Akira Meets King 👑
673 Words
Despite feeling a sense of disgust at the sight, Akira tries to ignore it. However, her confusion grows, and
she finally asks, "Is it really 1602?"
Matsu responds, "What's the matter with you? Today, we're going to see the king. But I have a theory about
why you're so confused. I never believed it until now, but I think you've traveled through time. You're
Yuri—you went to the future and got struck by something, forgetting your past. You started living as Akira,
and someone must have adopted you. Now, you're back and don't believe in yourself."
"Shut up! That's not true. Don't make up your own stories," Akira retorts.
Matsu continues, undeterred, "Whatever. Imagine how majestic life must be in 1990. There would be so
many changes because humans always progress and never regress. What if I were you, seeing both worlds?
In one, humans are at their peak, and here, they live like animals—or worse."
Akira is struck by Matsu's intelligence and becomes obsessed with her words, beginning to believe that
what Matsu is saying about her time-traveling is true.
Matsu pleads, "I swear you will be respected. You may not know anything, but don't worry, my dear. The
king will be very pleased. Please accept it. If you don't agree, it's okay, I won't force you. But if you do
agree and go to the king, I'm sure you'll be respected by them. And after the king, you'll become a princess.
But promise me, you'll tell me what 1990 was like whenever you remember, and you won't forget about
me." Matsu takes out her diary from the bearskin bag hidden in the bushes and begins to write that she met
a time traveler in 1662 on a leaf. Akira, feeling overwhelmed, reluctantly agrees to go to the king but
expresses doubts about being believed as someone from the Tokugawa clan.
Matsu reassures her, "You are innocent. There are people who have great knowledge about clans and could
guess them by their abilities. Besides, this would be the first time someone claimed to be Yuri. Moreover,
the king has seen his beloved daughter's drawings; maybe he could recognize her. He said he knows his
daughter very well, and whoever finds her will be rewarded. Please, Akira, I also want some money, and
you will be respected. So, what's your worry? Wait, how old are you? Yuri was lost when she was 14."
Akira responds, "I am 16."
Matsu calculates, "That means you have spent 2 years there if you were Yuri. But you believe that you are
a time traveler, not Yuri. You are doing this for me, I know."
"Yes, I am not Yuri because I am not adopted. But I am just saying this because of all that you told me. But
how was Yuri lost? Did she really die?" Akira asks.
"She may have died, but after seeing you, the king will be happy even if you are not Yuri. Yuri ran from
the castle at night, and no one could find her. Time travel exists, but no one could choose to do it. Okay,
it's already very late. Let's go to the king, but before that, let's eat a meal," Matsu says.
Akira initially declines, but after seeing Matsu's anger, she agrees reluctantly. They eat the meal and head
towards the castle. Akira is mesmerized by the old-fashioned attire and atmosphere, enjoying the nostalgic
vibes. As they approach the giant castle, Sakura leads Akira to a hut at the edge of the forest, providing her
with suitable clothes to avoid suspicion. They then proceed towards the castle, passing numerous huts and
observing the beautifully crafted limestone lane leading up to the castle. Akira marvels at the black flags
flying above and the guards stationed at the entrance. As Matsu announces their purpose to the guards,
Akira's heart races with anticipation as they are granted entry into the castle, where everyone is abuzz with
whispers about Yuri. The king, visibly moved, asks, "Who are you?"
- Writer
