"Do you accept? No matter how you see it, Your Highness has nothing to lose." I say in a vendor-like manner. No matter what, the deal needs to be done today!

"I have a question. Why do you intend to help me become the next emperor? Everyone knows that Aiden is more likely to be the next one."

I scoff in disgust. "I think Your Highness of all people should know how Ardiane will unfold if that scumbag becomes the emperor."

"Scumbag?"

"That evil two-faced guy doesn't deserve to be called a prince. He acts like 'Hello. I'm the empire's precious diamond for you all' when he's actually the 'I'm a plagiarized diamond made by a pirated company'. I'm sure the empire, no. The world would be better without his existence." I purposely make fun of Aiden, the villain in my dream in front of Azher, the hero.

A laugh breaks out from him again. Though this time, it isn't a mocking laugh. It's a genuine laugh. "That's the first time anyone had ever insulted an imperial without hesitation in front of another imperial." He informs me, still laughing to his heart's content.

The sunray that shines through my room makes his face look stunning with his whole-hearted laugh. Somehow, all my negative thoughts about him fade in an instant. I stare at him in awe. He's acting like a cute little boy. I swear, if he lived in the modern world, he would be a famous world-class model or idol. I don't know why, but my hunches are telling me that it had been a long time since he could laugh like that – considering his cold attitude last night. The only response I can give is a sincere smile.

"So, is Your Highness agreeing on my deal?" I smile innocently, yet compulsively.

Like I just ruined his happiness, an annoying expression appears on his face. "For a noble young lady, you're very stubborn."

"It's called persistent." I reply nonchalantly.

"…Alright, let's form an alliance."

"Really?!" I ask in a cheerful manner.

"Only if you tell me what you know about the murder."

"Of course."

As he is eagerly waiting for my explanation, I hesitate before answering. Slowly tugging his sleeve, I move my eyeballs towards the window, signing him to look there too. Shifting his gaze, he spots the thing that made me hesitate. A bunch of maids is eavesdropping from the window outside. They must have thought there's something between us – since I had woken up but didn't call the maids and he's sitting next to my bed.

"When did they-"

"Rest assured, Your Highness. I'm sure they didn't hear any of our conversations." I answer before he could ask.

"I hope so. It would be a hassle to find someone to silence them."

"The window is at least 5 meters away. They can't hear us considering the normal limits to human perception."

"I suggest we stop here. We will continue some other time." I quickly close off our unfinished conversation.

"…" He grits his teeth. He's mad and, so do I. But at least I managed to draw the deal. I slightly glare at the maids outside. Just wait until I find every single one of you sneaky mouses!

"I should leave now and call Lord Julian to avoid any more suspicion." Azher stands up and grabs his blue-black coat which was placed on the sofa before heading to the door.

"We'll continue our talk later. Goodbye, Lady Airis."

I nod, and just like that he leaves, me alone in my room.