[Serialized Novel] Princess Kaguya Vol. 19 "Moonlit Night" Finale

A night of the full moon.

The moon shone even brighter, illuminating us.

This time, there were no guards; only the old man, the old woman, Ohana-chan, the Shonagon, the Chunagon, the Dainagon, and the Emperor were quietly waiting for the arrival.

I changed my clothes into women's attire and let my long hair flow down my back without tying it.

"Momotaro, you look beautiful."

"Truly, you are beautiful..."

The old man and the old woman whispered.

"Princess Kaguya!"

The Shonagon, the Chunagon, and the Dainagon lamented in sorrow.

Ohana-chan also complimented me, saying I was beautiful.

The Emperor said nothing, simply watching the scene with a smile.

As the moon grew even brighter, I saw something descending from it.

It was a group of heavenly maidens riding through the sky, along with an ox-drawn carriage.

The people of the moon descended slowly.

The old man, the old woman, O-Hana-chan, the Shonagon, the Chunagon, and the Dainagon were all struck speechless by their beauty.

The carriage entered the silent mansion.

Then, a voice came from nowhere.

"Princess Kaguya, come, get into the carriage... and bring your fiancé as well..."

I reached out my hand to the Emperor and prepared to board the carriage.

At that moment, the voice asked me sternly.

"Princess Kaguya, surely you are still a maiden, are you not?!"

I said, my cheeks flushing red.

"No, I am not a maiden."

The celestial maidens murmured in a stir.

"Oh, what have you done?! If you are not a maiden, you cannot ascend to heaven."

"Does that mean?"

"We cannot take you back with us this time."

"What? Then what am I supposed to do..."

"You have become a being unable to be reincarnated as a celestial maiden. You have become a creature destined only to repeat reincarnation in this world... that is what you have become."

The voice trembled with sadness.

"Then...?!"

"I can never come to collect you again. You must live out your life on Earth."

"Does that mean I don't have to return to the moon?"

"Yes. Even if you are reborn, we will not be able to come for you."

"Hooray!" Shonagon exclaimed.

The old man and the old woman held hands and rejoiced.

The messenger from the moon began to ascend quietly, without making a sound.

The Emperor and I locked eyes and smiled gently at each other.

Chunagon

"I'm so glad..."

began to cry, and Dainagon grabbed his shoulder.

O-Hana-chan clasped her hands together in front of her,

"Momotaro-san, you can stay..."

she said, her eyes welling up with tears.

◇

Today is another day of training at the dojo.

I have married the Emperor.

Grandfather and Grandmother are living lively lives on Onigashima.

The Shonagon, Chunagon, and Dainagon have been assigned to guard the dojo.

O-Hana-chan is set to marry the young man who was an apprentice this spring.

Our happiness is just beginning.

April 11, 2014 - Conclusion