Classified (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

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 foreign 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 graciously with a tailored smile. "Thank you for considering my proposition, not just for my dukedom but for the entire empire."

"I must thank you as well, Duke, for presenting such a detailed strategy," my older sister responded with an approving nod and satisfied smile. "The amount of research and foresight you have put into your proposal is worth the entire empire's praise. You must present this to the royal court - they are certain to regard you with utmost esteem!"

Somehow, I do not regret inviting the duke. I have my motives, but I also genuinely feel more at ease with my older sister when she is with brilliant, competent people like him. She seems more consistent and welcoming in the right group setting.

Ah, my older sister's actions will forever elude my understanding.

"You need not speak so favorably of me," the duke said, sipping his coffee a touch too quickly. "I merely expanded upon your original vision."

"Why must I not speak favorably of you?" my sister asked, tilting her head in a gesture of feigned confusion. "It is no small feat to assemble the components of such a grand plan!" She turned toward me, her body still angled toward the duke. "What do you think, Princess?"

I know she is performing now, but at some point, her walls will crack.

"I agree with you, Your Imperial Majesty," I responded with a slight nod.