The Princess Who Saw the Fall of Her Homeland Strives to Change Fate by Becoming the Cold Prince's Bride! - Chapter 25

The long-awaited day for the next selection finally came.

The meeting place was a part of the royal palace garden.

But unlike last time, there was no sign of a garden party being prepared, and no one knew what kind of selection would be held.

When Elze arrived, she looked around curiously and noticed something.

(There are fewer participants than last time…?)

She didn’t count them exactly, but it was clear there were fewer people than before.

It seemed Elze wasn’t the only one who noticed.

She could hear people speaking in low voices nearby.

“Did you hear? Princess Patricia and Princess Karina have withdrawn from the bride selection and returned to their countries.”

“Well, of course Princess Karina did. Trying to give Prince Richard a love potion? It’s strange she wasn’t punished right there.”

“As for Princess Patricia… After being rejected in front of everyone like that, she must have been too embarrassed to show her face again.”

Elze heard their sneering giggles and felt annoyed.

Princess Carina relying on a love potion was one thing, but there was nothing funny about Princess Patricia honestly expressing her feelings.

“Still, there are people who shamelessly remain even after being humiliated.”

“People from the countryside have thick skin. I’m jealous. I guess they don’t even know what shame is.”

They laughed openly while glancing at Elze, but she stood tall and gave them a calm, confident smile.

(Hmph. Say what you want. Unlike you, there are people who understand me.)

Some of the other bride candidates kindly spoke to her.

“Good day, Princess Elze.”

“We don’t know what kind of selection it will be, but let’s both do our best…!”

“Yes, thank you. I wish you all the best as well.”

Their kind words gave Elze courage.

She straightened her back and stood proudly. Soon, a group of court ladies in charge of the selection arrived.

But they weren’t accompanied by Prince Richard. Instead, a plump middle-aged man came with them.

Judging from his refined clothes, he was likely a noble of Ernstahl.

“Ladies, thank you for gathering here today. We will now explain today’s selection.”

The moment the court lady spoke, the place went quiet.

Elze sharpened her hearing so she wouldn’t miss a word.

“To become Prince Richard’s bride — the Empress of Ernstahl — many skills are required. Today, we will test three qualities: ‘Art,’ ‘Observation,’ and ‘Adaptability.’”

As soon as she said that, murmurs spread through the group.

But even so — the group led by Duke’s daughter Gloria and her follower Amalia kept their confident smiles.

(They probably heard about the selection in advance.)

Elze almost laughed bitterly at the unfairness, but she wouldn’t let it get to her.

(No matter what kind of test it is, I’ll turn it around beautifully!)

As Elze burned with determination, the plump man stepped forward and bowed.

“For today’s test, we’ve invited Count Lux. Many of you may know him already. He is highly knowledgeable in the arts and has supported many artists. When it comes to artistic taste, he is truly first-class.”

It seemed the test would be related to the arts.

(I see. Music, painting, poetry… Anything is fine. I was trained hard by Mother and Sister before I came here!)

“For this selection, you will draw a beautiful scene from the palace of Ernstahl. Don’t worry, we have prepared all the painting tools for you. You may draw anything you like — people, buildings, landscapes — anything that touches your heart.”

So, the test had already begun with the choice of what to paint.

“Count Lux will judge your works. The time limit is until the evening bell rings. And the most important rule is…”

The court lady paused, then looked around at the bride candidates with a sharp gaze and declared:

“Talking or consulting with other candidates is strictly forbidden. Anyone who disobeys will be punished accordingly. Do not forget that.”

The harsh words made everyone hold their breath.

But Elze tilted her head slightly in confusion, wondering about something deep inside.