A Tale About A: Forgotten Princess [Part 2]

Chapter 24: Investigation

A-Yeon's POV

I led Prince Wang So to our kitchen as he had requested to search for clues there. Up to this point, it doesn't matter to me what kind of looks the people in the palace gave us or what rumours they may spread after seeing me and Prince Wang So together.

All I need to know, was that we have the same goal. 

"The rest of you may leave the kitchen for a moment." I ordered the court ladies and they all seemed to be utterly confused. However, they do not have the rights to question my doings and could only leave as per told. 

Once I was certain that only Prince Wang So and I were alone, I immediately told him about the incident that happened during that day. 

"So meaning to say, there shouldn't be anyone besides the ladies in Damiwon that have the access to the kitchen. Right?" The Prince concluded.

"Yes, if any other outsiders wants to enter the kitchen, they will have to get our consent." I answered. 

Wait a minute... Why haven't I thought of this? Of course it has to be someone from Damiwon Palace who could have drugged the tea while Hae Soo and I were out! How dumb could I get to only realise this now?!

At the sudden thought, I was anxiously confirming my doubts with Prince Wang So. 

"You don't mean to say..."

The Prince only nodded in silence as he proceeded to walk around the kitchen.

So all these while I have been looking about the wrong places! The rat that had been stealing my cheeses was actually the rat from my own home! How dare anyone took advantage of that to betray their own owner! 

I felt utterly stupid and angry when I could have caught the culprit easily only to be mislead by the wrong direction that the culprit had trapped me in. 

"Guess I was wrong to visit the kitchen too...the culprit would've cleared all evidences before we have a chance to find the clues." Prince Wang So stopped his actions and he looked at me.

"Then my next question to you will be, who's the closest to Hae Soo besides you?" 

"What? Closest to Hae Soo?" I was utterly confused and eager. What has Prince Wang So figured out? 

"Right. Only the closest person will know about Hae Soo's schedule and the time for the delivery of stocks to arrive." Prince Wang So concluded once again and I was surprised by how much he had disclosed within the short amount of time.

It couldn't be Aunt Yuri...the three of us each have our own set of schedule. Who is the closest to Hae Soo before I arrive to Damiwon Palace? 

"When you have figured that out, come and find me again in my chambers. I shall make a move now." The Prince closes the conversation quickly and left the kitchen in a hurry as well. Leaving me rooted to the spot as I suddenly got a headache from all the new possibilities. 

As soon as the Prince left, I strode my way swiftly to find Aunt Yuri. She must be the next person who knew the closest servant of Hae Soo before Mother. 

"I was told that Hae Soo was the cousin of the 8th Prince Wang Wook's wife, Lady Hae. She was brought in to the palace with only a servant to accompany her. If I remembered correctly...I think her name was...Chae Ryung?" Aunt Yuri revealed. 

Chae Ryung...?  Who is she?

"Aunt Yuri. Please bring this Chae Ryung girl to me. I have something to talk to her about." I requested impatiently and Aunt Yuri seemed to be very shocked and confused by my actions.