Chapter 1: Awakening

In a small country that doesn’t even appear on the world map, a young girl inherited the throne after her father’s death.

Worried for her safety, her maternal grandfather—who lives in Japan—sent her a skilled and mysterious bodyguard named Genbu, along with two maids. Under their protection, the girl continued to face enemies day and night.

And today, she was still alive.

I guess I’ve got a long way to go if I’m being woken up by my cat Mew licking my face...

"But that rough tongue feels kind of nice..."

Morning had come again to the white castle by the lake.

It was a typical medieval European castle, with a lake in front and a forest behind. A forgotten little kingdom, so small it didn’t even make it onto the world map.

I—who had just inherited the throne last month—woke up in a room in that very castle.

At the time, I never imagined that the succession would turn out like this.

“Really? Wearing nothing but white lace and a crown for the coronation ceremony is just poor taste. And bathing in the lake before changing into the ceremonial outfit? That's just embarrassing. Not to mention the coronation was in the middle of the night—children under 13 aren’t even supposed to be awake, let alone working at that hour.”

All the attendees were old men. It wasn’t some weird cult, but it felt like one. Really annoying.

To make things even weirder, Genbu appeared out of nowhere during the ceremony.

“Princess, I apologize for the delay. I am Genbu, and I will be your guardian from today onward.”

I was startled by his voice emerging from the shadows, but later I received a letter from my maternal grandfather, and it all made sense.

“Layla, is the ceremony over? I am Aoshima Ryuzo—your mother’s grandfather. The man who delivered this letter, Genbu, will be your bodyguard from today. I regret not assigning him to protect your mother as well. I was careless. Genbu is quiet but reliable. You can trust him to protect you. Please come visit Japan sometime. I look forward to meeting you.”

“This is definitely Grandfather’s handwriting... So, are you Genbu?”

“That’s right. I will be your bodyguard from today.”

“I meant to come as soon as your father passed away, Princess, but I was delayed. I’m glad you’re safe. From now on, many will try to take your life to claim the throne.”

A variety of things? What kind of things?

You mean... demons and monsters? I’m somewhat used to those by now.

“By the way, I’ll also be acting as your secretary. These two will handle your personal care.”

“We are Aki and Saki.”

The two girls behind Genbu bowed politely.

“Nice to meet you, Aki and Saki. Just make sure to keep your big tails hidden, okay?”

Suddenly, a demon appeared. But it was cute, so I let it slide.

“Excuse me.”

“I got carried away in the aura of Your Highness.”

“Genbu, are you okay?”

“I’m human, so it’s fine.”

“Alright then. Genbu, go wait over there. Aki, Saki—come with me.”

“I’m going to take a bath, so help me change after. But first, wipe me down with your tails. It feels nice.”

Even Mew, my cat, was scared and nowhere to be seen.

I walked to the bathhouse still wearing my lace outfit—basically naked—and soaked in the tub.

“Haaaah...” I sighed aloud. Proof that I’m half-Japanese.

“Aki, Saki, join me too.”

I wanted to see the base of their tails, but unfortunately the steam blocked my view.

Aki and Saki gently washed me with their soft tails.

“It feels amazing. Like heaven.”

As I relaxed, the fatigue from the ceremony overwhelmed me, and I fell asleep.

The next morning, I awoke in my usual canopy bed.

Next to me were two sleeping foxes and a cat.

When I sat up to take another look, the foxes had vanished, and Aki and Saki stood respectfully outside the bed, dressed in elegant persimmon-colored kimonos with floral patterns.

“Should I assume what I just saw was a dream?”

“Yes, please. When we brought the princess here, the bed was so comfortable we fell asleep while playing.”

Somehow, the scene replayed in my mind.

“Anyway, could you help me get dressed?”

“Of course. This kimono is all we brought, though.”

“That’s fine. I’ll introduce you to the head maid later, so get familiar with the place.”

“Got it.”

Though it was my first time wearing one, the two helped me put on the kimono like pros.

“It seems simple—just slide your arms into the sleeves, fold the front, and tie the obi.”

“You’re not wearing underwear either, are you?”

“Nope, we’re not,” they said, lifting the hems of their kimonos.

Just then, a loud cough sounded behind me.

“Genbu, always knock before entering a room! Geez, I forgot.”

“What are you even talking about this early?”

“Aki, Saki, please try to act more like proper maids.”

“Yes, Lord Genbu.”

Their voices harmonized. Maybe they’re twins?

“Once you're dressed, let’s head to breakfast.”

“You mean get dressed? I already slept naked, so I’m basically ready.”

“Really? Then let’s go.”

“At least react a little! That’s not cute!”

“Did you say something?”

The two behind him giggled, but straightened up instantly when Genbu glared at them.

We headed to the dining room.

The table was filled with unfamiliar dishes—and the usual maids weren’t there.

“Genbu, what happened to the other maids?”

“They tried to poison your food, so I kicked them out.”

“What do you mean, poison?”

“This, that, and that.”

“Be specific.”

“Bread, soup, salad, and so on.”

“That’s... normal food, isn’t it?”

“Well, we switched to Japanese food for now.”

“Sorry. I’m not used to the local cuisine, so I can only test for poison in Japanese dishes. I’m immune to most poisons, so I test by taste. The current chef is someone I trust, so please bear with me.”

“Alright, I get it.”

“What’s this beautiful flower?”

“A decorative dish made of carrots and radishes.”

“And this?”

“Chestnut paste.”

“I could eat the whole thing in one bite—it’s so pretty and cute.”

“It’s called Japanese kaiseki cuisine.”

“This is good too.”

“I guess I’ll put up with it for now. But bring back the original chefs and maids, please.”

“They’ve been with me since I was little. I trust them.”

“Let’s do Japanese food three times a week—and for special guests.”

“Genbu, is that alright?”

“Understood.”

He walked over and gave instructions to the chef, who bowed and returned to the kitchen.

“Saki, bring me the chopsticks.”

“Right away.”

Saki solemnly handed me the chopsticks.

“Princess, can you use chopsticks?”

“Of course not! That’s why you’ll feed me.”

“Understood.”

Saki skillfully picked up rice and side dishes and brought them to my mouth.

“Princess, say ‘ahh’.”

“Ohh, Japanese rice is tasty too.”

“Saki, how do you eat from this bowl?”

“Hold the bowl to your mouth and sip.”

“Zuuuuuuu.”

An awkward sound echoed through the dining hall.

“Maybe it’s best not to slurp like that.”

“Really?”

“But this is your first time, so it’s fine.”

“That’s miso soup, by the way. It’s good for your health.”

Genbu returned from the kitchen.

“You’re so expressionless. You’re a good-looking guy—try smiling once in a while. You’re scary.”

“Got it.”

“That was delicious. Saki, next time teach me how to use chopsticks.”

“Of course.”

“Now I’ll return to my office and start my work. In the afternoon, I’ve got lessons. After that, work, then a bath at six, and dinner.”

“Princess, what would you like for lunch?”

“Something simple.”

“Then how about rice balls? We can eat together in the garden.”

“Sounds good.”

But first, a quick detour.

“Princess, where are you going? My office is that way.”

“I know. I know the castle better than you.”

“So... where are we going?”

“Poop!”

At that, Genbu let out a rare, joyful laugh.

“You’ve got a nice face when you smile, Genbu. You should do that more often.”

“Got it.”