Flower of Steel

He apologetically answered, “His Highness has appointed you to report to him once again. I think he really likes your answers. It’s a drought preparation policy proposal for the upcoming drought season. Here’s the document for you to bring over to him.”

Damn it. So, you mean he wants me because I’m the easiest to bully?

***

“Your Highness, I heard you’ve called for me.”

The nutjob greeted me the moment I walked into his office, “Yes. Did you bring the drought preparation proposal?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” I answered.

He browsed over the proposal then made a reluctant nod. It seemed to have no flaws, as it was reviewed and approved by Vice Deputy Raymont. Then the Crown Prince said, “We sure need embankments. That will also help us in flooding.”

Adding to his words, I commented, “It has been found that we have about 60 embankments at the moment. Our estates total up to 300, including those on the outskirts. We are very lacking in the number of embankments even with the estates in close proximity. We are proposing to double the number of embankments as such.”

“And the location to put the embankments?”

“We are still reviewing that. We will pick out locations and bring it up to you for your review, Your Highness.”

“I see. Good work,” he answered.

Actually, I was honestly surprised to hear him praise me so easily. It was the first time I heard that from him. I was so surprised that I just stood there blinking without realizing it, and he made a faint smile. I was mesmerized by that smile until I heard a calm voice.

“Why don’t we take a walk? I have something to show you.”

Why is that nutjob acting so weird today? He sure is unpredictable. Usually, he wants to eat me alive so badly but look at him now.

“Y-Your Highness? Where are we going?”

“Just stay quiet and follow me,” replied the Crown Prince.

Even though I’m not the lowest ranking staff member, I’m only a mere official, so how could I disobey him? I have to obey if he wants me to.

***

I followed him, and we ended up deep into the Imperial Palace. The palace was north of the center where the bedroom of His Majesty the Emperor and the now-deceased Empress was located. It was off-limits to a mere official like me, but here I was. I suddenly realized the authority of the Crown Prince.

No one blocked us as I walked with the Crown Prince. We walked past the gates that were heavily guarded by guards as if it was nothing. Soon, as we walked in, I saw the Palace of the Moon. It seemed it was being well taken care of even after its owner, the Empress, was gone. But why did he take me here? I was becoming very curious when the Crown Prince suddenly turned to look at me. It took me by surprise.

“Come this way.”

He then lent me his hand. I hesitated to take it, so he grabbed my hand. The Crown Prince then walked straight into the building. This is very confusing. I avoided eye contact without realizing it but then became surprised by the sudden change in scenery and almost dropped the proposal he approved.

At first, I thought it was an ordinary building. However, sunlight shone through the glass roof above, and inside was filled with plants and trees. This was… a garden. A large amount of money was invested in this beautiful garden.

It was a scene that I dreamed of. No, I couldn’t even dream of this. Various flowers and trees that I couldn’t even think of getting because of their price were everywhere. I even saw rare flowers that could only be found on foreign soil. Even though my family became rich, I still couldn’t dare to afford them. There were flowers that cost 1000 gold per flower among those. I never thought I could see the rare flower that is only said to blossom on snowy mountain peaks in the north in real life. I had only seen a drawing of it in a book.