Steam flowing with the wind, spinning gears, and endless azure pipes.

Amongst these well-known scenes, Yashiro, an entirely new presence.

“Hello, Princess. You look cute today too,” he said, bumping into me in the middle of town, smiling as he looked at me.

His casual use of “cute” always made me a bit uneasy whenever I spoke with him.

“…Thank you?”

“What’s with the thank you? Princess, you’re…”

“What?”

“Cute. You’re cute even when you’re silent, but you’re even cuter when you talk.”

“…Is…is that so..?”

His innocent smile left me at a loss for words.

(Sometimes I get compliments like ‘you look beautiful,’ but Yashiro’s feels a little different.)

His praise is relentless, I’ll probably make a weird face if I let my guard down.

(Don’t tell me….is it intentional?! Is he teasing me…? Nnn.)

He’s always been a calm and gentle young man, so I don’t think he’s playing with me.

(However… it feels…easy? Or rather)

He speaks easily, as if his words hold no value, whether good or bad. He seems aloof.

He’s mysterious, and elusive.

“What’s wrong, Princess? These wrinkles… they’re impressive, aren’t they?”

Yashiro tilted his head and casually reached out his hand.

My forehead, which had been wrinkled with worry, seemed to have tightened.

“N-No, don’t do that.”

I hastily avoided his hand, using my index finger to smooth out the wrinkles.

“Oh, sorry. Touching a noble princess in public… I didn’t mean to.”

“N-No, that’s not it.”

As my cheeks gradually reddened, I muttered quietly.

“…I’m… embarrassed.”

“…..”

Yashiro suddenly fell silent.

I glanced up at him, wondering what was wrong, and found him grinning from ear to ear.

(It’s me who’s blushing all the time…!!)

I felt a bit frustrated and tried to regain my composure with a deep breath.

“What were you doing, Yashiro?”

“I was running errands for Hangetsudou. I delivered some repaired Karakuri to a noble’s mansion.”

“Alone? You didn’t get lost?”

“I got a little lost, but I managed. I asked people for directions at the end.”

“I see.”

Once we started talking, I could converse normally. Though we had only recently met, Yashiro was easy to approach, easy to talk to.

It felt like I had gained another friend, regardless of our social status.

“…Should I ask Tsuyukusa to go easy on you?”

“No need. He’s been treating me well.”

Yashiro maintained his smile.

It must be challenging to lose one’s memory, but he never complained.

(But… behind all this, maybe he’s troubled and feeling uneasy.)

If that’s the case, I hope I can help him.

“What’s your plan, Princess?”

“My plan? I’ve finished my errands, so I’m heading home.”

If I don’t go back before it’s dark, I’ve got an overprotective attendant who will get worried.

People sometimes say I’m a noble who enjoys mingling with the commoners, but today, I came out alone and can return by myself.

“Then, let me escort you.”

“Eh?! That’s not necessary.”

I love walking around town.

Even though people say I’m a noble, I went out by mysealf today, and I sure can take myself back home.

“Don’t worry about it, Princess. Also, “that thing” happened just recently right?”

“Ah…”

That’s right.

The ‘incident’ that happened on the day I met Yashiro was shocking.

As the vivid memories threatened to resurface, I lowered my gaze.

“I owe you, Princess. It’s no trouble at all, and I’d be happy to do something for you.”

“…Really?”

He smiled so refreshingly that it made me wonder if it was genuine.

“Of course that’s the case, but…. am I saying something strange?”

Yashiro furrowed his brow, appearing genuinely puzzled.

His slightly open expression was somewhat endearing.

“…Nn, it’s fine. Thank you. So, will you escort me then?”

“! Leave it to me.”

Different from Awayuki and Tsuyukusa, Yashiro’s character is unique.

I feel my daily life changed just a bit since meeting him.

As we headed east, the same dazzling autumn sunset as on that day cast its blinding light.”

“Ah, Tobari!”

That day, I happened to run into him on my way back from the district.

Tobari, who is based in the red light district, was here, which means…

“Did you come to check on me?”

Last night, there was a ‘serious incident’ in my territory, and he was there at the scene.

So I wondered if maybe…

“….”

For some reason, Tobari fixed an unsettling gaze on me and sighed in exasperation.

“?”

Silently, he gestured for me to follow him, and I did.

When we veered off the crowded street and entered a narrow alley, Tobari looked back at me.

“You know, Hime-san.”

“What is it?”

“Am I worrying too much? After ‘that incident’ just happened, why are you getting involved?”

“I-I’m not worried about it, though.”

“Weren’t you told that it’s dangerous to get too close to me?”

“…I know since you are the head of the red light district, I shouldn’t interact with you so casually.”

“Then why?”

He fixed me with a sharp, narrowed gaze, and my heart raced for all the wrong reasons.

“—Wait a moment. I need to organise my thoughts!”

…The Tobari from ‘that time’ scared me, but I never thought about distancing myself from him.

Is it strange for me to want to know more about the kind of person he is?

Observing me deep in thought, he said in exasperation,

“You’re still the same. If you’re making that face, then don’t innocently follow me just because I said so.”

“? What kind of face?”

“You look tense. Half nervous and half trembling.”

Maybe that’s true.

Unable to deny it, I felt a faint presence of a smile from him.

“Do you understand the meaning of the word ‘danger,’ Hime-san?”

“? Yes.”

“Are you sure?”

Suddenly, Tobari’s hand reached out.

“Eh—“

He leaned against the wall behind me and peered into my face.

“!?”

A sweet fragrance wafted around, and I held my breath to avoid our lips from accidentally touching. We were so close that I couldn’t turn away.

“Do you want me to tell you why men from the red light district are dangerous? I don’t mind playing with the naive Hime-san…. until you drown.”

(No…. No way…..!!)

My thoughts came to a screeching halt as his low voice whispered in my ear.

The bustle of the main street faded into the distance, and his breath was the only thing I could hear clearly.

“…Don’t tell a soul about this. The price of playing with fire is to keep it a secret.”

Every time he said something, Tobari’s lips brushed against my skin.

I couldn’t even move, and my heart pounded faster.

(I can’t do this anymore! Impossible!)

The whole situation was beyond my capacity, so I closed my eyes tightly.

Soon after, I heard a sound as our foreheads collide.

“—Ouch!?”

I reflexively opened my eyes, as he let me go.

He glances at me curtly as I freeze.

“Did you manage to organise your thoughts?”

“—…I couldn’t do it!?”

(He was making fun of me…!)

How frustrating.

I was all nervous and bothered, but Tobari remained unfazed.

“Well, it’s true that you should be careful of me. Our social status are way too different after all.”

I understand what he was saying to me.

If we are just a little bit close, who knows what people will say about us.

“So? What’s the situation in your territory? Has it calmed down?”

“I can’t follow if you change the topic so suddenly.”

“Oh, sorry.”

While he had been composed until a moment ago, he laughed heartily.

“Did I scare you too much? I thought you might be scared. Well, it’s not like I’ll eat you or anything. How about we relax and take the pressure off…”

“W-Why did you do that!?”

I appreciate his concern, but I’m not sure about the way he’s doing it.

(Is this normal in the red light district? Maybe I’m just naive?)

I thought about asking Tobari for a moment, but doing so would only disadvantage me.

After taking a deep breath, I composed myself and replied,

“Everyone is doing better than I expected. They are doing what they can.”

“Wow, they’re a strong bunch. That’s great, isn’t it?”

“Yeah!”

When praised for my subjects, it made me feel a bit embarrassed.

(Tobari was also worried and came to check on us, right?)

The head of the red light district.

He’s a bit intimidating, but there’s more to him.

He might be someone who would burn you if you got too close, but…

(Just a little more. It’s okay to want to know a bit more, right?)

The curtains made a gentle swishing sound as they were pulled back, and then the window was opened without any mercy.

“Mmm…”

I huddled under the blankets, trying to escape the blinding morning light and the chilly air.

“Hime.”

“…I’m awake….”

“Save those words until you’ve left your futon. Don’t go back to sleep okay?”

His footsteps receded.

(…I’m sleepy.)

I wanted to stay in the soft, warm bed for a while longer.

(Mmm~~~~……)

I struggled to lift my drooping eyelids.

I finally left the cozy bed with a faint sense of duty and habit, reluctantly sticking my leg out from under the blanket.

I slid down from the sleeping platform, as if I were falling, and washed my face with lukewarm water prepared by Awayuki. It was only then that I began to fully wake up.

Once I finished changing, Awayuki returned right on time.

“You’re fully awake now, aren’t you? Good job.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m amazing.”

I sat in front of the vanity as usual and looked at myself in the mirror. Awayuki frowned when he saw me.

“Hime… I told you to go to bed early last night.”

“Eh?”

“Your eyelids are puffy. Were you reading books late into the night again?”

I was taken aback. While I could only see the same face in the mirror as always, Awayuki seemed to notice a difference.

“You complexion is fine, but… Did you rub your face too hard when washing it?”

“I didn’t, okay, I didn’t!”

Washing my face gently.

I was always told by Awayuki to do that, but it seems like my skin is quite resilient and doesn’t easily become irritated, even if I wash it more vigorously.

“…Hime? Are you thinking about something unnecessary?”

“No, not really! I just thought, you’re still the same, Awayuki.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Err… it’s like you have a ‘say’ in who ‘I am,’ I guess?”

Awayuki chuckled softly behind me.

“Of course, I do. I know you better than anyone else, and that’s how it should be.”

Awayuki, our servant was always dilligent.

He understands me better than I understand myself.

“Today, I think the kikyo hairpin will be good.”

“As you wish.”

With his gloves still on, Awayuki’s fingers gently pushes my hair back behind my ear. He combs through my hair carefully with a tsuge comb. I gaze at his reflection in the mirror.

“What’s wrong?”

He was concentrating on my hair, but Awayuki quickly noticed my gaze.

“Hey, Awayuki. I’m already an adult, right?”

“Yes.”

“I mean, I’m already grown up, right?”

“According to the Law, you are.”

“…Isn’t it about time I do this myself? Something as simple as tying my hair?”

“That’s impossible.”

There was no room for discussion.

Without changing his expression, Awayuki bluntly cut me off.

“Your role is to be the the royal heir, so you’re not suited for these tasks.”

“That’s not true! You won’t know until you try….”

“I know. It’s just that I can’t allow my precious Hime to walk around with messy hair. Give it up.”

He didn’t need to say it like that!

I pouted, venting my frustration.

“How much longer are you going to treat me like a child.”

“….That’s not the case. You’re already an adult.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. When you were little, I used to help you get dressed and even brush your teeth…”

“That’s such a long time ago!”

I complained, and Awayuki burst into laughter.

It seemed he couldn’t understand my frustration.

His hands, gloved as they were, brushed my hair to the side, creating a fleeting, real sensation.

“Please don’t take the job away from me. I’m here to take care of you.”

“Well…”

I heaved a sigh, feeling somewhat annoyed.

I don’t necessarily want to do it myself.

Having Awayuki arrange my hair feels pleasant, and I have no complaints.

“…Alright, Awayuki. You win. You really can’t do without me, can you?”

I am just a little worried about the workaholic attitude my reliable servant displays.

Although the man in question had a blank look on his face, unaware of my feelings.

“You can’t just abandon your responsibilities. I, on the other hand, am here to take care of you.”

“Of course I’m not going to make you stop right away. Awayuki is mine after all.”

“Then that’s fine.”

Awayuki smiled, satisfied with my response.

“…I really can’t live without you.”

“Hello, Princess.”

“Ah…”

One afternoon, I encountered someone I didn’t want to see.

“Did you leave that noisy attendant behind today? I take it you’re coming back from the Hangetsudo?”

“That’s right.”

“Are you thinking about that matter we talked about? You’re not just playing around?”

“I’m thinking about it seriously!”

I responded with determination.

Yori-sama squinted his eyes as if appraising me.

“Are you heading back home now? It’s worrisome for a noble’s daughter to be walking around alone. Let me escort you.”

“No, I’m fine.”

I wanted to decline, but he began walking alongside me without waiting for my response.

“The streets are crowded today. It’s particularly busy when there’s an event approaching.”

He gazed at the bustling streets of Nakamachi, smiling.

“…Yori-sama, you can’t handle crowds?”

“It’s not that I can’t, I just hate them. I shudder at the thought of being surrounded by commoners who are too close to nobles.”

He said it with a smile that was almost too rigid.

“Your willingness to stroll through Nakamachi is beyond me. I’d never come to a place like this unless it was for work.”

“I like it here. I love the lively streets and being around so many people.”

Despite feeling a little confused by his candid aversion, I didn’t flatter him but replied honestly.

Yori-sama pursed his lips, his lapis lazuli eyes scrutinising me.

“Oh, I see… Your attendant is like that too, isn’t he? He’s always so close, even when it’s not necessary. I’m sure you’re used to it.”

His voice dropped lower than usual.

I was convinced he was in a bad mood, but it felt strange to offer excuses….

“Make sure you understand your position and behave with restraint. After all, you’re my fiancée.”

“—I haven’t decided whether to get engaged.”

I knew I had to say it after all.

I took a leap of courage and opened my mouth.

“…Nobles are a minority, aren’t they?”

“Of course, it wouldn’t do if the ruling class had too many people.”

“Most of the people who sustain our lives and culture aren’t nobles. Even the servants. They make our lives possible.”

“—…Are you saying they are important neighbours even though their social status is different? But they have an obligation to serve the nobility. We have our rights too.”

“We have these privileges because we have to protect them, right?”

Yori-sama laughs.

“I’m sure that’s what they say in the textbook.”

He deliberately shrugged his shoulders, as if to say “It is what it is.”

“It would be better if you don’t try to align those ideologies with our current situation.”

Indeed, considering the actual situation, Yori-sama’s words were not wrong in themselves.

“Besides… People who think differently from the masses are seen as heretics, so be careful, okay?”

A line I’d heard countless times from my childhood.

“It seems like you don’t know anything, so I’ll teach you.”

I was almost drawn in by his whisper.

A sugary smile and a teasing voice.

“About how people of the privileged class should behave. Common sense, and even special knowledge, everything.”

“…”

I take a deep breath and return the smile to Yori-sama.

“This is just my personal feeling, and I’m not negating your thoughts, Yori-sama.”

“? It’s fine, Princess. If you have something to say, go ahead.”

“I don’t like the idea that nobles, just because they’re special, can oppress others.”

(I’ve said it…)

Prompted by his request, I decided to speak, but I found myself having a rather audacious and impolite attitude towards someone of higher social standing, and my heart was pounding.

I didn’t expect that I’d hold my ground this firmly, and it seemed to take Yori-sama by surprise——

He fell silent for a moment and then seemed to click his tongue for a brief instant.

“?!”

(Maybe I got too carried away…)

While I was flustered, Yori returned to his usual smile.

As if it was a misjudgement on my end.

“Princess, it seems like you want to discuss noble etiquette with me?”

“Eh?”

A response I hadn’t anticipated.

“Alright, I’ll keep you company. Shall we have a leisurely conversation over something sweet like the other day?”

…I might have stepped on a landmine.

Smiling, he grabbed my arm, and there was no way I could refuse.

I lowered my shoulders slightly to discreetly brace myself for what might happen next.

It was a bright midday with steam rising under the clear sky.

I had arrived at the familiar jack-of-all-trades store and karakuri workshop called Hangetsudou, hoping to find someone I knew well.

“——Tsuyukusa, are you here?”

The well-lit store seemed empty.

But after a few moments, I hear a familiar voice responding from upstairs.

“…Hold on a second, I can’t leave this right now. Come on up.”

“Alright.”

I responded, but.

(Seems like I’ve come at a busy time…)

Normally, Tsuyukusa would come down right away when a customer arrives.

So, the fact that he had this reaction now means he is dealing with something quite important.

I climb the narrow staircase and entered the second-floor workshop.

“Welcome. What can I help you with?”

Tsuyukusa kept his gaze fixed on his work, not turning around as he spoke.

He was a student of karakuri master and had been acquainted with me since childhood.

“I was nearby and just wanted to see your face. Sorry for bothering you, I’ll leave soon.”

“Eh?”

Tsuyukusa turned around and looked at me.

“No way, don’t go.”

“But you’re in the middle of work, right?”

“…I want to tinker with the karakuri, but I’d like you to stay.”

I was hesitant to disturb him since he seemed to be focused on something important. If it was inconvenient for Tsuyukusa, I would happily leave.

But.

“Since you’ve come all the way here, I don’t want you to leave. Would you mind sitting there? Please.”

“Well, if you insist…”

I couldn’t refuse when he asked that way.

Even though I felt like I might be a hindrance, I sat down as he directed, placing my legs on the cushion he pointed at me.

“!”

Tsuyukusa grinned happily and returned to his work.

On his workbench lay a brass pocket watch.

(How wonderful…! I hope I can have my own clockwork someday.)

However, it was something as expensive as a house.

Not to mention it was a rare piece, it’s not an easy feat to get one.

“…….”

I was holding my breath as I watched him delicately moving gears of various sizes.

“… You know.”

Tsuyukusa, who was focused on his work, looked up once again.

“I was the one who told you to sit there, but when you’re staring so intently, it’s a bit… well, it’s like, I don’t know…”

“Like what?”

“…It’s kind of embarrassing.”

His eyes wandered around his workshop.

I thought his red-tipped ears looked a bit redder.

“I always wonder, how can you do this without getting sick of it? Isn’t it tedious?”

“Well, because I love it.”

“………….”

“Tsuyukusa, every time you tinker with something, it starts to move again. I just can’t help but be fascinated.”

“…Umm, that. I know, yes, yes.”

“?”

It seemed my attempt to express his greatness didn’t quite go as planned.

“I don’t know much about karakuri, but it’s amazing that you know all these things!”

“….Well, it’s not as grand as you say.”

“But it’s like your magic touch that makes things work again. And I know you truly care about karakuri!”

“Uh, well…”

“Because of that, Tsuyukusa’s workshop is a comfortable place for me.”

Out of nowhere, he pushed a fluffy rice cake into my mouth.

I was surprised, and before I could say that I could eat it myself, I had already chewed it.

“….The daifuku while it’s still warm, have some?”

“….Nn, um.”

(He’s asking if I want to eat it, and he’s already feeding me!)

His sudden action left me slightly flustered.

I had things to say, but quietly chewed the treat in my mouth.

Tsuyukusa reached for the teapot and put tea leaves in it.

“I’m going to take a break for a bit. Come and join me.”

As he spoke, he poured hot water from a metal pot and swiftly brewed some green tea.

“—So? Did something happen?”

I blinked as I chewed the daifuku.

“Seems like there is something you wanted to ask me. Am I wrong?”

I swallowed everything in my mouth and took a sip of the tea.

It was delicious.

I sighed and started muttering.

“Actually, there sems to be a well in our territory that’s in poor condition.”

According to the reports, the karakuri which helps pump the water might be broken.

“I was wondering if you would take a look at it.”

“Sure thing, if that’s your wish.”

Tsuyukusa readily agrees, so easily that I’m a little surprised.

“It’s going to be a problem if people can’t use water. I’ll wrap up my work today and we can go check the well.”

“!”

With Tsuyukusa taking care of it, I won’t have to worry anymore.

“Thank you, Tsuyukusa. That’ll be huge help! You’re the best karakuri master I know!”

“…Ah—“

Tsuyukusa looked down slightly.

“Well, of course. Otherwise, you might go somewhere else.”

He muttered, and his quiet voice sounded strangely melancholic.

He wore a shy smile, hiding an odd sense of hesitation.