“Lady Himawari.” One of the guards at the gate recognized me and greeted me politely. I smiled at him and he let me through. When I reached the doors of the palace, I got off my horse and walked inside. One of the servants took my horse and had it put to the stable while I was inside talking to the Emperor. I walked past a few of the servants who seemed to have recognized me. They greeted me and I greeted them back. When I arrived at the door of the audience chamber, one of the servants stopped me before I could enter.
“Lady Himawari has arrived.” He announced before I entered. I thanked him for what he did and I walked in where I saw the Emperor and Prince Shiro talking. They both looked at me and I saw the huge smile on the Emperor’s face. He stood up from his chair and he walked all the way to where I was standing. I bowed my head, paying my respect to him but he tapped my shoulder and shook his
“You have contributed a great amount to the Empire, my child. And it makes me happy to know that you do all of this because of your love for the people. If you were to become the Empress, you would be loved by the people.” He said. I didn’t think the Emperor meant that in a negative light but more like he’s giving me the option. I smiled at his words and he knew what I meant with that smile.“If there is anything you wish for, I will grant it for you.” He told me. Just like before, he easily grants me a wish of my choosing. I wonder if the Emperor is hoping for me to wish for an engagement with Prince Shiro. I certainly think that’s what he wants, however, as much as I feel strongly about the prince, I am more worried about the underlying threat that is yet to be addressed. I cleared my throat to get the Emperor’s attention.
"A thorough investigation?" The Emperor asked me. I nodded firmly. Seeing as the Emperor was unsure of what I was talking about, I figured Prince Shiro hasn't told him of what happened. The Emperor looked at Prince Shiro and I and he was clearly waiting for an explanation. Prince Shiro cleared his throat before he spoke."During our stay at the Taiyou Empire, someone sabotaged the medicine that Lady Himawari had created for the people of Taiyou. Before she could admit who she worked for, she was poisoned. We have a reason to believe that the former Empress was behind it." Prince Shiro explained. I nodded and agreed with him on everything he just said. The Emperor was surprised but he quickly asked us the reason why we think it was the former Empress."The woman who sabotaged the medicine was from the Fallen Kingdom." I answered. The Emperor's eyes widened in shock. He probably never thought that the people of the Fallen Kingdom would come back to serve the
“Do you think it's a good idea?” I asked. I could tell Prince Shiro wanted to follow that man. I was also curious about where he would go but I knew that it wasn't the right time. We can't let our enemies know that we are suspicious of their actions. One thing I'm certain of is that the man who delivered that letter wanted to go to the forbidden tower. I would like to believe that the former empress was behind all of this, however this was clearly a path that anyone could walk on. If he were really to report to the former empress he wouldn’t use this path specifically. There was something strange afoot.“Do you think he would go to the former empress just like that? He looks too suspicious and obvious about what he's planning to do. If he was really a spy for the former empress, he wouldn’t just walk in front of us like this.” Prince Shiro said.&n
The following morning, I met up with Prince Shiro and the other investigators to proceed to the Forbidden Tower to question the former Empress. I'm not really expecting a confession from her but I'm curious how she'll react to our questions. It's a given that the Empress is the most likely suspect however, I still have this bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. My gut tells me that we're looking in the wrong place. I shook my head and focused on the investigation. "Are you okay?" Prince Shiro asked me. I nodded and told him that we should go now so we don't waste any time. He agreed and told the other investigators to proceed immediately. We were granted permission to enter the Forbidden Tower. The Empress was locked up in the cell at the very top of the tower. This was to prevent her from trying to escape and for other escape attempts to be futile since all of the floors have their corresponding guards. Even if someone tries to help her, it would prove too difficult.
We left the tower after we questioned the Former Empress. I could tell that Prince Shiro was a bit disappointed with how it went but I knew he'd be excited to hear what I'm about to say. Since I don't trust the other investigators, I told them that Prince Shiro and I have somewhere to be so we will have to leave first. They didn't say anything as we left the area to go to the garden. Prince Shiro was confused why I told the investigators that but he just followed me without asking."It's not the Empress." I told him. It was clear to me that he was still confused about the whole situation."What do you mean?" He asked. I explained and told him that I don't think it was the former Empress. The way she reacted to the question was a sign telling me that it wasn't her. Plus my gut was telling me otherwise so I had to follow it. Of course, I explained it all to Prince Shiro. I know he might find my reasoning a bit questionable but I trust in my gut and I know he
After yesterday's talk with Prince Shiro, I believe he doesn't take my words seriously. Even though I've told him that I suspect the First Prince, he was still reluctant to believe me. I don't know why he doesn't want to think that it's the First Prince. When I went home, I thought about it for a while. I don't think the First Prince and Prince Shiro are even in good terms, especially after what happened between the three of us. The First Prince attempted to take me away from Prince Shiro, I believe that's enough reason for them to be in bad blood with each other.Although I don't know what else happened to them while they were younger but that's certainly a big enough reason to doubt a person's character. I wonder why Prince Shiro doesn't want to suspect his brother. I thought about the other possibilities too. It was unlikely for any of Prince Shiro's other brothers to be the suspect for the assassination attempt. Apart from the fact that they were also victims, I cou
"I need information on the First Prince." I told him. He was wearing a cloak with the hood over his face. I couldn't see his face at all and it makes me wonder who he really is. The fact that he referred to me by my name tells me that either he knows me personally, or his guild is just that good. I observed his movement and the way he spoke. His voice wasn't familiar to me and I could see a little bit of his hair sticking out under his hood. He had light blonde hair, almost similar to the color of my hair. I was surprised when another person came into the room and handed the man an envelope. He placed it down on the table and the other person left the room. "What would the elusive daughter of the chancellor want with information regarding the First Prince?" He asked. I was careful with my facial expression. I didn't want him to see any unnecessary reaction from me regarding this issue. Even though he's from the information guild, he could very well be an accomplice for
As soon as I left the inn, I immediately made my way back home. No one must know that I asked help from the information guild; especially my father. In Himawari's memories, the chancellor's hate for the information guild was apparent. From what I can recall, the chancellor once asked help from the information guild regarding a serious matter, however the information they provided was false thus creating a whole set of new problems for the chancellor. This explains my father's distrust of the guild. "Where have you been, miss? I've been looking for you." Mei asked me when I went down to the kitchen to get some food. I snuck back in to my room when no one was around and I hid the envelope before I went down to show my face. I smiled at Mei and diverted her attention. "I'm really hungry, Mei. What are we having for dinner?" I asked. Her excitement quickly grew and as such, she talked about the dishes that were being prepared for dinne