The blonde girl seemed like a feather drifting onto the dais; if no one among the examinees had spoken up, no one would have noticed that there was already someone new on the platform.
The blonde girl lifted the gem-studded hem of her long dress and slowly sat down in the center seat that had been arranged long ago.
Seeing the girl appear on the dais, Rita’s throat involuntarily moved a few times, and the blurry memories in her mind seemed to sharpen somewhat.
She recalled the lightness at the girl’s waist, the fragrance that lingered in her nose, the gentle bite on her neck, and the fingers that teased her tongue and tail.
Just thinking about it made Rita unconsciously swallow, tightening her clasped legs even more.
What was she so excited about? Rita shook her head, banishing the distracting thoughts, and continued to watch the stage.
In countless moments to come, Rita would regret remaining where she was instead of turning away at this moment.
If she had left now, she wouldn’t have been cornered by that girl tonight.
A young woman dressed entirely in a black robe followed the blonde onto the stage, her striking figure outlined beneath the garment causing a few swallowed gulps among the crowd in the square.
The woman in the black robe glanced once at the audience before sitting down to the right of the blonde girl.
The last to step onto the stage was a middle-aged man holding a staff and wearing a sword at his waist. His beard-covered face was chiseled sharply by the years.
He circled behind the two women and then settled into the seat on the left, arms crossed over his chest.
This seating arrangement was like a small stone tossed into still water, sending ripples of whispers through the crowd below.
“Why is the City Lord sitting at the end?”
“The person on the right must be the Master Magus, right?”
“And who’s the one sitting in the center? Such a distinguished presence!”
Thud.
The City Lord’s staff struck the ground with a measured weight, and the murmurs from below immediately quieted.
The last person to ascend was the Host, who, after standing still on the stage, cleared their throat:
“Welcome, future Holy Knights, to the preliminary round of the Holy Knight examination here in Solus City.”
Solus City was only one of several testing centers, as noted on the Test Certificate Rita had found.
After a warm and congratulatory opening, the Host stepped aside.
“Next, please welcome Her Highness the Princess, who is also the chief examiner for this event, to deliver her speech.”
Ripples of excitement swept through the crowd once more.
“The Princess herself! The Princess has come to Solus City!”
Rita’s heart sank.
Princess?!
An older man, a black-robed woman, and a blonde beauty were seated on the stage—who exactly was the Princess? It was difficult to tell.
Under Rita’s scrutiny, the blonde girl slowly rose from her chair and stepped toward the edge of the platform.
As the Princess stood, several soldiers silently moved forward, forming a barrier between the examinees and the onlookers.
The Princess stopped at the front of the stage, and the voice Rita had heard last night echoed again in her ears.
“My name is Cecilia Julius, the Fourth Princess of the Kingdom, and I am the chief examiner of the Holy Knight test here in Solus City.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the heated atmosphere below seemed to be doused with a bucket of cold water, shifting suddenly into something subtle and tense.
“The Fourth Princess… that’s…”
“The Curse of the Princess…”
The Princess appeared to sense something, her gaze flicking toward the person whispering quietly, but to most it seemed merely a perfectly timed pause.
“The Holy Knights have always sworn allegiance to the Royal Family, serving as our blade and shield. Therefore, the Holy Knight examinations are especially rigorous…”
Rita’s initial reason for wanting to become a Holy Knight was to have a legitimate and lawful identity that could protect her.
A Holy Knight, with plenty of money, little trouble, and significant power, was the best choice.
Yet even if she did become a Holy Knight, she would likely have to deal with this Princess in the future.
After all, the stranger lying beside her last night was not only the chief examiner but also her future direct superior.
What should Rita do now?
Pray that she would never recognize her? Hope that she had forgotten what happened last night?
How was that any different from a kid caught by their parent at an internet café saying, “Auntie, although I look just like your son, you’ve got the wrong person”?
Rita could still distinguish between a comfortable life and her own safety.
Becoming a Holy Knight was a carefully considered decision, but not the only option.
Seeing that the examination was about to start, Rita knew if she didn’t leave now, it would be too late.
She straightened her back, grasped the sword at her side, and confidently made her way toward the outskirts.
Those who took the Holy Knight exam were no ordinary people; acting sneaky would only arouse suspicion.
Walking against the flow, Rita was immediately noticed by a soldier who hurried to block her path.
Just like the innkeeper had been polite to her, these soldiers would not deliberately cause trouble for future Holy Knights, so their tone was humble.
“The Princess is currently speaking. May I ask why you wish to leave now?”
Rita had expected this reaction and was already prepared with an excuse: “I left my Test Certificate at the inn. I need to go back and get it.”
The soldier nodded in understanding. “I see. Please be patient; we will report this immediately and send someone to retrieve it for you.”
No, no, no—this was not the time to be so deferential.
Rita’s heart burned with urgency but she couldn’t show it.
She simply waved her hand dismissively. “No need to trouble you all. I’ll go myself.”
“We’ll be quick and return promptly. It won’t delay your test.”
“I’m a girl. Would you feel it appropriate to enter my room?” Rita began to apply subtle pressure.
“You have nothing to worry about. Your servant, the innkeeper, or even the City Lord’s maids can handle it without causing any embarrassment.”
Though the soldier remained respectful, Rita knew they had no intention of letting her pass.
Their politeness was simply because she hadn’t yet aroused suspicion.
The safety of the Princess was far more important than a reserve Holy Knight.
As they spoke, other soldiers noticed the disturbance and started to approach Rita, while a few examinees and spectators cast curious glances.
There was a subtle pause in the Princess’s speech on the stage.
Even with her back turned, Rita guessed that the Princess had likely noticed the commotion.
Rita had planned to leave precisely to avoid being noticed by the Princess.
If she persisted, it would only backfire.
Since there was nothing suspicious in her room, she could let them search it and retrieve the Test Certificate herself later.
Just as Rita pondered how to speak, a sharp whistle cut through the calm.
Ordinary people might not have seen clearly, but Rita’s dream demon-enhanced dynamic vision captured the moment vividly.
An arrow shot out from the crowd, grazing over Rita’s head and flying toward the area behind her.
And the only possible target of that arrow was clear.
The Princess on the dais!