Classified (COMPLETED)

File 2, Part 2 - Her Imperial Majesty

This is what I know. The gardener...is definitely in love with my older sister. However, is there any possibility that she is just being her coquettish self, oh dear God? I am hopeful because if her words and actions mean anything else, it will be horrible. The gardener has good looks and can successfully attract a wealthier woman, but my older sister should be a different story...

Am I right?

I do not understand what they could have in common. Furthermore, I do not see the gardener aiding my older sister's rule. He knows how to grow and arrange the healthiest and prettiest plants, but as he mentioned, he cannot even read and write more complex material. How can he strategize for the empire in the long run? Will he know what to say and how to respond to the royals and nobles he will interact with?

If others hear about the exchanges between him and my older sister in the late hours of the night, the two will be on the receiving end of controversy, which will disrupt the peace, harmony, and even trust in the palace.

The gardener, in particular, seems like a kind man, but he most likely does not know the kind of demons royals and nobles are. Even involving himself with any of them will surely break his being.

"...It seems that you are not paying any attention to what I am saying, Princess," my older sister said, her azure eyes staring intensely and suspiciously into mine.

"My apologies, Your Imperial Majesty." I bowed slightly to her, partly because it was courtesy and partly because I wanted to avoid her eyes.

I am not required to avert my eyes in her presence all the time, but I rather do so. They...often make me squirm. I do not know why.

"Is there anything bothering your mind?" she queried, pouring some tea and milk into my cup before offering it. With my head still down, I took it and sipped on it.

That is tasty. Indeed, my older sister prepares the best drinks.

"Princess." Her tone became more imposing. "Why aren't you answering me? Look at me."

Slowly, I did. My older sister sat across from me at our tea table by her balcony. She was in a silky, red lounge gown with frilly, golden puffed sleeves, and three thin, golden necklaces framed her neck. Her makeup was neat, and her curly red hair was arranged in a tight, braided bun. Most of all, she smiled at me, and her eyes fixed on me.

I bit my lips.

Is it just me, but focusing on her feels weird? First of all, I am not exactly used to doing so. Aside from that, she has this air about her...she cannot be the type who falls in love with a gardener. She slammed her emperor suitor against the wall; this may be why her suitors are not too proactive despite being in love with her. Based on what I saw a few nights ago, he could handle her when she presented herself to him as a commoner, but could he take this version of her - this commanding, charismatic, and calculating monarch?

"What is the matter, Princess?" she asked, her face and voice softening slightly.

Anyway, I have to say something. After all, I initiated this. Otherwise, my older sister might lose her patience with me. Worse, she and the gardener may continue meeting with little regard for decorum.

"I saw you with your gardener a few nights ago," I managed calmly, which surprised me.

The smile on my older sister's face vanished quickly, which was my signal to look down. I heard her pick up her cup, sip, and place it quietly on the table, but regardless, my hands and feet were freezing.

This is unsettling. Can...can I get out of here?

"Then," my older sister continued, in a chillingly quiet voice, "are you admitting that you were lurking in my garden a few days ago?"

"...Yes."

"Why were you there?"

"I was on my way to my garden, but-!"

"But somehow, you were not in your garden. You were in mine."

I did not answer.

I have to recollect my thoughts. What do I say to my older sister to make her listen and not provoke her? Honestly, this is why I do not bother to go against her. It is too much work. Do not get me started on how futile it is...

"I had to check your garden to ensure that the two silhouettes I saw that time were not dangerous people," I reasoned.

"Mmm. Thank you very much for your kindness, Princess." She poured more tea and milk into my cup.

I did not let her stop there. "What were you doing with your gardener past midnight-?!"

"Princess-!"

I did not dare glance at her. "Why were you dressed casually in front of him? Why was there little distance between the two of you? Why did you offer to transcribe and teach him to read and write? Why were you not chaperoned? Most of all, why did you allow a commoner like him to touch you-?!"

She stood up. "What are you insinuating, Princess?"

"If others saw the two of you, they would think you are lovers, and you could-!"

...Lose the people's respect.

"Say that again."

With two fingers, she gripped my cheeks and lifted my face to meet her eyes, so my mind blanked. I could not utter anything, either.

Admittedly, she is the most beautiful woman I know, but she is also the most difficult to look at.

She moved her face closer to mine, making me instinctively inch backward. "Why are you silent?"

First of all, you have a grip of steel. Second, you are too near. Third, I have no desire to die.

"Do you actually think that we are lovers?"

"N-no."

Actually, I am hoping that it is not the case...

"Do you, or anyone else, have plans to spread rumors about me?"

"No, not...not that I know of."

If any of us do, the entire royal family will be affected. Also, my older sister will not treat any of us too well.

"Do you, or anyone else, think I am capable of falling in love with a gardener?"

"...No."

I assure you, I am doing my best to convince myself with that answer.

"If that is the case," she smiled at me and patted my head affectionately as if nothing happened, "then we should have no problem. Should we sleep now?"

Just like that, I failed to convince her not to spend too much time with the gardener.