[The Tale of Genji] Esoteric Daily Life at Rokujo-in

Even as a little girl, living in Rokujo-in, Fujiwara no Takako felt she was different.

She had lots of playmates, but no one else could see them. Whenever she mentioned them, her parents panicked and tried to drive out the spirits.

Fine. She would just pretend she couldn't see them, either.

Unusual Takako grew up beautiful and noble, able to get anything she wanted.

She fell in love with the pure and unsullied crown prince, a Buddhist of the capital's elite circle, and had an adorable daughter who loved autumn. All she had to do was wait for her husband to ascend the throne, and she could become empress in style.

Life was a breeze!

But one day, a ghost friend she hadn't seen in years got a glimpse of the future and came to warn her.

Takako: Hold on a second. The crown prince is going to die before he even ascends the throne!?

That would be bad enough, but...

What will happen to my position as empress? QAQ

She returned to her home at Rokujo-in and began studying the occult on her own, even setting up a little shop to perform rituals.

Under no circumstances would she let herself end up as the person fate had written for her!

So, what can I say?

Things went off course, but the result was better than expected!

Blurb saved on 2026.03.07.

Please add it to your reading lists, and if you like it, please give it an advance bookmark~

Notes:

1. This is a fictional world. The customs and setting are inspired by The Tale of Genji, The Pillow Book, The Diary of Murasaki Shikibu, The Kagero Diary, The Sarashina Diary, and other works. Some artistic liberties will be taken (for example, Takako's name), as a customary tribute to the original works.

2. The girl still ascends the throne. I'll add more details once I've thought them through.

I really do have lots of inspiration.

Theme: Face difficulties without fear and strive forward