Choosing a Spouse

Although Kaguya-hime was still young, her temperament was remarkably gentle, well-behaved, and understanding. She had rarely cried since childhood, making Miketsu often praise her as an easy child to raise. So, for her to suddenly burst into tears like this truly surprised Miketsu.

After finally comforting Kaguya-hime, who was weeping in her arms, Miketsu carefully asked her for the reason. Kaguya-hime wiped away her tears, composed herself, and then explained everything that had happened yesterday when Fujiwara no Mokou visited. Miketsu's mouth twitched as she listened, and she couldn't help but rub her forehead.

That Fujiwara no Mokou… to still be thinking about clan members! After all these years, wasn't it obvious what Kaguya-hime's feelings were? How dense could she be? Had she burned her brain out from constantly self-immolating?

"She always… she always said she wanted me to marry into the Fujiwara clan… I always thought she truly loved me… but it turns out she just wanted me to marry into the Fujiwara… Why… why is it like this…" Kaguya-hime whispered, her head bowed. Seeing the heartbroken Kaguya-hime, Miketsu couldn't bear it. She spoke quietly.

"Actually, this matter… is quite complicated. But as things stand, some things can no longer be hidden from you. Before I tell you, though, I want to ask you one more thing, Kaguya: Do you truly like Aka… or rather, Fujiwara no Mokou? You know she is a woman, just like you, right?"

"Mm…" Kaguya-hime didn't say much, simply nodding. Seeing this, Miketsu let out a long sigh and continued.

"Hmph… Actually, there's a reason why Fujiwara no Mokou so strongly wished for you to marry into the Fujiwara clan. It all started thirteen years ago…"

"Thirteen years ago…" Kaguya-hime murmured, a hint of bewilderment and curiosity in her voice. After that, Miketsu recounted Fujiwara no Mokou's true identity and her conflict with Princess Kaguya. Then, she explained how they had unexpectedly discovered Kaguya-hime in the bamboo forest thirteen years ago, and how Fujiwara no Mokou had then concocted a plan to get revenge on Princess Kaguya by usurping her legend.

After hearing this series of events, Kaguya-hime was stunned for a moment, bewildered. Then, she spoke faintly.

"So… I was just a tool for Uncle Aka to get revenge on Princess Kaguya?" Kaguya-hime's expression dimmed slightly. Seeing this, Miketsu immediately spoke.

"No, no one can use you as a tool, Kaguya. Your destiny is your own to decide. You don't need to concern yourself with Fujiwara no Mokou's plans. You don't need to be anyone's replacement. Kaguya, you are Kaguya." With a comforting tone, Miketsu continued, "I once promised that fellow that if she could make you willingly marry into the Fujiwara clan, I wouldn't interfere. But now that she's messed up herself, don't pay her any mind anymore. Kaguya, just continue to grow up peacefully. Who knows, you might meet an even better match than her in the future."

Although she received Miketsu's comfort, Kaguya-hime, knowing the truth, was naturally not feeling well. The person who had cherished her all this time had only wanted her to replace Princess Kaguya, to avenge years of hatred. Perhaps she had been treated as a mere tool from the very beginning. No one could easily accept such an outcome.

Kaguya-hime fell silent after hearing Miketsu's words. A strange glint flickered in her eyes, and Miketsu didn't know what she was thinking. Finally, after a long silence, Kaguya-hime seemed to have made a decision. She slowly began to speak.

"Mother… Actually, I intend to give her another chance…"

"A chance? You still want to give her a chance?" Miketsu said, surprised, upon hearing Kaguya-hime's idea.

"Yes… that's right. I want to see what Uncle Aka truly thinks of me. If her past affection for me was false, if in her eyes, I was merely a tool for revenge against Princess Kaguya…" Kaguya-hime spoke slowly, her tone making Miketsu feel that things were taking an unexpected turn.

"So… to prove all this, Kaguya, how do you plan to give her a chance?" Miketsu asked solemnly. Kaguya-hime took a breath, then replied to Miketsu with a serious expression.

"Uncle Aka wants me to replace the former Princess Kaguya and become a new legend. Then let it be as she wishes. I might as well truly act as Princess Kaguya, and in her way, choose a future husband…

"Mother, I want to publicly choose a spouse…"

With a firm gaze, Kaguya-hime looked at Miketsu and spoke slowly, while Miketsu stood frozen, not reacting for a long moment.

"Publicly choose a spouse… Kaguya, are you serious? It doesn't need to go this far, does it? Don't joke about your future." Miketsu said to her adopted daughter with a serious expression, but Kaguya-hime responded with a faint smile.

"Don't worry, Mother, I have my own sense of propriety in this matter… Of course, I'll also need your help, Mother, with the concrete implementation."

…

In the Upper Capital District of Heian-kyo, within the Fujiwara Residence.

Inside the spacious Fujiwara Residence, a cry of surprise suddenly echoed from the quiet courtyard.

"What? You said Little Kaguya wants to publicly choose a spouse? She's still so young!" In the courtyard, Fujiwara no Mokou looked at the suddenly visiting Miketsu, her expression astonished.

"Don't worry, it's just an engagement. And in normal noble families, marriage at this age isn't uncommon," Miketsu said softly to the incredulous Fujiwara no Mokou, unfolding her folding fan.

"But, but why a public spouse selection? Wasn't it agreed that Little Kaguya would directly marry into the Fujiwara clan?" Fujiwara no Mokou spread her hands, questioning Miketsu confusedly.

"I never promised you that I would directly marry Kaguya into the Fujiwara clan. I promised you that if you could win Kaguya's heart and make her truly and willingly marry into the Fujiwara, I wouldn't object. And this decision for a public spouse selection was made by Kaguya herself. I am merely respecting her will." Miketsu, dressed in white, spoke slowly as she leisurely fed the goldfish in the pond. Fujiwara no Mokou, on the other hand, became even more confused after hearing Miketsu's words.

"Little Kaguya's decision… Why would she suddenly want to do something like a public spouse selection? She's still so young, this isn't right… Hey, Hao, what exactly is Little Kaguya thinking?" Fujiwara no Mokou said anxiously to Miketsu, who gave her an annoyed glare.

"You ask me? I'd like to ask you!"

"Ask me… but I really don't know!" Fujiwara no Mokou said confusedly, crossing her arms, while Miketsu rubbed her forehead helplessly with a "you're hopeless" look.