A small black object fell with a thump, and she thought it was a rat residing in the underground dungeon. But it was a bit too big for a rat and did not move.

She stared at the black lump that had fallen next to her foot and carefully picked it up.

It was a water container made of leather. It was quite heavy, filled with water.

“Starvation can be endured, but thirst is not so easy.”

A soft voice came from outside the bars, and Ariana stood up. A large, dark figure loomed outside the bars.

“It seems the matter with the Duke of Bronthe is not over.”

“Thought you’d be done and gone. Why are you still here?”

Instead of answering, Ariana looked down at the leather water container.

The lamp was lit with a clinking sound, and Cyrus, dressed as he was yesterday, appeared.

Already their fourth encounter, but she had not yet become accustomed to his face, which was too beautiful to be true. Could this really be the face of a human?

She didn’t want to accept Cyrus’s inexplicable kindness, but her thirst was too severe. She looked away from his face and looked down at the water bottle again, and Cyrus spoke.

“I’m not a petty man who considers a few sips of water a favor, so you can rest easy.”

“Why does Your Highness bestow such kindness upon me?”

“To talk about kindness over a few sips of water, your life is truly harsh.”

The calmly flowing voice settled in Ariana’s heart.

Contrary to his cold eyes and chilly body temperature, a few words were warm.

The fact that someone recognized this harsh life, accepted this life with a few sips of water as excessive kindness, almost shook her heart.

At that moment, Prince Herald Blenwit came to mind.

The affectionate look in his eyes toward Ariana, the gentle smile, the warm touch stroking Ariana’s cheek. The sweet and melodious words flowing from his lips.

“[dash]It must have been hard, Ariana. Why doesn’t everyone recognize someone as clever and beautiful as you?”

“[dash]Ariana, I need you. Only you can help me.”

“[dash]How could I have come this far without you? I’m so glad you’re here.”

All of it was a lie.

She found out too late that words could make anything, even fake emotions.

Thirsting for others’ affection, Ariana believed Prince’s affectionate words without doubt, and so, she died.

Thinking about it now, Prince was full of sweet words, but he never actually did anything for Ariana. He drove Ariana into a corner with his sweet words.

Her heart that was about to falter became cold again.

Ariana pushed the water bottle toward the bars.

“It would be better to bestow such kindness upon a woman you desire. There must be women in this mansion who want Your Highness’s kindness.”

“Ah, are you talking about the woman who hung my portrait?”

“You already know, so you only have to bestow your kindness. She’s the most valued lady of the Duke of Bronthe. She will be of great help to the Northern Emperor, with no place she can’t go, nothing she can’t say.”

“Well. I could find out where she got my portrait at least.”

“What will you use it for once you know?”

“Kill the one who drew it, kill the one who sold it, kill the one who bought it, kill the one who admired it.”

It flowed like a joke, but it felt sincere, and sent shivers down her spine.

All along, Cyrus had been talking like an ordinary man, and she had momentarily forgotten the rumors surrounding him.

Ariana bowed her head slightly.

“[dash]A merchant came from the north to the eastern street. They say he’s secretly selling the Northern Emperor’s portraits. Go and buy the biggest and bestdrawn one. I have to see how handsome he is.”

A month ago, an excited Helena called Ariana and ordered her.

The eastern street was a place where even the poor among the lower class lived, and it was dangerous with thieves and kidnappers roaming around.

Helena, as a regular noble girl, could not send her maids or servants to such a place, so she sent Ariana.
Ariana had no choice but to head eastward, draped in two wornout cloaks. It was terrifying, but she feared more the beating and confinement that would come from defying Helena’s orders.

A girl without a weapon, Ariana, trembling, walked down that dangerous street and found a merchant, and she was able to buy the portrait of the Northern Emperor safely.

The glances of the paupers towards Ariana, who was walking the street fearlessly alone, were not as scary as Cyrus’s eyes that said he would kill even the man who had bought the portrait.

‘Surely he wouldn’t be saying that knowing I bought it?’

Ariana slightly bit her lower lip.

“You suddenly stopped talking.”

Though she was extremely startled by his voice, Ariana replied calmly.

“I’m naturally reticent. I’ve heard that the Northern Emperor is also reticent.”

“Is that meant to tell me to shut up?”

“Since the distinguished Northern Emperor keeps misinterpreting my words, I’m not sure what to say in response.”

“If it’s not a misunderstanding, should I accept everything you’ve said to me so far?”

“Of course, Your Highness.”