Chapter 23: Don’t Believe Rumors, Don’t Spread Rumors

If it was just a coincidence, the next event convinced Rita it was a conspiracy against her.

The next morning, a candidate named Riddle was found disheveled in an alley at dawn, a drunken smile on his face—clearly another succubus victim.

He was Rita’s opponent for the day.

The referee didn’t even call Rita to the arena, skipping the match entirely, a decision evidently made by the examiners beforehand.

But with so many eyes on her, everyone noticed Rita didn’t compete.

The day’s gossip was chaotic.

Some made logical guesses based on the oddity. “Rita’s opponents keep meeting misfortune. Now demons are involved. Those who get it, get it. I’ll leave it at that.”

Others echoed Rita’s initial thoughts. “The Princess said a succubus infiltrated Solus City on day one. Maybe that guy challenged it and failed?”

But the wildest conspiracy theories spread fastest. “Rita can’t have that much pull alone. The Fourth Princess must be behind it. The succubus story’s just her excuse. She’s colluding with demons—that’s why she’s the Cursed Princess! Someone found out, hence the assassination attempt! We misjudged that day—it was justified!”

More “evidence” fueled the theories: Rita and Cecilia both lived in the city lord’s mansion; only someone with the next day’s match list could act preemptively.

Rita didn’t want to hear or respond to any of it.

She couldn’t prove her innocence to everyone, nor did she want to fall into the self-proof trap.

Though innocent in this matter, her identity wasn’t clean.

Cecilia hadn’t met Rita these past two days, only sending word to stay focused and do what she must.

With this incident, the exam grounds grew tense. Being Rita’s next opponent became synonymous with meeting misfortune.

Only Valphis sat by Rita as if nothing was wrong, watching matches and sharing intel Rita didn’t really need.

Rita grew annoyed. She knew Valphis meant no harm, but now wasn’t the time for her chatter.

“Enough, you told me this stuff days ago.”

“I did, but there’s new info daily.” Valphis shrugged. “How do you fight without knowing your opponent? Think a succubus will keep doing your dirty work?”

“I’ll deal with it as it comes. Not everyone studies their opponents. This is a selection exam, not a race for first.” Rita brushed her off.

“Oh—you don’t like this talk? How about something you’d enjoy?” Valphis clapped her hands.

“What could I possibly enjoy?” Rita scoffed.

Valphis grinned mysteriously. “Like, I could teach you how to spot a succubus in a crowd?”

Rita turned, locking eyes with Valphis, trying to read her. All she saw was a pure, almost highland-like gaze, tinged with cunning.

“Forget it.”

“You’ll regret it!”

“What’s to regret?”

Though Rita brushed off Valphis’s offer, the referee gave a detailed announcement before the day’s exams ended.

First, they acknowledged the succubus attacks, the first official response. They described succubus traits, urged candidates to stay safe and avoid rumors, and reiterated that bringing a succubus’s tail would grant an automatic pass.

They stressed, though, that despite the shortcut, it was highly dangerous, almost defending the candidate found in the alley.

More than education or warning, it felt like a calming measure.

Rita gleaned something: Cecilia’s situation was likely as bad as her own, hence this move.

Night, Underground Tunnel of a Brothel

A man in a black cloak stood respectfully in a corner. “Boss, the rumors are out. Many now suspect the Princess has an unsavory deal with a succubus.”

“Hm.” The stout woman, Mel, drawled. “Good. Hold off for now. Let the rumors fester. Don’t overdo it, got it?”

“Yes.”

“Go.”

After the man left, Mel signaled a girl, who raised a torch and followed her through twists to another hidden chamber.

Mel entered, bowing her head, avoiding the figure shrouded in pink mist as if it might burn her eyes.

“You’re finally here!” The figure giggled. “Who’s my target tonight?”

“You might need to stay put tonight.”

“Oh? Didn’t get the next match’s details?”

“No, it’s just… the next woman…”

“Heh. Women are fun to watch blush. Don’t worry—humans are just our food and toys. Do you care about the gender of your meal?”

“It’s not about gender. This opponent’s supposedly skilled. It won’t be easy.”

The figure’s voice turned cold. “You saying I’m inferior?”

“It’s her orders,” Mel replied. “She said the Princess’s lackey needs a thorough defeat to bring her and her master down.”

Four Days of Arena Matches Passed

Due to the format, most candidates had wins and losses. Even two of Rita’s first-day opponents won a match.

Few lost all four, but Valphis was one.

Fewer still won all four, including Rita—who hadn’t fought but won every round.

Well, she did fight—kicking out two herself.

And so, the exam reached its final day.