Sold For My Body

Chapter 9.1: The Reality

To be honest, I am a little bit scared. This is actually my first time going to the Palace, so I’m not that familiar with the rules there. I need to be extra careful and adapt to the behavior of the other nobles well, so that I can pass as an actual scholar in their eyes. 

After changing into plain clothes, I waited on the street that was mentioned in the letter. A few minutes later, a grand-looking carriage stopped in front of me. The coachman opened the door for me and I went in. I noticed a man sitting across from me with a dignified expression. I realized it was the same as the one I saw with the illustration from Miss Ava. 

“Greetings, Lord Robert Jose.” I said with a curt tone and bowed my head. He only gave me a small nod before looking away again. He’s wearing extremely expensive clothing, and the air around him screams of pride and nobility.

“You must be the new hired informant that Ava mentioned. You are younger than I thought.” He replied while looking at me.

“Yes, please take care of me.” I replied politely and he nodded once more.

“Just do what you are being told. I won’t save you if you cause any trouble for yourself.” He said with notable indifference and I bowed to him.

“Yes, my lord.” 

Before going in, one of his servants handed me a white robe, which looked high-quality. I was told to wear it before entering the Palace. I’ve been doing my best to keep a poker face the whole time, but I couldn’t hide my emotions when I saw just how large the Palace was! I watched with amazement as we slowly travelled towards the entrance. The Palace and the land surrounding it was so big that if you wander around, you will easily get lost. We get welcomed and assisted inside by the guards. I made sure to stick close to Sir Richard.

After a few more minutes of walking, we finally entered the hallway. Everything inside is amazing! The ceiling had this huge, beautifully-crafted chandelier hanging in the middle. There were many beautiful portraits of noble people that hung on the walls, and it looks like most of  the displayed furniture is mostly made with gold. Everything inside screams money! I wonder how much each of the things in here costs? Maybe one or two items will free me from the hands of the organization? I had to pause for a while to shake off those thoughts. I need to stop thinking like that if I don’t want to get killed early.

“Please wait inside.” The guard bowed before walking away and we were led inside a huge room. There are other people present, all dressed neatly, and they are having different kinds of conversations with each other. They all looked like they were from high society, and were talking about things with difficult topics. The room screams pressure and I can feel it. I need to be aware of my movements here.

“Lord Robert!” I heard a man calling us from behind and Sir Robert looked there immediately. I clutched the books and papers to my chest as I felt him coming towards our direction. I looked down and maintained a distance from the two of them. They might know each other, so I need to move aside so I won’t get in the way.

“Sir Montez!” Sir Robert answered energetically. They started talking to each other for a while before the man he called Sir Montez noticed me beside him. I was introduced as his scholar who’s here to observe. I bowed my head and they continued talking.

I observed the hall and everyone in it from a distance. I’m trying to memorize the faces of these people because I might need that information later. I can also see other guests accompanied by people who are dressed similarly to me. They must be scholars that came to observe as well.

Moments later, the meeting started. We were told to get seated on a big rectangular table. Everyone seems to be invested in the topic. This meeting is simply about the supply and demand of the goods that circulate the empire. Good thing I took an economics class before everything went downhill for my life.

“And so, getting direct products from the suppliers will give us low cost supplies. It will give us double of the raw materials we are usually getting.” Someone said and I agreed. The low cost supplies can make the Empire’s expenses lessen in half and give our merchants better profit.

I wonder what Miss Ava wants to gain about this meeting. All they’re talking about is finding a better way to get supplies from the local suppliers. I think that it was all good, and I don’t see the point of this meeting because the topic was more basic than I thought. A few more related discussions occurred before someone came in and announced something to us.

“The crown prince has arrived!” He said before moving aside to make way for him. After hearing that, I felt my heart skip a beat. Why is that man here? I thought it was only going to be a representative from the royal family? This was not written in the memo earlier!

I lifted my gaze a little and saw a very handsome man entering with a blank face. Canary was right! He is indeed handsome. His bright blue eyes scream royalty and his light colored hair makes him look like a prince straight out of a book! It made me wonder if all of those books were based on him, because he looked like a perfect replica. His build was also good; he must be training every day. I wonder how old he is...

“Let me hear the discussion, can someone do a summary for me?” He sat down on one of the chairs and crossed his legs, emitting an aura of authority. It looks like everyone felt a little pressured by his question. They are all greeting the prince but no one volunteered to speak yet. A sloppy explanation could incur his wrath after all, no one would volunteer to summarize the entire meeting without preparing their heart and mind.

I was too busy admiring his features, and was too late to realize that I was looking at him longer than I am supposed to. I think he noticed me! Our eyes met but I immediately turned away, pretending to be focused on something else. I internally hit myself in anger. I should’ve just lowered my gaze!

“I heard that there are scholars attending this meeting to experience how things are done.” He smirked. “You are the future of the empire. The next generation of our deep thinkers. It is important that you hone your skills early. And so, I want to hear from one of the scholars.” He declared loudly and I could see how the other flinched at his words. 

I tried to avoid looking at him and just stared at the ground nervously. Right now, I just hope that I won't get called and have to speak in front of everyone. I was told that I need to keep a low profile, and that I must not get too much attention. And talking in front of the crown prince and the other attendees would be the complete opposite of that.

“No one wants to volunteer? Then, I will call for that woman. The one wearing glasses.” I heard him say. I looked up to see who the unlucky person he was pointing at was, and to my surprise, it was me!

This is not good! Why did he choose me? I can’t believe this. 

Everyone turned to my side, waiting for me to speak while holding their breaths. It must be because they were afraid of getting caught in my punishment if I failed, but they looked at me with sharp eyes. It’s as if they’re telling me to answer properly through their eyes. I sighed in resignation. I definitely failed to keep a low profile. 

But I need to relax! I understood everything that was discussed since I was listening so intently. I just need to get it over with and not gain any more attention after I rest my case.

“Speak.” The crown prince commanded.