Classified (HIATUS)

File 2, Part 4 - Her Imperial Majesty

After much deliberation, I concocted the perfect plan.

I invited my older sister and one of her duke suitors to coffee in the guise of discussing the possibility of streamlining trade processes in his dukedom to accommodate the influx of commodities. As usual, I initially offered to host the engagement in the parlor, but my older sister asked if we could meet in her garden instead. After all, the duke expressed curiosity about how it looked in person. I agreed.

On the afternoon of our arrangement, the three of us sat comfortably around a glass table. It was set with delicate porcelain plates and cups, accompanied by dark coffee and chouquettes.

My companions seemed delighted with the setting I had prepared. My older sister's fiery red hair was arranged into a flower-shaped bun, with long, tight curls cascading from it. Her crimson robe draped gracefully over a cream colored day dress adorned with intricate gold patterns and pearls along the trim. Completing her ensemble, she wore pristine cream gloves. Though she graced her suitor with assuring smiles and glances from her striking azure eyes, the chouquettes were what truly made them sparkle.

Her suitor, on the other hand, could scarcely take his eyes off her. He wore a green coat embroidered with gold thread. Satin breeches hugged his legs and were tucked into polished black boots. Lace cuffs fluttered slightly at his wrists, and a meticulously tied cravat framed his neck. He made no attempt to hide his awe, struggling to contain his breathless admiration.

Though older than most of her suitors, being in his late thirties, the duke was one of the empire's most influential and highly esteemed men, making him a standout candidate. His age lent him a wisdom and composure that set him apart from her more impetuous younger suitors. Furthermore, he did not wield more power than my sister—a crucial point I emphasized to our younger sibling to dissuade her from championing the emperor and king suitors from foreign lands.

I can't help but be filled with excitement. Their marriage would be the perfect resolution to a scandalous impossibility, and if I can inspire it, then men might start noticing me too. Perhaps I could even find a husband of my own. Together, we would be fulfilling our duties to the royal family, the palace, and the empire. Everything would fall into place, and the world would have fewer problems to worry about.

"Your Highness, Your Imperial Majesty," the duke began, bowing his head with a polished smile. "I appreciate the opportunity to present my proposal. I will see to the immediate implementation of a unified tariff system and a structured customs process in my dukedom. As for the government trade office, the central bank, and the royal stock exchange, I will first consult with the architects you recommended before moving forward with construction. Naturally, I will also oversee improvements to the ports, boats, and ships..."

"My thanks, Duke, for your initiative," my older sister replied with a nod of approval, her smile reflecting satisfaction. "The research and foresight behind your proposal are commendable. I will bring this to the royal court—it's about time we implement similar reforms across the empire's major cities and districts. A standardized trade system will benefit us all. I will also summon the other noblemen to secure their cooperation."

"Perhaps each noble could represent a key trade industry based on their region's strengths," the duke suggested. "For instance, my dukedom specializes in spices and exotic goods, while others could focus on agriculture, textiles, shipbuilding, or military equipment. That way, trade oversight remains efficient and organized."

"That would certainly streamline matters," my sister agreed. "We should also consider codifying a legal framework for commerce—one that includes merchants' rights, tax regulations, contract laws, international trade policies, quality assurance standards, stock market regulations, and anti-smuggling laws with clear penalties. It is also about time we discuss the increasing numbers of wanted pirates, for they are a major threat to our safety and plans. What do you think?"