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"This simple woman is just trying to survive."

A soft gust of wind blew past them. The floral scent and the smell of grass wafted their nostrils. Aries stared at Princess Agnes, sizing her up, and was convinced the latter was telling her the truth.

In other words, Princess Agnes wanted to attain her goals, but not to the extent she could sacrifice her freedom.

"The emperor might be an outstanding leader, but he gives me nightmares. This may sound ridiculous, but I am a very passionate lady. I don\'t think I would attain romance with the emperor. A marriage with him… is like counting how many days I have left," Princess Agnes added in a light tone. "I cannot live my life in fear. Not to mention, the crown prince would surely make my life a living hell."

"You are discouraging me, Your Highness."

"Apologies, if that is how I sound. I\'m simply speaking from my heart." Princess Agnes approached the flowers on the side of the gravel path, looking at them with a subtle smile. "Ever since I stepped foot in the empire, I never had a good sleep. But no matter how worried I was, I couldn\'t show it to others. Like always… a princess should always smile even if her feet hurt wearing uncomfortable footwear or stay modest despite the harrowing situation she was in."

"Just the sheer thought of living in this place… makes me wonder what home feels like." She plucked out a flower and lifted it to her nose. She looked back at Aries and her smile grew even gentler, making the sophisticated and seemingly unshakeable princess appear… simple.

A lady with a simple wish but was born with a responsibility bigger than what she could carry on her shoulders. Perhaps it was because Aries was once a princess with a duty to conduct that she could understand Princess Agnes.

"Am I strange if I say there were times I wished to walk barefoot, perhaps run in the meadow under the warm glow of the first morning of spring? To pick up flowers on my way and make a garland, which I\'d put on her head?" Princess Agnes asked, holding the flower she pluck out in front of her. "It sounds strange… or shallow, isn\'t it?"

Aries\'s eyes softened, recalling a very important person who once said almost the exact things to her.

"No, I don\'t think it sounds shallow," Aries\'s voice was soft and understanding. "It sounds liberating. I think that\'s freedom."

Hearing Aries\'s response, Princess Agnes\'s smile grew warmer. This was the first time someone actually worded what she wished correctly. Freedom — something a royalty like her didn\'t have.

"That is why I am bargaining with you." Princess Agnes walked forward until she was a step away from Aries. "I want to know about the whereabouts of that woman and know what happened to her."

"Is she that important to you?" asked Aries, holding the princess\'s gaze, unfaltering. "I don\'t think she is, though. After all, if she\'s that important, you would give up your desire for freedom. Am I wrong?"

Princess Agnes smiled subtly. "No, you\'re not wrong, my lady. I want to know about her, but not at the cost of my lifelong dream."

"Why?" Aries threw a follow-up question immediately. "Why do you want to know about her? And how are you sure I want to walk to hell with my own feet?"

"I\'m doing it for someone," Princess Agnes remarked softly, her eyes fastening with longing. "I cannot disclose the details, but that someone was very close to my heart. As for your last inquiry, I just know."

She leaned her face slightly, looking at Aries straight in the eye. "The look in your eyes now is different from the last time we talked, my lady. The desire for power looked deeper and brighter now, making your beautiful emerald eyes appear red that were just as wild and bright as a wildfire in the middle of the night."

"You… want the crown and everything that comes along with it more devotedly than ever," Princess Agnes continued, drawing her head back. This time, her expression was solemn and firm. "And I can give you reassurance. You have one less competition."

The two ladies looked at each other for a moment silently. Another soft gust of wind blew past them, but unlike the floral scent previously, the air stunk of blood. Someone must\'ve died, they thought, but they didn\'t dwell on that thought.

"I said it previously, Your Highness. How far can this support will go?" Aries said quietly, taking a step forward to lessen their distance. "If you give up your participation, there\'s still Lady Norwood. We talked about luck and reassurance, and I can only be reassured if everyone doesn\'t have a choice but me."

Princess Agnes furrowed her brows as this unsettling feeling suddenly crawled under her skin. The fire in Aries\'s eyes made her want to step back, but at the same time, stilled her feet on the ground. Aries didn\'t feel that intimidating, but now, her aura and lust for power were enough to send a dread to the pit of the princess\'s stomach.

"You are a wise woman. I\'m sure you understood what I am talking about, Princess. " Aries carefully reached for the flower within the princess\'s grip and took it. She carefully slid the stem on top of Princess Agnes\'s ear and then snapped her eyes at her.

"I know where this woman you are looking for and I can tell you exactly where she is right now. However, prove yourself worthy." Aries smiled, lowering her hand, pleased at how the flower suited the princess. "I want Lady Ivory out of this competition without giving her a chance to send an appeal or the right to question the results. After all, she has a way with her words, and the last thing I want is someone instilling silly ideas into my future subjects."

Aries took a step back and flashed her a sweet smile. "A coronation that is filled with controversy is an omen to start my reign, don\'t you think, Princess?"