"Have a little more confidence in yourself. You're outstanding! And I've never lied to anyone." Seeing Fujiwara no Mei Hong's lack of confidence, Fu Hua reached out and placed a hand on her head, speaking sincerely.
"...Why? I'm not pretty, and I don't have any status."
Feeling Fu Hua's hand on her head, Mei Hong knew it was inappropriate and rather rude of Fu Hua, yet she did not refuse. Instead, she silently enjoyed Fu Hua's head pat!
"Who says you aren't pretty? Have some confidence—you're very beautiful. Not just in Japan; there aren't many people in this world prettier than you. As for status... in my eyes, all things are equal."
The little girl before her had probably been bullied at home for a long time. She seemed somewhat insecure, even lacking confidence in her own appearance.
She was a disciple Fu Hua had already set her sights on. How could she possibly be worse than others?
"I... am pretty..."
Fu Hua's words greatly surprised Fujiwara no Mei Hong. No one had ever told her that she was pretty.
"Of course. So be more confident. By the way, you looked like you wanted to go outside and take a look earlier..."
"Would you like to go for a walk with me?"
Thinking of how Fujiwara no Mei Hong had longed for the outside world earlier, Fu Hua decided to take her out to see it.
"C-Can I?"
At Fu Hua's words, Fujiwara no Mei Hong's face lit up with joy as she looked at Fu Hua expectantly.
"Of course."
As she spoke, Fu Hua extended a hand toward her in invitation.
"..."
Looking at the handsome Young Master before her inviting her, Mei Hong found herself unable to speak.
His fair skin set off his faint peach-pink lips, while