Cecilia politely declined Anger’s invitation to dinner tonight.
Yesterday’s banquet had been nothing more than a formal courtesy meeting between the two parties.
Cecilia could tell that Anger, being a military man, was not skilled at handling such social situations. Refusing would make things easier for both sides.
Dinner would be delivered to her room today, of course, only after Cecilia ordered the preparations to begin.
Before dining, however, Cecilia still had one task unfinished.
But the time should be about right.
A knock sounded at the door, followed by the voice of a maid.
“Her Highness the Princess.”
“Come in.” Cecilia turned to face the door, looking at the maid who entered cautiously and stood with her head bowed. “Speak.”
“President Wesley of the Mibo Chamber of Commerce requests an audience. Although we have already informed him of your refusal to see visitors, he remains in the reception room and insists on sending word. Your Highness, what would you like us to do…?”
Just as expected.
Cecilia thought silently and rose from her seat. “Take me to see him.”
They walked down a corridor, stopping at a room at the corner where the maid opened the door for Cecilia.
Cecilia strode inside.
The middle-aged man who had been sitting immediately stood up, beaming with a broad smile, and knelt on one knee before her.
“Her Highness the Princess, it is an honor to bask in your radiance. I am Wesley Meepo, President of the Mibo Chamber of Commerce. This young man is my loyal son, William Meepo.” Wesley’s tone suddenly turned serious. “William, come and pay your respects to Her Highness.”
The young man Cecilia had seen at the exam hall today, competing in the same group as Rita, immediately stepped forward and saluted.
After the formalities, Cecilia finally spoke calmly.
“President Wesley, the name of the Mibo Chamber of Commerce is well known in the capital. There is no need for such humility. Please, rise.”
It was pure politeness.
Before yesterday, Cecilia had no idea what the Mibo Chamber of Commerce was.
Wesley rose and exchanged a few more formal words, trying several times to engage Cecilia in conversation, but she seemed to ignore him.
Wesley’s patience thinned.
A chamber of commerce president had personally come to visit amidst a busy schedule, lingering so long here.
Didn’t the princess understand the reason?
Of course—it was the sacred Knight’s assessment for William!
What happened at the exam hall today had already spread everywhere!
Wesley couldn’t guarantee William would pass the assessment, but such an incident was a slight to him.
Four well-connected candidates competing side by side—it was hard not to suspect that the princess had deliberately arranged it.
Cecilia accepted the gifts offered, not openly accepting money for favors, but at least giving herself an explanation?
Yet she didn’t.
She continued with formalities as if the gifts didn’t exist.
Perhaps a pampered princess lacked common sense and needed some prompting.
Wesley took the initiative to mention the matter: “Your Highness, if I may be so bold, do you like the Sapphire Pendant that befits you perfectly?”
“What Sapphire Pendant?” Cecilia’s expression remained unchanged, as if she truly didn’t know, which made Wesley’s anger flare inside.
What was this woman pretending? Even a princess wouldn’t just take without giving anything in return!
Especially since she was only a cursed princess!
Despising the young woman inwardly, Wesley dared not show his frustration openly and forced an awkward smile while explaining, “It was a gift to welcome you to Solus City, presented alongside the gold coins.”
“I see.” Cecilia said indifferently and then stood, instructing the maid beside her, “Lead President Wesley to another room for our discussion.”
It seemed this woman really wasn’t very smart, but she understood the need to change rooms to avoid suspicion—so not completely clueless.
Wesley pondered and followed the maid into the adjacent room.
As soon as he entered, Wesley was stunned by the piles of gold coins and jewels filling the room.
He had indeed given a generous gift, and he knew others must have done so too, but this amount—was truly excessive.
“If others visit, bring them here as well.” Cecilia took the main seat and, without waiting for Wesley to sit, pointed at a guest chair, ordering the maid, “Also, remove the other chairs.”
Not even leaving a seat for himself—that was quite the warning.
William didn’t understand the princess’s intentions at first, but this rebuff made it clear she was no pushover despite her young age.
“Your Highness…”
“President Wesley, don’t be impatient. Wait until everyone is here.”
Everyone? Who else?
Wesley waited silently in the room with growing curiosity.
Soon, the sounds of footsteps echoed again as a middle-aged woman arrived, accompanied by several others.
“It’s you!” William shouted at a young girl in the group. “You’re the woman who kicked me out today!”
“How dare you!” Wesley hissed lowly, a suspicion forming in his mind.
As time passed, more groups arrived, some bearing lavish gifts, confirming Wesley’s suspicion.
Today’s incident at the exam hall had merely been a warning from the princess to these opportunists.
Now, gathering everyone here meant an open, face-to-face competition to see whose background and wealth were superior.
Putting everything on the table—those who won would have no worries, and those who lost would have no regrets.
This little woman certainly had her methods.
Now that everyone seemed to be here, it was time to strike first.
“Your Highness, I am willing to—”
“Be patient. One last person hasn’t arrived yet.” Cecilia waved a hand to cut Wesley off.
After a long wait, footsteps finally echoed down the corridor again.
To come this late, so presumptuous—I want to see who this esteemed guest is.
Wesley glanced toward the door.
Then he saw the silver-haired girl who had caused William’s embarrassment today enter, her hair a bit tousled, as she pushed the door open.
What, what’s going on?
Not only was everyone else baffled, even Rita herself was stunned.
“Rita,” Cecilia called softly, glancing at her side.
Oh! Understood!
Rita placed one hand on her chest and performed a Knight’s salute, then stepped forward to stand behind Cecilia.
Rita’s presence caused an uproar.
The candidates she had bullied could hardly contain themselves.
“This Rita has already been preselected? No wonder…”
Some voices grew hostile. “Your Highness, I may be dull, but I cannot understand your intentions.”
“As you’ve seen, Rita won the exam fairly and squarely. If there are no further questions, please take your leave.”
Almost everyone was about to burst out laughing.
You call that ‘fair and square’?!