Agatha's eyes were filled with pity. The reason she remembered about Lilac so clearly was because Lilac ended up becoming a pawn for the adults and after the world came to know about Lilac's origin she was killed and if that was not worse, she was assaulted by monsters in human skin.
In her previous life, Agatha only learned about her story after Lilac was no longer alive. It remained in her consciousness, she became a queen who couldn't protect someone like Lilac.
Agatha squatted down to match her level. She took off the veil, covering her face. Agatha could only pat her head gently, "Do you know where Mary is?" Agatha questioned.
If Agatha wanted to save Lilac, the first person she needed to tackle was the prostitute who was Lilac's guardian in name but in reality, she was the biggest abuser to her and later, threw her into prostitution when one of her clients took interest at Lilac and she would be no more than eight when that happened.
Lilac was perplexed by her. It was not an everyday thing that someone talked to nicely or a lady visiting such places. Lilac was no more than four years old but she already knew how harsh this world was. Just a small gesture from her was the first thing she experienced. A warm ray of sunlight in her cold world.
Lilac pointed towards the brothel house beside them. Agatha sighed. What was she expecting even? It was Mary after all. Everything Agatha remembers how much Lilac went through because of that damn woman, her blood boils.
Agatha tried to keep calm, gently smiling at her, "Lilac, would you like to live in my place?" Agatha questioned, her eyes determined and hopeful. It was all useless if Lilac didn't wish to be.
Lilac's pupils widened in shock, but it wasn't long till they drooped down. Mary might have taken her in as a daughter in front of Adolphus, but she doesn't even let Lilac call her mother or introduce her to others as her daughter. To others, Lilac was an orphan, who sits by the brothel house like a stray dog. Mary doesn't even provide a roof over Lilac's head. Lilac always sits by the brothel house, from the time she has known the world. The brothel lady sometimes feeds her and sometimes the people going through the road take pity and throw some food.
"W-would…yo-you…give m-e…food?" Lilac asked, trying to control her stutters.
That question of Lilac broke Agatha's heart. She was four years old. How can one be so cruel? It was not like Adolphus never paid them. Agatha wanted to bury those people alive but more than them she cared about her.
"Yes, you can eat as much as you wish," Agatha answered her question.
Lilac's eyes dilated in joy, nodding her head aggressively to her earlier question. Agatha smiled seeing her beaming in joy. She gave her a hand, helping Lilac stand up. Lilac did as she asked her, holding onto her hand tight as if she feared her dream might come to an end if she let go of that hand. Agatha didn't mind, as long as Lilac didn't meet her tragic ending. She would do anything.
Agatha walked towards the entrance of the brothel, hiding her face with the veil. The entrance was filled with prostitutes and customers but lucky for her, Mary was walking out of the brothel house, her arm linked around a stout middle-aged man's arm.
"Visit us once again." Mary waved goodbye when Agatha walked up to her holding Lilac.
"Mary," Agatha called out, causing Mary to turn her head towards Agatha's direction. At first, Mary didn't pay much attention. Many wives come to cuss at prostitutes for sleeping with their husbands. She must be another one of those…but Mary's brows furrowed on seeing Lilac behind her, holding her hand.
"Let's talk, shall we?" Agatha calmly spoke but her words were firm like an order.
Mary didn't want to think further, no one could know about Lilac's origin. Except for Adolphus and her, no one knew. There was no chance.
"Who are you even?" Mary scoffed, rolling her eyes.
"Does it matter? I will come straight to the point, I wish to take Lilac with me." Agatha declared.
If Agatha wanted she could take Lilac with her without even asking Mary as no one knew Mary was Lilac's guardian. But, that would complicate things if someday Mary decides to plot against her and the good thing was the brothel house was filled with people to be witnesses for later.
Mary was delighted hearing Agatha's offering, earning money while not taking care of that demonic child. What could be better but letting go without gaining some profit didn't sit right with her. Mary didn't show her joy and frowned, "And why should I agree with you? Who knows what kind of woman you—" Her words were cut off when Agatha took off her necklace and threw it at her.
Mary looked at the sapphire necklace, it was enough for her to live a lifetime. Who knew that demonic child would bring her such luck?
"You can take her away." Mary shook her head in agreement, her gaze fixated on the necklace.
Agatha looked at Lilac who was watching the show, she patted her head, taking her towards her carriage. It was not like she was all selfless. Agatha also knows how skilled a swordsman Lilac would be. She died at the mere age of twelve but before then she had assassinated the whole family of Adolphus with only Adolphus surviving and ending her life. With proper guidance, she might be a warrior of high caliber.
Agatha reached the carriage where Stanley marched up and down, impatiently waiting for her return. On seeing Agatha, Stanley marched forward, with a tense face.
"Your Highness, are you alright? What took you—" Stanley stopped on noticing the peeking head, hiding behind Agatha. His brows furrowed together, as he glanced back at Agatha with questions.
"Her name is Lilac."