Triumph Card (2)

That morning, I didn't dare to waste my precious time. I went down to eat breakfast and left quicker than I imagined. All the maids were confused at my actions. One of them wanted to ask what I was in a hurry for, I lied that I had a meeting with the Emperor and quickly left. Only Lillia knew about what was going on, but I explicitly told her to play along with me.

"This is important," I told Lillia in a hushed voice. Lillia frowned and her expression turned down.

"But- it isn't good if you-"

"They can't slap me in the face," I say smirking.

"...but- let me accompany-"

"No," I warned her. Lillia's eyes became teary. She looked like she had been betrayed by her most trusted friend. "Don't worry, there won't a single scratch on my face,"

***

There was no way I was telling anyone that I was going to go hunting that family down. But before I even had the chance to leave through the doorway- my father and I bumped into each other in the hallway entrance.

Just Great. Plan Ruined.

"Good morning My Rose, you seem... quite early today," he says as he inspects my clothing and my suitcase. He frowned. "Where are you going?" he asked.

"Ah~ the Emperor asked for my presence..." I lied.

"The suitcase?" he said.

"...Mmhh... a few backups," I say, dodging a question. I must be an idiot. I don't even know! But I need this suitcase... this has all the important stamps, documents, and legal termination contract papers that I worked so hard to prepare last night.

"Is there no one escorting you today?" he asks me. I start laughing bitterly and pull out my tongue.

"Father, I am going to the Royal Palace, I went there yesterday without an escort too," I say. He frowned even more. It's not that easy to lie to my father that easily. He knows me too well. If he wanted he could have doubled check if the Emperor wants my presence or not. Hopefully, he doesn't doubt.

"Oh well, just have a maidservant escort you," He says as he eyes a maid. The maids nodded. I frowned. Not good. Can't have people be suspicious that I want to do weird things.

"Ah, father, nothing much to worry about. I told you, it's just the Emperor asking for my presence...anyways, I am going," I say.

"Then, have a wonderful time," he says as he smiles. I smile back. Haha! I fooled him alright! I think I am getting better.

"Bye-bye, Father," I say as I rush out the door not even letting anyone follow me.

***

The carriage ride to the Town was a little bumpy. I did a little bit of research on the Myer family backgrounds. I think I guessed it right... they weren't actually noble but a wealthy merchant family. Their wealth can be compared to those of a powerful Marquess.

We may have a lot of difference in wealth, but the Myers family have strong backups. They have the Royal Family of two Kingdoms support them. Of course, the Crest Dukedom cannot dare to go against Royalty no matter the cost.

But the Myers family never invested money on settlements. They always stocked merchandise by the Local Harbor. So why did they chose to settle in Emperizia than anywhere else? And more exactly... why did they decide to slander the Crest Family name so harshly?

Is it because of Rebellion to the Royal Throne? The Crest Family is known to be the most famous house remembered to be loyal to the Royal Crown for ten generations. So is that why? I know that the Myers family come from another foreign country... but how did they know about the Crest family?

Rumors? That might be it. Now I have a lot of interest in investing in the network of merchandise and business. Hmm... maybe... I too need the backups of other countries. Should I befriend the Myers? Or should I consider them the enemy?

Are the Myers trying to pursue Rebellion in Emperizia and cause the Civil War? There is only way to find out. I need a one vs. one talk in disguise.

...

"Stop right there!" I stopped the carriage in front of an alleyway. The coachman seemed confused when he watched me go down out from the coach.

"Miss? Ah~ where are you going?" the coachman asked. I threw him three gold coins and told him:

"Tell my father that you dropped me in front of the Royal Garden!"

He seemed confused as I ignored his reaction of blanking out as I disappeared into the dark and a very narrow alleyway. I went inside and put on a dark brown dirty cloak around me. I borrowed this from Lillia's collection.

Seeing that no one was around in the dark narrow alleyway, I opened my suitcase and dropped off all of my pieces of jewelry and expensive garments. Instead, I wore a simple necklace around me. After that, I exited the other side of the alleyway.

***

I ran towards another coachman, (coachmen were really rare to be found) and took off my hoodie and said: "Do you know where XXX shop is?"

That man looked me at awkwardly and said: "Sorry Young Miss, but I work for another Young Master, please forgive me,"

I frowned but then showed him a pocket of gold coins. That man frowned and then looked at another direction and then looked at me. He did this again. I frowned and followed his sight. He was looking at a coffee shop.

I frowned as I sighed. Well, he belonged to someone else and I shouldn't be holding him up for his duties. I walked away in another direction. I am not exactly what I would call, a patient person. Instead, I walked in another direction. But the coachman did yell:

"Miss! I think I know a fellow friend of mines who can give you a ride,"

I turned around happily and asked him,

"Is he here with you at this current moment? I am afraid I don't know around this place," I say. Besides I wasn't fond of walking in crowded areas.

"...A young lady looking for a ride? May I ask you what you are doing in this crowded place?" someone asked from behind. I turned around and flinched when I saw them. Soon I froze. Holy shit. WHY??