The Tyrant's Pet

Suzanne was someone who usually followed the trend. Even back in her home, before a dress would be out to the market, she would already have a piece. However, she too couldn't deny that the current trend in the Haimirich Empire was far too plain… or too dramatic.

To put it simply, it was bad.

Seeing the reaction of the three: Aries, Veronika, and even Sybil, Suzanne wasn't being too picky. The dress was ugly, and it didn't suit her at all. With a huffed, Suzanne clutched her skirt and stomped away.

There was no point in carrying all that weight when she didn't need to hear anyone's comment to know what they think. Good thing she took the girls, or else the clerks would just compliment her to heaven.

In the end, Suzanne only bought a couple of dresses that weren't in the trend but suit her. After that, the three of them left the boutique, strolling the safe street of the capital. That was the plan anyway, to enjoy the day strolling as individuals and not as candidates competing for a title.

"Anne, I didn't know you heard that rumor." Aries cast Suzanne a look as they walked side by side. Behind them were Sybil and Veronika, with the latter scolding Sybil for being clumsy.

Suzanne glanced at Aries and sighed. "I just heard it in passing as the ladies in the Hyacinth Palace were talking about it among themselves."

"So everyone had heard about it? It seemed Veronika and I were too slow to pick up such rumors."

"That Princess probably heard about it but didn't care. All she can think about is polishing her swords. Hence, it probably didn't register in her thick head." Suzanne huffed, treading carefully, eyes on Aries's side profile. "Also, you are also too busy, my lady."

"I am?" Aries's brows knitted while Suzanne nodded.

"After our classes and activities as the candidates, you usually lock yourself in your chambers. I hadn't seen you wander the Hyacinth Palace and whenever you spend time with us, you're always the first person to leave." Suzanne pointed out which was nothing but the truth.

Aries had been particularly someone who didn't seem to take the selection seriously. And by that, what Suzanne meant was that even though Aries was doing great and fulfilling her duties as a candidate, she seemed to not exert an effort to mingle with the other ladies.

To put it simply, Aries's actions were like she was simply going to work, and don't bring any work once she clocked out.

"This is why Lady Ivory's group thinks you are simply arrogant." This time, Aries's brows rose at Suzanne's last remarks, confusion apparent in her emerald eyes. Seeing Aries's reaction, Suzanne let out a deep exhale.

"My lady, I'm starting to worry about you," Suzanne confessed under a breath. "How can you not notice their obvious hostility towards you in particular?"

"I don't think it's obvious."

Suzanne scoffed, stopping in her steps to face Aries squarely. The latter flinched when Suzanne grabbed her shoulders.

"Daniella, since we're now friends and call each other by the first name, I hope you do not find my action and words rude. However, are you dense?"

"Pardon?" Aries blinked twice, casting Veronika and Sybil a look, only to see the two tilt their heads to the side. Before Veronika could speak her displeasure at Suzanne's 'rudeness', Suzanne clicked her tongue and faced the other two.

"Don't you think Daniella is a little nonchalant?" she asked, warranting a "huh?" from the other two. "It was obvious Lady Ivory disliked her and that Lady Julienne would always pick on her. However, she's saying she didn't know anything about it."

Sybil blinked innocently. "Lady Daniella, how come you haven't noticed that?"

"You mean to say you simply do not know that and aren't purposely ignoring them?" Veronika frowned.

Aries scanned their expressions and gulped. She looked up, recalling what had happened in the past two weeks since the selection had started.

The first week was rather peaceful, and Aries was happy since Abel had been with her most of the time. He would be even present during her lessons with Marsella, and she had to watch and listen to Marsella and Abel's usual argument. That was the reason Aries would always lock herself inside her chambers.

In the second week of the competition, Aries cocked her head to the side. A gigantic question mark appeared in her speech bubble. Seeing the cluelessness dominating her face, the three realized Aries wasn't simply ignoring the mild bullying in the Hyacinth Palace.

Who would call it bullying if the victim wasn't even aware of it?

"Daniella, remember our third session in the etiquette class?" Suzanne let out a deep exhale. "Lady Julienne purposely dropped her book, so you picked it up for her?"

"Oh…" Aries's lips formed an o-shape, barely remembering such a scenario happening, probably because Abel didn't let her sleep the entire night.

"How about the time she was verbally picking on you during our tea lessons?" Sybil perked up in intrigued. "Lady Julienne purposely scolded you for making a sound."

"She did?" Aries cocked her head to the side. That she remembered, but she thought Lady Julienne was simply reminding her. Also, Aries blamed Abel for that, since they were chatting in her head. Talk about owning not just her heart but also her mind. Abel had kept her busy and had taken advantage of their telepathic link.

The three of them listed down the time Lady Ivory's group, particularly Lady Julienne, picked on Aries, but to no avail. Aries didn't know all that. She didn't purposely ignore it for any reason, but it was because she wasn't mentally there.

"That's why we thought what happened to Lady Julienne is karma." Suzanne let out a deep exhale, shaking her head, almost giving up on Aries. "I am unsure whether to laugh or cry with this revelation."

"Apologies, if my thoughtlessness worried you." Aries flashed them a subtle smile. Although she didn't care about what they said, she was touched that these three were looking out for her. No wonder the three of them were also wary of Lady Ivory's group.

As Aries's lips parted once more to add something to her remarks, she caught a carriage from the corner of her eyes. She turned and saw a carriage moving at the fastest speed, but her pupils dilated when she saw a child running across the street.

"Wait!" Aries didn't think and simply yelled, lurching forward to pull the child or push her. Aries wasn't sure and followed her instinct, tipping the child's shoulder to push her away from the middle of the street. However, as soon as she did, the loud neigh of the horses rang from her side.

When she turned, all she saw were the horses' hooves over her. Her eyes dilated, and her heart stopped for a second.