Princess Sakura

Chapter 2- The Blossoms Bloom Once More

As I traversed the chilly, desolate streets, my strength waned with each step, leaving me teetering on exhaustion. I finally succumbed, standing motionless in the middle of the road, my vision clouding as I rocked on unconsciousness. A voice called out my name, its gentle taps on my shoulder, rousing me from the brink of collapse. Weak and feeble, I mustered just enough strength to turn and face the person who had sought my attention.

A stranger, their gaze fixated upon me, spoke with an offer that hung like an eerie echo. "You appear to be a fine young lady," they began, their words laden with a chilling proposition. "Would you consider coming with me, working in a place where we provide shelter and sustenance in exchange for your services? You'd be tasked with cleaning and entertaining those who desire it. A strict rule applies: You cannot refuse any request."

Inexplicably, I agreed, though the reasons behind my decision eluded me. Perhaps it was the pursuit of fleeting pleasure or, more likely, the relentless quest to reclaim what had been taken from me – the scroll and the man who had brought me happiness, only to shroud my life in darkness. Love and desperation intertwined, forming an unbreakable resolve to recover my lost scroll at any cost.

Over dinner, the establishment's owner introduced me to my newfound companions, women with stories and secrets of their own. With her short black hair accented by purple highlights, Akiko offered a bright smile and a wave. With her lengthy, black hair cascading down to her bosom, Tomomi greeted me with a smile framed by striking blue contact lenses. Yoko, her flowing hair adorned with jewelry, acknowledged me with a measured glance before returning my wave as her peers introduced her. Nanami, the youngest among them, possessed a wild mane of dark hair that seemed to defy gravity. She exuded warmth and affection, readily embracing our newfound camaraderie.

Finally, there was Moriko, the eldest and, it seemed, the most aloof of the group. Her demeanor hinted at an air of authority as if she deemed herself the leader. Nanami guided me to the room where I would perform my duties and, in the evenings, rest. My bed was ingeniously tucked away within a cabinet alongside the cherished cherry blossom kimonos that held sentimental value. In this peculiar and uncertain new chapter of my life, one singular purpose drove me: to find the man I loved, no matter what obstacles lay ahead. It was an unrelenting determination that left me with no choice but to remain, biding my time until destiny led me back to him.

I donned my exquisite Kimono and promptly went to the breakfast area the following day. However, our host had other plans as he ushered in a stream of guests, each with unique demands and expectations for the day. He efficiently orchestrated the arrivals, leaving little time for respite as we prepared for the next guest in line.

"Sakura," he remarked, a hint of bemusement coloring his tone, "for some inexplicable reason, your schedule is packed solid through the next season. You've become quite the popular attraction here, and it's only your initial days."

He handed me a voluminous list of pages, but I understood that my newfound popularity wasn't solely due to my recent arrival. Unbeknownst to these guests, I held a title of great significance in these lands, one I had chosen to keep hidden. It was a part of my past I was reluctant to reveal, for I yearned for more than the life of a hime, despite the societal expectations that came with it. My discontent had festered for months, my dissatisfaction with the rich man who had been assigned to me never truly dissipating. Each day was an endeavor to make it work, exploring every conceivable avenue, yet none bore fruit. I had exhausted all efforts, trying every position with every man, all in vain.

As the day unfolded, my fellow companions and I meticulously cleaned the rooms, scrubbing away every vestige of the previous day's activities with soap and water. Tensions ran high, and a conflict erupted between Yoko and Nanami, their voices escalating in a heated exchange of words. I watched silently as the two engaged in their spirited quarrel, a turbulent undercurrent of emotions coursing through the air.