(After the previous chapter)
So, now I have to tread very carefully and find the real mastermind behind this case to gain his trust. If I can't find the culprit, the result will be grave for me. Since that maid, only who could prove my innocence already died.
Maybe if I didn't bother to save him... oh, even then I would have been framed because at that moment, I was the one who was pouring that drink to his majesty!!!
So, my only option remained, finding that person behind it.
As I was contemplating all these things, I was so distracted that I didn't notice as his highness rose from his chair. And strode to where I was leaning against the shelves, he coughed pointedly to bring my attention. I was very startled to find him there, standing in front of me. I quickly bowed and asked, "Wh..what can I do for you, your highness?"
He pursed his lips, seemed like considering something, then said, "If you are worried about the case, you can start investigating once you return from tomorrow's trip. You don't have to rush. I'll give you the rest of the off so you can go rest and prepare for tomorrow."
I was so astonished by his words. That was the first time he talked to me more than a few words in a single day! And he was being unusually considerable today!
When I thanked him for this time, it was actually generous for once. Because God knew how much I needed some time alone to think and prepare.
I think he saw through me, that only this once my gratitude was real and every other thanks I ever uttered was faked, as his eyes slightly darkened. But I didn't care as long as I wasn't getting in any trouble for it. Maybe it was foolish of me.
I took leave and exhaled in pure relief once I was outside. But I failed to notice the piercing stare through the window, as Prince Shen leaned against the window sill, forgetting his work for the moment...
I decided to pay a visit to Min Ha first to tell her about tomorrow and that case. So, I found myself walking towards the kitchen where she would be now given it was the lunch hour.
As I was passing a corridor, I sensed someone behind me, obviously following me. But to think that the spy could be so lousy, letting sense his presence so easily... Isn't he insulting the spies?!
I turned abruptly, startling the person behind me, it was a maid-servant. I knew her, she works with Min Ha. She blushed deeply and bowed to me. She was trying to say something but she was so flustered. I gently smiled and asked her what she needed. She didn't meet my eyes but took out a folded fabric and offered it to me with both her hands and kept her head down. It was a pretty embroidered handkerchief, probably made by her. I was taken by surprise and asked hesitantly, "For me?!"
She nodded her head vigorously and blushed even deeper. I didn't know if should laugh or what! This is so awkward but if I refuse to accept it, she will feel hurt and insulted. So, I gingerly took it from her and bowed my head in thanks. Then she collected some courage to smile shyly at me and then ran away.
Well, that was too weird!!! I'm feeling so guilty now for taking this stupid disguise. I opened the folded handkerchief, it was so exquisite and showed the care it must have taken to make it.
Okay, I should be glad it wasn't some spy following me. I resumed my walking after pocketing it. Maybe I will give it to Min Ha...
When I got to the kitchen, I found her among a group of gossiping maid-servants. She seems to be doing a good job at making connections. You can get a lot of valuable information from servant gossips. When I caught her eyes, I smiled in approval. She got the meaning and replied with a smile of her own. After a few moments, she excused herself from the crowd and came to where I was waiting at the corner with a rice cake in my hand. While she made her way through the crowd, all the maids turned to see who was waiting for her and gawked at me. It was so awkward that I offered them a little smile. And guess what, they all blushed like hell and went to their own gossipings. I'm sure I was the hot topic now!
Min Ha noticed all that and chuckled as she reached me. I dropped my head in embarrassment my couldn't help chuckling myself.
It has to be stopped or else I won't be able to keep a low-key here and soon my disguise will be see-through! I took Min Ha with me and stepped outside to talk because there everyone was monitoring our every breath.
I told her everything about tomorrow's trip and the prince assigning me to investigate that case. She solemnly listened to everything and nodded and said she will do everything to help me. It made me smile and something in my chest tightened a little, knowing I had someone I could share my burden with and rely on.
Then I told her about that encounter I had today while coming here. She laughed herself to tears. She said, "Make sure your disguise never gets caught by anyone because I can only imagine what their reaction will be when they find out their pretty boy is actually a girl!!!"
I laughed too and said, "God, save me from their wrath! I shall get out of this place as soon as I can!"
Then I gave her the handkerchief and when she protested saying it was my gift, I said it will be trouble to keep it with me anyway and I couldn't use it in front of anyone either.