My father has been recovering nicely. As planned, Prince Shiro and I spread the rumors that my father was robbed on his way home from his duties and he got injured because of this. We made sure that the whole capital knew of what happened to my father. No one else apart from close family servants and Prince Shiro of what truly happened to my father. We did this to try and sound out the real culprits. They were after something and I need to find out what it was. 
After tea time with the Emperor, I went back home to check on my father. To my surprise, I saw the first prince waiting for me by the entrance of our manor. I quickly got out of my carriage and greeted him.“Greetings, your highness, the First Prince. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” I gre
The following day, I decided to meet with the First Prince. I needed more information about him and I needed to know what he knew. It was risky but as for now, this is the only way I could investigate without having to sneak around. I didn't inform him of my visit but I know that the First Prince will be delighted to find out that I am willingly coming to him. When I arrived at the Palace, one fo the servants offered to take me to the First Prince's room but I declined. I told them that I was familiar with the Palace and I know where I'm going. To be honest, I wasn't as familiar with the Palace as I thought I was. I only said that so the servants wouldn't follow me around. Maybe I could pass by the Emperor's study and see where the Empress hides the incense sticks she uses to poison him.As I was walking, I noticed that I was in a familiar part of the Palace. This was on the way to the First prince's room. There were no servants around but I could hear something in the d
After I visited the First Prince, I became more aware of the things he’d done. Not only was he responsible for the growing rumors about Prince Shiro, he’s also harboring ill intentions towards the Emperor. He’s willing to kill his father for the sake of the throne. But I have a feeling that he’s not doing it all on his own. I heard the Empress in his quarters earlier and I knew she was the one who’s pulling all the strings. I think she’s the one who wants the power. She’s just making it seem like it’s her son that will control everything. She’s treating her like a puppet.
“My lady, your father has been waiting for you.” One of the maids told me as soon as I got in our manor. I quickly went over to my father’s room and I saw him reading something and sitting up on his bed.“Father?” I called for his attention. He turned his head towards the door and whe
It’s been a few days since I spoke with Prince Shiro. I was so upset at him that I didn’t even try to explain myself anymore. He believed in all of those lies without even consulting me. I felt betrayed and I felt like my intentions were questioned. He knew I could never harm him or his father and I was doing everything I can to stop the rebellion. I knew I needed to prove my innocence and I would gladly do that even if Prince Shiro would never listen to me.
“My lady, you have a visitor.” Mei said. I stood up and went to the front to see who my visitor was. To my surprise, it wasn’t the people who I was expecting.“Good day, my lady.” An old lady was waiting for me outside of our manor. She was sm
I went outside to the back garden and met with the shadowmen. One of them stepped forward and handed me an amulet.“We have recovered this from the messenger who brought the letter to his highness, Prince Shiro. This is the amulet of the Empress, only handed to serva
I continued to go back up the mountain for the next few days but I made sure to finish up before the sun set. Also I made sure I was around other people to keep those bandits from trying to hurt me. The old man I gave advice to was also there and he would often make small talk with me and keep me company when other people would finish their jobs and leave.