The Princess Who Saw the Fall of Her Homeland Strives to Change Fate by Becoming the Cold Prince's Bride! - Chapter 26

(Is talking between bride candidates forbidden? I don’t really mind… But isn’t that more of a problem for Lady Gloria and her group, who you’re clearly favoring?)

The weaker candidates like Elze weren’t given much information and were simply thrown into this place alone.

On the other hand, the favored strong candidates were told the selection details ahead of time, and their followers kept getting in the way of the others.

Elze couldn’t help but think that this ‘no talking’ rule would hurt them the most…

While Elze was thinking, art supplies were handed out to each candidate.

The maid who gave Elze her supplies looked at her and smiled.

At that moment, a chill ran down Elze’s spine.

(That smile just now… There was definitely hate behind it!)

Behind what looked like a friendly smile, there was clear malice.

Elze saw it clearly and took a deep breath.

(There’s some kind of trap… something…)

“Now then… the selection will begin!”

At the maid’s signal, the bride candidates left the garden.

The test had already begun—with choosing the subject and location.

They probably didn’t want to waste even a second.

But Elze had a bad feeling. She stayed in place, unfolded her paper, and lightly brushed the corner with her brush.

Just as she thought—

(The colors barely show! These are… obviously poor-quality paints!)

Elze had done some painting back in her homeland.

She knew how to use the basic art tools.

And with that knowledge, she could tell—these supplies couldn’t be used to paint anything decent.

“I’m sorry. About these supplies—”

Elze immediately called over the nearest maid.

But the answer she got was—

“All candidates are participating under the same conditions. If the colors look dull, perhaps it’s due to Princess Elze’s poor technique.”

(That’s not true at all! How can she say that!)

It seemed the maid had no intention of admitting anything.

As Elze trembled with anger, the maid continued.

“This test is about ‘adaptability.’ Anyone who can’t adjust to the situation is not fit to be Empress of Ernstahl.”

With a mean, smug smile, the maid said those words.

…Now it was clear.

She didn’t know whose orders they were following, but someone was clearly trying to bring Elze down.

“Um, Princess Elze…!”

One of the bride candidates who stayed behind had heard what happened between Elze and the maid.

She kindly spoke up.

“My paints work just fine. Let’s share—”

“Hey! I said no talking between candidates! If I see any more of that, both of you will be disqualified from this round!”

The maid snapped loudly, and Elze gasped.

“…Thank you. I’ll be fine.”

“But, Princess Elze…”

“Thank you for caring. Let’s meet again when the evening bell rings.”

Elze gave her thanks to the worried candidate and quickly walked away.

(I can’t drag her into this. I have to deal with it on my own…)

Who would’ve thought the ‘no talking’ rule was meant just to trap Elze.

“My, my. Looks like the country bumpkin princess was overrated…”

The fact they saw her as such a threat… honestly, it made her feel proud.

(I’ll show them the pride of a country princess!)

—This test is about ‘adaptability.’

Repeating the maid’s words in her head, Elze gave a sly smile.

“Chiffon! Chiffon! Are you there!?”

‘I’m here~’

After making sure no one was around, she called out, and Chiffon came bouncing over from somewhere.

Since the test was held outdoors, Chiffon had insisted on coming along. Elze had secretly made him wait nearby.

“I need your help for a bit…”

‘I’ll help Elze! I will!!’

“So listen…”

Elze whispered in Chiffon’s ear, and he happily bounced up and down in place.

‘Got it! Leave it to me!!’