman without a hint of humanness.)

While inwardly sticking out her tongue, she outwardly received her visit calmly.

“What is the matter, Tousetsu?”

“Yes. It has been two days since your fever broke, Lady Reirin, so I’ve come as soon as I could.”

So, this woman seemed to be one of those overprotective ladies-in-waiting, despite her lack of expression. Behind her, a group of low-ranking ladies-in-waiting were bringing in boxes one after the other. They were probably get-well gifts.

“My, Tousetsu. You really are thoughtful.”

“No. The usual Lady Reirin would have begun training within half a day of a fever breaking out. Because of my incompetence, I have kept you waiting for two days. I am truly sorry.”

“Huh?”

Keigetsu had no idea what she was talking about.

While Keigetsu’s eyebrows knitted together, Tousetsu ordered the ladies-in-waiting to open the boxes one after the other.

Upon seeing the objects taken out, Keigetsu was at a loss for words.

Needlework tools, brushes, inkstones, the sutras, hand towels, a biwa, a flute, a koto, a go board and stones, a short sword, a bow, and a spade and hoe.

“……Huh?”

“Embroidery, copying the sutras a hundred times, dance practice, musical instrument practice, or basic physical training through the night. What kind of training shall we do tonight? Since ancient times, the bow has been said to ward off illness and disease, so perhaps that is the best choice for you today. Of course, I will accompany you until you are satisfied.”

Her head couldn’t keep up with what Tousetsu was telling her with a straight face.

All of this was too heavy for amusing oneself while on a sickbed.

Wait, didn’t Tousetsu just say “training”?

(What is she talking about, doesn’t she know I’m sick?)

Even if Kou Reirin was a hard worker who didn’t miss this much training on a daily basis, she should at least wait for her physical condition to recover.

However, Keigetsu got a further shock from Tousetsu’s earnest-feeling words.

“‘The body acquires skills and knowledge most greedily when its life is at stake. It is when you are in throes of fever that you are able to glimpse the other side of your limits.’ Every time I remember you saying that to me when I cared for you for the first time, I feel a shiver run through my body. Yes, Lady Reirin is the one who has inherited the blood of the Kou clan, which values hard work, more than anyone. As a lady-in-waiting, I am proud to be able to accompany you in your training, which now involves even the empress.”

“Hah…?”

“‘Discomfort is already a part of my daily life. If I wait for a good day, I would never be able to train.’ That was another one of your wise sayings. Some of the ladies-in-waiting tried to stop you from training because of your fragile appearance, but I, Tousetsu, am on your side. They have been kicked aside for this evening. Now, Lady Reirin, you may do as you please.”

The boxes were pushed out of the way, but to be frank, Keigetsu had no idea what she was talking about.

“T-Tousetsu? I’ve been confined to bed for two days, though.”

“Yes. I truly wanted to bring the training tools to you yesterday, but the other gamboges, who were unaware of your true strength, stopped me, saying things such as, ‘With such a serious incident, she should rest for at least a week.’ It took this much time to persuade them…I sincerely apologize.”

“No, please wait. I have a fever that makes it painful for me to get up.”

“Yes, it is an ideal situation where getting into an ecstatic trance is easy. I, Tousetsu, can feel the desire of not wanting to miss an opportunity exuding from your body.”

(I’m not exuding that at all, though!?)

She wondered if this was an incomprehensible joke from the head lady-in-waiting.

No, she kept a straight face, and the other ladies-in-waiting, while giving her pitying looks, were arranging her training tools in a rather deft manner.

In other words, this really was their daily life.

Kou Reirin had trained herself to such an extent even when she was ill—no, it was precisely when she was ill that she repeatedly trained.

The corner of Keigetsu’s mouth tightened.

“Haa…”

Then, she made her voice shrill and pressed her hands to her chest.

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“I feel nauseous. My fever has risen even higher. I have never felt this hot before.”

“Oh my. It seems that you will be able to soar to heights never seen before. I will bring you a washbasin.”

“No! This is…I think this is a contagious disease. No need to worry about the washbasin or training, all of you, please step back. Right away.”

Sweating heavily, which wasn’t an act, Keigetsu smiled awkwardly.

“I won’t be able to forgive myself if anything happened to all of you, who I cherish.”

“Lady Reirin…”

Tousetsu and the other ladies-in-waiting suddenly gasped, as though their hearts had been struck.

And then,

“I didn’t know you were feeling so unwell. We must call the doctor immediately.”

“Lady Reirin, please take care of yourself!”

“We will stay with you.”

The ladies-in-waiting finally began to behave in a proper manner.

In the suddenly noisy room, Keigetsu flopped down onto her bed.

(These people are strange…)

Those were the only words that were swirling in her head.

Strange.

This was absolutely strange.

(Wasn’t Kou Reirin a delicate butterfly who was protected and pampered by everyone?)

Keigetsu didn’t know.

The reason why Kou Reirin was so overprotected wasn’t just because she was sickly. It also wasn’t just because the people of the Kou clan loved taking care of others.

It was simply because Reirin was someone who was so hardworking that she would physically die if she was left alone, so they couldn’t help but worry about her.

(I…can make it with this body, can’t I…?)

Perhaps it was because of the fever, but Keigetsu felt a chill run down her spine.

Keigetsu learns that life as Reirin isn’t so great! Next chapter will probably be split in three parts

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Footnotes

Gamboge is a deep saffron color.