The princess tilts her head slightly, considering Trish's words. "Very well," she says at last. "I will find something more... modest to wear for this journey." With that, she turns and begins to walk toward the scent of sugar once more, her movements graceful and fluid despite being in an unfamiliar world.

As they approach Candy Castle, its towers and turrets visible above the treetops, Princess Apex Predator pauses for a moment to glance back at Trish. "

"Very well," the princess says, her tone cool and detached as always. She climbs onto Trish's back without protest, wrapping her arms around the lynx's neck for support. As they begin to move faster through the forest, Princess Apex Predator closes her eyes, seemingly content to trust in Trish's instincts and abilities as a guide.

After several minutes of traveling in this manner, the outline of Candy Castle comes into view beyond the treetops.

You don't remember much about how you got here, only that one moment of pain and darkness before awareness returned to you. You blink a few times, taking in your surroundings: the soft green grass beneath your feet, the colorful candy buildings in the distance, and most importantly, Princess Apex Predator standing before you.

She's dressed in armor made of taffy and wields a sword that glints menacingly in the sunlight. Her eyes are fixed on something behind you, and she has one hand resting on her hip while she tilts her head curiously.

"Who... who are you?"

Hmph. Fine. If he's not going to talk, I'll just have to take the lead. Princess Apex Predator clears her throat loudly and says, "You're in Candy Land now, stranger. My name is Princess Apex Predator." She glances at him again before continuing, "I assume you didn't come here by choice?"

He nods silently.

"Well," Princess Apex Predator says slowly, "it seems we have a bit of an... arrangement to discuss." Her expression turns serious as she studies him more carefully. "You see, I am the protector of Candy Land.

As Lucy speaks these words, the princess' eyes go wide with understanding. She looks to Lady Mint for confirmation, who nods slowly in agreement. "Oh! I see," Princess Apex Predator says, her voice a mix of surprise and amusement. "So that was your plan all along."

She chuckles lightly before turning back to Lucy with a serious expression on her face. "Forgive me for misunderstanding you earlier," she says sincerely. "

It's clear that Princess Apex Predator takes her responsibilities seriously, and Lucy can tell she's not someone who would make a promise lightly. This only serves to increase her trust in the princess further. With their misunderstanding cleared up, they can now focus on working together towards their shared goal: defeating Demon King Salty and returning home.