The Tyrant's Pet

"Right… she's the boss I'm talking about who wants to help you."

Ismael thought of all the people who could employ this armored knight. The crown princess crossed his head briefly, but so far, the crown princess had shown no sign she was involved in anything. He was certain of that since he had planted his people to keep a close eye on the 'new ally' of the crown prince.

Although it was too early to assume the crown princess would become Joaquin's ally, their relationship so far was good. If the crown princess was a little bit stupid, whose heart was bigger than her head, she would fall for Joaquin's virulent spells.

But never did Ismael think Aries would've already gained a foothold in this political strife. She was a potential, but…

"Aries…" he blurted out under his breath, staring at her with eyes full of disbelief. "… so you're…"

"… that woman," Aries stressed the words that failed to come out of his mouth.

Ismael blinked countless times as he processed this revelation. If she was really that Aries from the fallen kingdom of Rikhill, then this entire situation had turned for the worst.

Everyone had doubted her origins, but she wasn't like the Aries everyone knew except for this face. Therefore, some who barely knew her, just like Ismael, thought it was just as simple as an uncanny resemblance. While there were others who were heavily involved with Aries and the demise of Rikhill, like Joaquin, simply went with the flow.

How, why, when, what… none of those hovered over his head. The answer was already obvious and asking her motives was plain stupid. She returned with a vengeance. How she became the beloved sister of the revered Marquess Vandran in Haimirich didn't matter; she was capable and had her ways.

"Why don't you take a seat, Your Highness? I believed you have a lot of questions. It's better if we chat in comfort." Aries smirked, enjoying the sight of Ismael as realization dawned on him. The latter snapped his eyes, lips quivering, moving his trembling feet to the set of couches, and sat on the one-seater armchair across from her.

"Sir Conan, aren't you tired of wearing that full body armor all day long?" Instead of focusing on Ismael, Aries could not help but glance at Conan, who perched on the other chair. "That is not the essence of vacation."

"But I like it." Conan held the helm of his armor and carefully removed it as he continued. "You won't believe how many ladies fancied me just by wearing this armor."

"Fancied…" she scrunched her nose up, watching Conan run his hand through his hair with his hairline and roots damped with sweats. "I'm certain you caught their eyes because they found you strange wearing combat armor."

Aries shook her head. Fortunately, the seventh prince, who was also Joaquin's sword, wore his full body armor in the palace to hide the ugly scar across his face, his men also walked around in their full-body armor as a gesture of respect to their captain.

"Lady Aries, how can you say that?! I am charming! Are you saying this vacation wouldn't be fruitful? I might become a married man soon…!"

While Conan rambled, Ismael remained silent. He darted his eyes between the two, sensing that they were rather relaxed despite the current situation. For goodness' sake! Someone was probably being tortured as they speak! But then again, Ismael couldn't blame them.

Whatever would happen to Ismael's people, it wasn't these two's responsibilities, nor it was their concern. Whether they end this meeting on a good note or they wouldn't get to a mutual understanding, Aries would still be the crown princess. She wouldn't gain anything, sure, but she wouldn't also lose anything if they didn't shake hands.

That fact was like a tight slap on Ismael's face.

Right now, he was the one who needed Aries. Although he didn't do anything to her in the past, a person with vengeance only had one thing in mind: destruction. That was just the mildest one if he considered the empire that sent this vengeful soul to the Maganti.

"Right." Aries cleared her throat as she refocused her eyes on Ismael, making the latter look back at her with vigilance in his eyes. She smiled, yet it didn't reach her eyes.

"Apologies, Your Highness. It was rude of us to banter like children in your presence."

"Not at all, your royal highness. I am simply appalled by many things. As you already know, I…" His breath hitched, but he still forced his voice out of his throat while trying to sound formal. "I made a miscalculation."

"You did." She nodded in agreement, still in awe at how Ismael admitted to his mistakes, which were quite rare in the royalties. However, she wasn't surprised about it since had seen through his smoke and mirrors.

"However, it seems your highness didn't understand well which mistake he committed," she added, smacking her lips, and shaking her foot. "It was true that until you decided an hour ago, you were the person whose existence put a balance in power in the royal court. However, my husband's bold provocation had rattled you, which was the entire goal. I understand, though, since anyone would be filled with anxiety if the opposing party had displayed such confidence."

Aries tilted her head, studying Ismael's somber expression. "Thing is, that sort of mistake isn't what entirely brought you into this situation. The gravest miscalculation you had done is fighting fair and square, your Highness. Those who fight fairly… always meet a harsh end."

"Just look at Rikhill. Where is it now?" she inquired, raising her brows as she flashed him a knowing look. "Although there is still a part of me that sincerely believed evilness will never win against the good… that method doesn't work on me, sadly. Maybe for others, but not for me."

"What are you planning?" he asked, and his direct question brought a smile to her face.

"An eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth," came out an unhesitant answer while bearing a smile. "This morning, you said I should come to your side. Your Highness, I will never come to your side. But... I am inviting you to come over to my side."

Her eyes glinted as she kept them locked with him. "The justice system in Maganti failed you. So, why not come to me? I'll surely give them a satisfying verdict that adhered to the only law I follow; my law."