Chapter 28 - The New Genius? (1/2)

”Beloved officials and subjects! As you are aware, this Emperor has decided on a winner on the Annual Hunting Competition! The one with the most hunts, or the one with the rarest hunts, will win the first place prize!”

As soon as he finished his words, an Eunuch carrying a small tray entered the stage. As the cloth that covered the tray was removed, everyone gasped in surprise.

On the tray, a beautiful emerald hairpin was laid down. It had expensive crystals embedded on the flower pattern and had a huge emerald in the center. Under the sunlight, it glistened brightly and majestically.

But what amazed people was not the hairpin itself, but who the hairpin belonged to.

This hairpin belonged to the Empress Dowager, given to her by the Late Emperor that had it forged by the most skilled craftsman. Rumor had it that it had been a token of good luck for the Empress Dowager, and it was the reason why her weak son was able to wipe out all competitors to the throne and become the Emperor of today.

The fact that His Majesty was willing to give away something so valuable made people wonder what sort of hunts the winner had presented.

Aria's eyes twinkled immediately as she saw the hairpin. She was more than aware of it's value. If she received this hairpin, her prestige would increase by leaps and bounds!

Such a hairpin, wasn't it befitting the Empress of the Kingdom?

If she had it in possession, wouldn't it mean that her chances of becoming the consort of the future king would be greater then anyone?

She had confidence in herself, this time she was sure she got something better than anyone else. This time in particular, she had a complete 100% chance of victory. No one could surpass her now!

She tried hard not to smile, thinking of her blessed future.

Not just Aria, many people were thinking that Aria had a greater chance of success as compared to everyone else.

Back at the stage, the Emperor glanced at the hairpin one last time, before he started the main announcement.

”After every participant's submitted prey were carefully examined, one winner was decided. This person had not only submitted all the rare animals, but one of them was a treasure for this kingdom itself. This Emperor is pleased with the effort and would like to call over a Young Miss from the Prime Minister Azer's manor...”

Truly, Prime Minister Azer's older daughter was an unprecedented genius. She managed to win the competition one more year.

Thinking of their own kids, many officials sighed to themselves, gazing enviously at the proud Azer for his perfect children.

Aria couldn't control her delight anymore, she barely controlled herself from smiling wildly. She could feel the envious gazes of the people on her, making her feel even more complacent and happy.

She raised her foot to go forward towards the stage, until she heard the Emperor complete his words.

”...Iris Silcia!”

”...”

Aria's foot froze mid air. She blanked out at the Emperor's words, even forgetting to set it back down. She thought that she had heard wrong.

Iris?

Iris had won?

How could that country bumpkin win over her?

Did she hear wrong?

However, when she saw the dazed and astonished look on the people surrounding her, she knew had she heard right.

But how?! How could she have lost to Iris, to Iris of all people?!

Impossible! It was simply Impossible!