3 Chapter:3(Edited)

As I entered, I saw Master Kang looking up expectantly and his highness was reading a book without so much as looking up.

I placed the dishes of foods on the table after bowing to his majesty. I slowly retreated without turning away while bowing my head.

Once I'm outside, I quickly move out of view of the guards and go behind the prince's chamber. I quickly pull out my black scarf from my hidden pocket and warp my face with it. Then I climb to the roof without making a sound. I settle myself to a place where I can easily hear their conversation.

After a few moments of waiting, I heard,

The prince asked, "Han, did you notice the servant who came just now? He was walking very carefully, without making any sound. The way we walk."

Han agreed, "Yes, your majesty. He is one of the new part-timers here. Must be nervous."

The Prince disagreed, "Oh? but he didn't seem nervous at all."

Han asked, "Should I investigate this matter, your highness?"

The Prince said dismissively, "No need. It's a minor matter, not something to waste our time."

As I heard their conversation, I sweated and held my breath. The prince seemed careless and didn't even look up when I went there but he even noticed my footsteps!

I should be more careful. Thank god, they didn't come after me!

Han said after a few moments, "Queen Mother asked me again to talk to you about consort selection, my lord. She asked me to convince you."

Prince asked incredulously, "Seriously?! Again?! Mother doesn't let go of this topic easily. I have lots of important works to do instead of this stupid conversation. I won't be like my father. I won't marry someone for political gain. I'll marry once I fall in love."

Han replied resignedly, "Yes, your majesty. I told these to her highness. Then she asked if she can show you the suitable ladies from prestigious families then you can choose one of them to fall in love and marry her."

The prince bursts out laughing in frustration, "As if I can choose to fall in love! Mother won't understand. You tell her, do whatever she wants but after...3 months, I'll think of something then, and tell her I can choose anyone I want if I want and no one if I want. I can only escape her by this."

Han replied with amazement, "Yes, you are so wise, your highness! Now I'll take my leave."

I quickly got down and hurried to my place when this conversation was over. Now, I'm almost sure about what I needed to know. I just needed a little more proof.

I went to my work. I have already served the royal relatives. Now I'm going to the Queen's palace. I heard she was very strict with cleanliness and manners. So, I tried to be more careful, I heard some rumors around the servants, that no one was willing to go serve her, as a lot of them were punished by her without any serious reasons.

Now they were using me as I'm a newcomer. Gosh, I don't want to get punished here and destroy my chances to finish my mission.

I took a quick once overlook at my uniform. It wasn't dirty in a normal person's eyes but surely it's not all smooth and fresh after my all day's work and I've surely sweated. So, it's not as it was in the morning. I dashed to my room and changed into my spare uniform, washed my face and hands. I also made sure that my hat was fixed then I brushed my shoes too. I was feeling good after wearing fresh clothes. After checking everything I quickly went to the kitchen and took the food and took a deep breath hoping everything will be alright and head out to the queen's palace.

It was late afternoon. Tea time. The rich aroma of the unknown expensive tea leaves was coming in my nose. The sun is close to the west horizon. The Queen's palace was something to be called beautiful. Someone was playing a piece of music very enchantingly.

I reached the door and asked permission to enter in a low voice, afraid I might disturb the fine music. I guessed right, the maid who asked permission from her highness to let me in also whispered.

Her highness looked up at me. I bowed at her with respect. She looked at me from head to toe and nodded, permitting me. She was indeed a beautiful lady, full of elegance. I walked looking at my feet, counting my footsteps. I placed the tray noiselessly at the table.

Then the music ended. I stepped away from the table and bowed again and asked permission to leave. Her highness looked at my eyes and said, "You might as well serve the tea to me."

I took a breath to calm my nerves and said, "yes, your highness." And kneel before her low table and carefully poured tea in the cup without shaking my hands. I also noticed that she was observing my every move. I gave her the cup, deeply bowing my head.

It's hard to please the royalties!

She asked, "What is your name, child?" I looked up startled and quickly stared down and replied, "I'm servant Kim Man Suk, your highness."

She nodded, maybe liked my fake name? Who knows?!

Then she said, "I will call you 'Kim'. I bowed again showing gratitude, "Thank you, your highness!"

She asked a few more questions and then permitted me to leave...I was so glad to be able to come back safely! That woman was scary!!!

When I came back to the kitchen, everyone was staring at me weirdly as if waiting for me to die or something! They looked so anxious! I told them her highness didn't punish me. At first, they didn't seem to believe me and when they did, they looked at me more weirdly! One of them wondered aloud, what have I done? Have I bewitched her or something? I laughed, maybe I did, or how did I survive? Anyways, everyone praised me.