With the presence of Princess Agnes, the heated argument between the ladies was put to a halt. Princess Agnes truly suited the position of the empress. She didn't have to question the ladies about what happened but feigned ignorance about it, whilst diverting their attention to a much more 'intelligent' topic they all could learn from and enjoy.
In the end, the ladies ended up on a less terrible note; Lady Julienne, however, was still apparently displeased but had to hold her emotions in. When the afternoon tea ended, Lady Ivory was the first to excuse herself, as she could no longer endure their 'insufferable' presence.
"Hah…" Suzanne rolled her eyes as the two ladies departed the pavilion. She didn't even conceal her attitude, despite that Princess Agnes was still sitting with them.
"Suzanne, you need to practice self-control," said Aries with a faint sigh. "You too, Sybil."
"But my lady." Sybil frowned, her shoulders mild. "How can we not get riled up when she brought up your health issues and made it sound like you are not fit to become a candidate?"
"I don't regret fighting with her. The look on her face was satisfying," Suzanne added with a shallow huff.
Aries shook her head mildly but didn't scold them for it. She shifted her eyes to Princess Agnes, smiling at them modestly.
"Apologies, Your Highness. But we have to excuse ourselves first," said Aries to the princess. "It was a well-spent afternoon with the candidates, knowing the competition is coming to an end."
Princess Agnes kept her smile while studying Aries's demeanor.
"Lady Vandran, will you take a stroll with me?" she asked. "I know you probably want to rest, but I don't think we will have this leisure in the following days."
The corner of Aries's lips turned up even more as if she was expecting such a request. She cast Suzanne a look, and then at Sybil. The two princesses had their brows raised, sizing up Princess Agnes as if weighing if she was good news or just as terrible as the narcissistic Lady Ivory.
"Suzanne, Sybil, I will go with Her Highness. You may go first," Aries announced politely, keeping her smile, holding Princess Agnes's gaze. "I agree with Her Highness. We might not have the leisure to take a stroll together since the competition is coming to an end."
Aries and Princess Agnes stared at each other with a friendly smile. Meanwhile, Sybil and Suzanne darted their eyes between the two official candidates, tilting their heads a little to the side.
With that being said, Sybil and Suzanne bid the two farewells and sauntered off while Aries and Princess Agnes walked in the opposite direction.
Silence slowly reigned over Aries and Princess Agnes, walking through the gravel path, enjoying the fresh and slightly chilly air kissing their beautiful faces.
"Were you expecting me to make such a request, my lady?" Princess Agnes broke the stillness in the air after another minute of nothing but silence. She cast Aries, who was walking beside her, a cursory look.
"With our last discussion, it wouldn't be a surprise you'd want to talk to me." Aries smiled, treading carefully. "The last time took me off guard, and I am unsure if I reacted accordingly."
"It was abrupt, so it was understandable." Princess Agnes chuckled, slowing down to match Aries's pace. "So… now that the competition is coming to an end, have you thought about my proposal, my lady?"
Aries slowed down a step, quirking a brow at her. "I did. However, I was curious about how far this support can go?"
"You had probably heard about the current race. Although I am not completely confident, I know I have the chance to win." The princess's lips curled up humbly, casting Aries a sidelong glance. "I can forfeit the competition."
"Bold, I say. However, there's still Lady Ivory."
Princess Agnes chuckled with lips closed. "Right… there's still Lady Ivory."
"Hah… you don't think Lady Ivory has the chance?"
"I just don't think she was actually a part of this competition," Princess Agnes corrected, causing Aries's brows to arch even higher. "I am aware Lady Norwood was good in her own right, however, she wasn't exceptional. Her skills… average, and although her beauty was worth remembering, beauty fades. Her personality cannot even back it up."
Her steps slowly came to a halt, facing Aries. "To put it simply, she would be a weak leader. I do not think the Emperor and the royal court would want a weak leader, especially with a tyrant husband."
"So you're saying all this time, it's just… you?"
"I will not say that. Lady Vandran is remarkable." Princess Agnes motioned her hand, and the two resumed their stroll. "To be truthful, I am not as confident as I sound. There was still a part of me who believes you will win on your own."
"Aren't you afraid that will make me reconsider your offer?"
"No." The princess let out another chuckle, shaking her head mildly. "Because I trust that Lady Vandran is wise and is on the same page as I am. Even if you knew you were doing well on your own, you cannot be complacent. You need reassurance."
She then cocked her head back as her eyes fell on Aries's side profile. "I can give you that reassurance, my lady. I might've said Lady Ivory was a weak leader, she might get lucky. That applies to you and me."
"Luck…" Aries chuckled weakly. "... is such a strange thing."
"Indeed. Luck has an influence like no other. It could even save a life."
"I cannot deny that." Aries rocked her head, pressing her lips into a thin line. As she kept her gaze ahead, her eyes fastened imperiously. She slowed down once more until she stopped, pivoting on her heel to face the beautiful and sophisticated Princess Agnes.
"Your Highness, I was curious. Why would you prefer forfeiting the title of the empress instead of claiming it for your own?" asked Aries out of plain curiosity. "In that case, wouldn't you find this person you're looking for more efficiently? It'll also be good for your kingdom."
Princess Agnes didn't answer immediately, smiling at Aries warmly. She drew a deep breath, looking away as her eyes softened at the flowers.
"Because I cannot imagine my entire life being married to a man who thinks differently as I am," she said sincerely. "I… am not walking to hell with my own two feet."
She then set her eyes back at Aries and grinned. "This simple woman is just trying to survive."
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