Experimenting Time!

Step 1: Break into the kitchen.

Step 2: I haven't thought that far ahead yet.

Let's start with step one and see where that leads us. 

Now is there any book in the library that can give me a easy step-by-step plan on how to break into a kitchen?

But where would that be placed? The books about kitchens contain recipes or ways to clean pots and pans faster.

Wait... is that the chef I see leaving the kitchen?

I rush to the kitchen with no plan in mind. 

I peek around the door to see if there's anyone there. There is another human being present. It's a little kid. 

"Hello!" I try to use my most cheerful voice that says this lady is not going to harm you. The kid gets spooked hearing my voice and dashes away, but not before it screams "I'm too young to die! Spare me!"

Shoot, I hope no one heard. I should hurry before the chef or someone who heard the little kid scream comes. 

The lemon tea is kept isolated from the other tea's. I never thought it was weird until now. They must've not wanted it to get mixed up. I pick up the lemon tea, put my gloves on and take out a little bag from my bag. I shouldn't take the whole stash, someone might find it weird. I shouldn't arouse anyone's suspicions. 

Gloves on? Check.

Tiny bag ready? Check.

Took only a pinch like a classy thief? Check.

Avoided detection while a child screamed about dying? …Well, we'll put a "pending" check there.

I take a pinch of the lemon tea, another type of tea called Dimon tea and the type the Imperial Family drinks: Black tea. The Dimon teas is a simple type of tea that commoners drink while the Black is mostly drank by nobles. 

Thud Thud

Someone's coming down the hallway. I have to hide. 

I (silently) run to the back door, only to see a white-haired man that could have angels begging at his feet.

Comparing him to me, you might think he's the royal here.

"What... are you doing?"

I put on my poker face, getting ready to run in case he decides to become a bee that wants to buzz about in my business. 

"I'm... helping the maids. Many of them have fallen ill. I decided to lend a helping hand."

"I've never heard of anyone from the Northern Imperial Family ever being that kind to maids."

"You think I'm a royal?"

"Well, now I do. Anyway, I've seen you before at the banquets that are meant to welcome people from all Empires. But I was doubting myself, especially once I saw how you were dressed."

"I'm dressed perfectly fine. Gloves are quite in fashion nowadays." If I stay longer, someone might come and he might catch onto my lie about how I'm helping the maids.

"If you say so. This is your Empire."

"Well since this is my Empire, I can leave whenever I want to. So, goodbye stranger. I hope to see you again... when you're better dressed for meeting me." I leave, seeing a maid heading our way and applauding myself for getting out of there in time.

I arrive at my room and see my lovely brother standing at the door "Hello, brother, what a rare sight to see you at my room." I smile sweetly. 

"Father told me to tell you that there's a banquet being held day after tomorrow. People from different Empires will be coming."He looks me up and down. Criticizing my clothing. "At least... on the day of the banquet, be properly dressed. Father says to wear something that doesn't insult our Empire." He leaves in a hurry after criticizing my clothing. 

Who decided to make him the fashion police?

Looks like the plan to go to Father and persuade to him to allow me to go to a tea party isn't needed. But it does look like I'll have to put off the experimenting for after the banquet. 

I have to find a dress. Which is going to be hard. 

All of the proper designers will already be taken by the other nobles. After all, they must've been told of this banquet months ago. While I'm here, hearing about it two days before it happens. 

They say they want me to represent the Empire then they go ahead and pull stunts like these.

Though, I'm not saying I want them to stop. 

It helps me in my mission in bringing down the Imperial Family.