Chapter 17: Chapter:17 (Hunting trip or battlefield?!!!)

(After the previous chapter)

I went to my chamber, and for once, I was relieved to see that no one else was there. I put that platter down on the table that was becoming like a deadweight on my hands. What just happened back there??!! I can't help but feel a little awkward. But I didn't get punished for it, thank god!

I looked back at the table where the cakes were, and I couldn't help myself but eat every last crumb of it. I have nothing against delicious food.

After a while, I took out a bag and started to pack up some spare clothes and some other stuff I would need on tomorrow's trip. There was a knock on my door when I was closing the bag. I guess my alone time has come to an end. I sighed and opened the door.

It was those two friendly guys that worked with me and wanted to be my friends. But unfortunately, I always forget their names, haha.

They were panting as if they came all the way here running. They were wide-eyed as they looked all over me. One of them said, "We were so worried once we heard from one of the kitchen staff that you got caught stealing made by the imperial chef by the crown Prince himself!!!"

The other one said, "Did he sentenced you to death?! Will you be taken to the royal prison?!!!"

I awkwardly laughed. Were those the usual punishments for cases like mine?!!! Then I think I was really lucky, and I should be more grateful.

I told them not to worry and that I was shown mercy. At first, they didn't seem to believe me, but when they heard the full story, their eyes were wider than when they were worried about me, and their mouths were hanging open!

Well, I guess their reactions were normal. I would've looked like that if someone else told me this story. Then they said maybe I had saved the country or something to get this lucky. I agreed with them. They saw my bag, and I told them that I was going on the trip with the crown prince tomorrow, and they wished me luck and told me to stay out of trouble. I thanked them. They had to go out since they had more works left to do, and once again, I was left alone.

I had nothing more to do. I sent a note to Min Ha by a maid saying I was ok. In case, she heard the exaggerated rumors and became worried about me.

So, I decided to sleep early for tomorrow.

I fell asleep before anyone else came into the room and woke up before everyone else, just as I planned.

I opened that satchel; I brought from my office yesterday and carefully pulled out the hidden knife belt. It was customized by my order which could be hidden under the clothes and sheathed in a belt. If I wear this belt under my robe, no one can tell I am carrying any bits of steel, even if they bump into me. It was convenient to carry and also useful, easy to draw and hide. I hope there wouldn't be any need for me to use it. But you couldn't be more careful when you are going to a forest with your enemies. I quietly hid the belt under the clothes I took out to wear today. Then I took the small medicine bottles and needles and some herbs which are very useful for first-aid in poisoning cases and stuffed them in my pockets. I took a look at the sleeping faces of the servants for one last time and thought they never got to know who stayed amongst them. And I wondered if I'll be coming back ever again, hopefully not.

Because I had some plans and if all went right, I'll be free from here! And then Min Ha will be free too. But it was a last-minute plan so, I'm not so sure if it will work right. I trudged toward the bathing rooms and took a quick shower and dressed up, took the bag, and went to report to the office.

All the servants and guards who'll be joining us were already waiting assembled there carrying their bags and other necessities. And the servant-head was calling their names one by one and assigning them to their duties on this trip. I quickly fell in line.

I waited and waited for my name, but all the names were called, except mine. I was confused so, I went to the servant-head and told him there might be a mistake and why my name wasn't called.

He looked at me, and my name tag and his expression turned a little respectful towards me. He said I was to be beside the Crown Prince, and he himself will assign my tasks. He also told me to go to the front gate, where all the horses and carriages were since I'll be riding beside the Prince's carriage. As the servant-head told me all these, everyone around us was staring at me strangely, as if I was a different species. It was kind of disturbing. The servant-head noticed that too. He barked at a few of them, and everyone scattered away to their own work.

I took leave from the front office and headed to the front gates. I seriously seem to have bad luck ahead. What with the riding beside the Prince and he himself assigning my tasks?!!!!

Was he still mad at me from yesterday?! But he seemed to have forgiven me. Ugh, I am so confused! But I'm not scared and never will be. I think I will need to make some new adjustments to my plan.

As I reached the gates, the first thing that came into my mind was, royals just loved to exaggerate. It was a simple hunting trip, but they made it look like they were going to the battlefield!!!