As I kept my senses alert what I heard was, birds were chirping and the sound of leaves rustling in the gentle breeze, and people's working and chatting noises almost inaudible because of the distance. Nothing important! I tried to stop my mind from relaxing in this peaceful environment but I couldn't.
But as soon as I entered the prince's study hall, I instantly became very careful and alert. Today Master Han wasn't here. Prince Shen was wearing his royal robe and sitting beside his table and looking at some documents. When I entered I didn't make any noise but he looked up expectantly. He noticed everything about me curiously, holding his writing brush to his lips for a moment, then he turned his attention back to his work.
I sighed in relief that he didn't find anything suspicious about me. I put the tray down and left the room.
Though I didn't realize it at the time, I made my very first mistake at reading people's expressions.
When Prince Shen looked at the servant who entered the hall, he was surprised to find that this lowly servant didn't look down when their eyes met, instead he looked straight at his eyes which no one ever dares! Also, he noticed the aura this servant gives, a strange but strong character!
Prince Shen found these very suspicious in a servant. But he knew very well how to hide his thoughts.
As the servant left his hall, Prince Shen looked up towards the window. It's a hot day of summer but the soothing wind is rustling the leaves of the trees. Suddenly a strong breeze came and rustled the hairs of the prince, who was staring at the sky, expression thoughtful.
Clouds are beginning to gather and blanketing the scorching sun. looks like it's gonna rain soon...
I was walking back to the kitchen from the prince's hall. The rain came out of nowhere, soaking me wet. I like the rain but now it annoyed me! It was sunny minutes ago! I ran towards the closest shed. My clothes were half soaked already. When I reached the shed, I almost ran into someone! I stopped inches away from Master Kang! It was a little shed in the middle of the garden with a small table and two small benches made of white stone. I didn't expect anyone else to take shelter here from the rain. Kang Ji Han looked at me, clearly surprised. I quickly backed two steps, bowed, and apologized to him. He just dismissed it saying, no harm done.
Kang Ji Han now recalled this particular servant and observed him curiously, prince Shen wasn't wrong about this servant being a bit queer. There certainly was something off about him but Han couldn't find anything. Then it clicked to him. Everything about him was flawless and that's what seems weird! Servants aren't supposed to be flawless...
After the rain stopped, I quickly ran out of the shed and to my way without looking back. And Kang Ji Han slowly walked to the prince's chamber.
He entered the room and bowed to his majesty.
He said, "Your highness, I just came back from the local market. The rumors seemed to be cleared up there. But surprisingly as it is that it cleared up before we took a step!"
Several rumors were going around among the people that the crown prince wasn't marrying because he wasn't interested in women or had a secret disease.
Prince Shen was thoughtful as he contemplated it, "Hmm, unexpected but not bad as it is. It can only be that my father took a step. But why would he?! As far as I'm aware he himself has the doubts about it!"
Han said, "Yes, but maybe his doubts have been cleared."
Prince Shen said, "That's for sure. But I wonder how he was assured of it..."
Prince Shen wasn't bothered by the rumors but he was a bit relieved to have it cleared up. But now new worries crept up. Having those rumors cleared up, the coming of marriage proposals are gonna increase and so ganna be the political pressure of the powerful families and not to mention his mother!
Should he just give up?! Maybe there wasn't a way he could naturally fall in love after all...
At dinner time when I went to serve the Queen, she told me that the day after tomorrow, her highness will hold an evening tea party with the prince to try to make him agree to let her start the bride selection. So, she needs my help to set up the party arrangements.
After getting out of the Queen's palace, I sighed heavily. How long it would be before I can get out of here?!!!!
Well, till then I can gather information and sell them at a high price later. But so far, I didn't find any juicy information that might be worthy to sell! Boring royalty!!!!
I decided from tomorrow I'll pay more attention to the prince so I can find some information. Thank god the prince didn't suspect me at all yet!
(Time Skip)
Today the minister of royal accounts is coming to meet with the prince. I volunteered to take the duty to serve them so that I could eavesdrop!
But my plan fell apart as I was summoned by the Queen to her chamber. I showed none of my disappointment or the other emotions I was feeling in my face as I went inside but in my mind, I was scolding myself for being too good to the queen that I got stuck here without any real job at all!
I bowed at her majesty and said, "Greetings to you, your highness! What use this servant of yours can come to? I'll be honored to serve your will." Honor, my foot! What sin I have done to cross your mind?!!!
her majesty looked at me smilingly and said, "As I've decided to put you in charge of arranging everything for the party, I know you will do a good job. But it's important as I've invited my cousins and nephews too. You will have to find the capital's best musicians and Orions(dancers) to please my guests."
I said, "I'll do my best to meet your expectations, your highness."
She told me not to disappoint her and gave a few more instructions before dismissing me.
Well, there goes my plan to gather information.....