*A few hours later*

"You said they grew fast."

[I did.]

"So why aren’t they growing?"

[Princess Orchid would have the answer to that.]

"Well I’m not her, am I?!"

[Look in the mirror, hostie~]

Anna smacked her forehead hard. According to the system, the seeds were enhanced and could germinate in hours.

It had been three hours, and the pot was still full of dirt. No sign of growth. No sign of a shoot.

In this beast world, there was very minimal agriculture. Food from Anna’s time had been lost. And all Anna wanted right now was a taste of something familiar.

Some strawberries.

Anything that wasn’t those disgusting but tasteless nutrient pills and medicated water.

She was still on house arrest, as the culprit hasn’t been found yet. Anna was bored to tears, and the one thing she thought would cure her boredom didn’t.

With a heavy sigh, she slumped into her chair. Her fingers tested the edge of the flower pot. She watched as her spores, a light pink, flowed steadily from her skin.

"What did the original Princess do in her free time?"

[Princess Orchid rarely had free time. She was always busy.] the System replied.

Anna thought about the high strung Princess in her laboratory, cooking up new murder methods, and sighed.

"Maybe I’ll go find Drax and—"

[Absolutely not!]

Anna jerked, startled at the loud tone the system had used. "Why? Sheesh. That’s the most emotion I’ve heard from you, System."

[Host, you must never, under any circumstance, seek your husband Drax. Never. Don’t even think about it.]

"Then maybe you shouldn’t have brought him up via memories?"

[I told you. I can’t choose the memories that get shown to you. Regardless, you must stay away from Drax.]

"Why?"

[That’s all I’m allowed to say.]

"Come on. First you show me that hot memory, and now you tell me not to look for him? At least give me a clue. Give me something!"

[You want something? Here’s a task for you. Accuse an innocent person of trying to kill you. Reward depends on how well you’re able to execute this task. You have three hours, host. Remember that the penalty for noncompliance is totally at my discretion.]

Anna’s blood chilled and fear gripped her heart. "Hey! That’s totally unfair! Okay I take it back, huh? I’m not bored anymore. Hey System! System!"

She yelled and yelled but there was no reply.

Panic filled her insides and she got to her feet, pacing the floors restlessly. A glowing blue screen appeared in front of her, showing

02:59:56

"Fuck!" Anna screamed, running her fingers through her hair.

This is bad. This is terribly bad! How am I supposed to accuse an innocent person?!

This kingdom doesn’t joke about their Princess. If I accuse anyone, they’ll be dead before sunset! It’s a sheer miracle that Leon was saved!

Hot tears pricked Anna’s eyes. She felt guilty already, even though she hadn’t stepped out of her room.

She had the distinct feeling that she was being punished by the system.

But she didn’t know why.

The timer continued to click down.

Anna ran her fingers through her hair, screaming in frustration.

A knock sounded on the door, pulling her from her frantic thoughts.

"Your highness," a deep, chilly voice called.

"Azul," Anna gasped.

She ran over to the mirror, fixed her appearance. Her eyes scanned to the timer. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she gathered her gown in her hands and ran over to the door.

Outside the door, Azul stood waiting for her. His clothes had changed into casual wear, but the white fur coat still draped from his shoulders. His hair was neatly tied in a loose braid hanging down the middle of his back. On seeing Anna, he bowed.

"Pardon my interruption, I require only a minute of your time."

Anna rushed up to him and grabbed his large hand. "You’re right on time! I almost forgot, please forgive me."

Azul cocked an inquisitive brow. He glanced briefly at the guards, both of whom looked uncomfortable and stepped back. Then he turned back to Anna.

"I’m not following,"

Anna slapped on a bright smile. "Our date, right? Don’t tell me you forgot too! Oh my, what shall we do then? It was supposed to be a relaxing afternoon for us, Azul."

Azul’s stoic expression didn’t change but he gave a subtle nod. "My deepest apologies, your highness. Allow me to make it up to you."

You’re a darling, Azul! Anna cheered in her mind, making a mental note to thank him for this.

Then, she spun on the guards and hardened her expression. "I have a date with my husband. Do not come looking for me, or you’ll lose your eyes."

The guards shivered and immediately bowed. "Y-yes your highness! We wouldn’t dare!"

Again, the feeling of intoxicating power came rushing back.

Anna didn’t know she was smiling till she felt her cheeks hurt.