[Serialized Novel] Princess Kaguya Vol. 18 "The Emperor"

The journey home went surprisingly smoothly.

Since I had money, I was able to stay at inns, and it was easy because Shonagon and Dainagon carried my luggage. We moved slowly because we were matching the old woman's pace, but we returned surprisingly quickly. Along the way, we used things like palanquins. Even so, I still had money left.

I continued on my way, feeling grateful to the landlady of the port town.

When I arrived at the dojo, I knocked on the temple gate.

The old woman was exhausted from walking day after day, and more than anything, I wanted to see the old man.

I had Shonagon take a letter from the dojo and run to the house. I should be able to reunite with the old man in about three days.

At the dojo, I first met the old man.

"I'm glad you made it back safely."

The old man said, tearing up.

When I asked if I could stay here for a few days, he prepared a room for me.

The old woman asked while stretching.

"Is this the dojo where Momotaro trained?"

"Yes. It's the place that took care of me for a year."

I smiled softly.

I was told that the hot water was ready, so the old woman took a bath first.

When it was my turn and I was soaking in the hot water, I heard Ohana-chan's voice.

"Momotaro-san, I'll leave your kimono here!"

I replied with an "Ah," and then spoke to Ohana-chan.

"Ohana-chan... the kibi dango were useful. Thank you!"

"Did they really help that much?"

I can hear Ohana-chan's happy voice.

"Ah, you were very helpful. I am truly grateful."

"I'm glad to hear that. I'll have dinner ready once you're out of the bath."

"Yes, thank you."

I'm glad Ohana-chan seems well... I thought, as I slowly soaked in the bath.

Three days later, the old man arrived, accompanied by the Shonagon.

The old woman embraced the old man, rejoicing in their reunion.

I was happy too, and shed tears along with them.

There were three days left until the next full moon.

I told the old man and the old woman that I must return to the heavens.

The old man and the old woman were greatly surprised and saddened.

I visited the middle-aged man's room to tell him this as well.

I told him the whole story, and then, with tears in my eyes, I said,

"Please, come with me."

The middle-aged man looked surprised, but he said this:

"I've waited a long time, Princess Kaguya..."

I was surprised and bewildered to be called by that name.

"It was after you left for Onigashima... I had a dream."

The middle-aged man began to speak.

"That I was the Emperor in a past life... your face... I remembered everything. I thought about chasing after you. But my desire to believe in you was stronger, so I waited until now."

Tears welled up in the eyes of the old man... no, the Emperor.

"To think that you must return to the heavens once again..."

"Please forgive me. And please, come with me."

I pressed my forehead against the tatami mats, my face covered in tears.

"Princess Kaguya... I love you..."

And so, we made love.

—The next day.

The old man and the old woman said they had made a decision.

"I think I shall go to Onigashima as well. I hear they are good-natured ogres, after all. If you are going to return to the heavens, there is no point in me staying here anymore."

The old man said this with tears in his eyes. His voice was trembling.

The old woman also spoke.

"Momotaro, there is no hope for us in this world without you. At the very least, we will go to Onigashima and die being of use to the ogres."

I replied, also in tears.

"Thank you, Grandfather, Grandmother. I am satisfied knowing you feel that way about me."

"By the way, have you found a fiancé?"

"Yes, the Emperor... no, my instructor has agreed to come with me."

I blushed as red as a persimmon.

"I see... so, your master..."

"Momotaro, make sure he treats you well."

Just as they said that, the Shonagon, Chunagon, and Dainagon burst into the room.

"Princess Kaguya, is it true that you chose someone else instead of us?"

The Chunagon wailed.

"I thought it was going to be me..."

The Shonagon also shed tears.

"I think it's a good choice."

The Dainagon said, whispering while holding back tears.

I embraced them all and wept bitterly.