(After the previous chapter)
When I came back to my senses after a few seconds, I apologized to them for freaking out and they laughed and apologized for freaking me out. I thanked them and they said we could be friends and rely on each other. I happily agreed.
When I reported to the head of the servants, he said I was granted today a leave from the Queen which I already know but thanked him anyway and went out.
At first, I came to my office and changed my disguise and turned into my real form, a lady of Su household, Su Mo Mo.
And I was off to my home. My parents welcomed me with warm hugs and my loyal maid Min Ha, who hardly speaks if not necessary, cracked a smile seeing me and I felt at home. I'm thankful for these rare moments when I can let my guard down and do whatever I want without taking a disguise and be myself, be a girl!
Seriously, how many days do I get to be a girl and let my hair down without worrying about anything and relax?! Well, not many surely, but now I'll get them even less as I'll be stuck in the Violet Mansion for how long god knows!
Thinking of it made me remember I have to tell my parents about that, well, not technically but I have to tell them something!
So, after dinner, I gathered some courage and said to my parents, "Father, mother, please listen. I have something to say to you. Though I have already set my heart to it, I want your permission for it. I want to go travel the world and see the outside world."
I guess this time I'll leave this house for good and now I have a perfect excuse. I won't have to hurt them by escaping marriage and vanish without saying goodbyes. They have always supported me in anything I wanted to do.
So, I didn't their refusal and their answer surprised me.
My father said, "MoMo, we have always respected your choice and tried to support you as you proved yourself to be sensible and wise. But this time we can't because now you are at a marriageable age and we are responsible for your future and well-being. So, we must ensure that you marry into a good family and you will have a happy life. But if you were to go to travel the world now, we won't know if you are safe or not. So, we can't permit you this time. Please understand our worries."
I was stunned but I needed their permission this time very much. So, I tried to persuade them again.
I said, "just give me a few months and I'll return home and you can do whatever you want then."
They didn't agree so I said, "Okay, give me just 2 months. I'll come back by then, I promise!"
I hoped I'll be able to keep my promise and I'll have to flee from my wedding later if it comes to that.
At last, they agreed to my proposal but they insisted to take Min Ha(my maid) with me, so she could take care of me. I couldn't refuse them.
I'll just have to come up with a plan on how to take her inside the Violet Mansion with me. Maybe she could come to my help sometimes, who knows!
And I know her since childhood and she's like my friend. If I ask her to help me she'll be very happy and do the job perfectly!
Tomorrow morning we have to set out. So, later at night, I explained everything related to Violet Mansion and my mission to her. She just silently nodded. She said she understood the situation and she bowed to me promising me that she will do anything I say.
I thanked her warmly and said, "You don't need to bow to me or call me, 'my lady' when there aren't my parents. From now on, treat me as your friend, not as the young lady of Su family."
She just smiled a little. Her irises were sparkling, I know she saw me as her friend too and that's why she was willing to do anything for me. But I swear to myself, I'll never endanger her life!
After thinking for a while, I decided what her new identity will be. She will be my younger sister and her name will be Kim Su Hye.
In the early morning, we bid farewell to my parents and everyone at the Su Mansion. I take Min Ha to my office and we both take our disguises and start for the palace.
I took her to the servant's head and pleaded with him to take her to work. I said, "Sir, she is my only family, my pitiful younger sister. She can't stay at home alone. She will do anything you ask her to do. So, please take her into work as long as I'm working here."
The servant's head seemed to soften a little but he didn't say anything but told me to wait and went to ask about this to someone and came back after a while and said that she can stay.
Then she was taken by a maid to where she will work from now on. And I returned to my post. Now there was no excuse left for me to go home anymore!
(time skip)
I was now taking a huge tray of food to the prince's chamber. Though I might be the Queen's personal server, I still had to work for others sometimes. How unfair!
Well, now I had an identity badge that hung from my waist belt. It said, "Queen Mother's Royal Server" I felt upgraded! (note the sarcasm!)
I decided as long as I was stuck here I might as well get as much information as I can. So, I was keeping my eyes and ears open wide.