Chapter 16: You Call This Fair and Square?

Cecilia declined Angus’s invitation to dine together tonight.

Yesterday’s banquet was a courteous formality, but Cecilia could tell Angus, a military man, wasn’t suited for such occasions. Declining eased both their burdens.

Dinner would be sent to her room, but only prepared after her order.

Before dining, Cecilia had one unfinished task.

The timing should be about right.

A knock sounded, followed by a maid’s voice.

“Your Highness.”

“Come in.” Cecilia turned toward the door, eyeing the maid who entered cautiously and stood with her head bowed. “Speak.”

“Mr. Wesley Mipo, president of the Mipo Trading Company, requests an audience. We informed him you’re not receiving guests, but he insists on waiting in the parlor and asked us to notify you. Your Highness, what should…”

As expected.

Cecilia rose from her seat. “Take me to him.”

Through a corridor, the maid stopped at a room around the corner, opening the door for Cecilia.

Cecilia stepped inside. A middle-aged man rose from his chair, beaming, and approached, kneeling on one knee.

“Your Highness, it’s an honor to bask in your radiance. I am Wesley Mipo, president of the Mipo Trading Company, and this is my son, William Mipo.” His tone sharpened. “William, come pay your respects!”

The young man from today’s exam, in Rita’s group, hurried forward to bow. Only then did Cecilia speak slowly.

“President Wesley, the Mipo Trading Company’s name is known even in the capital. No need for such humility. Please rise.”

Pure courtesy—until yesterday, Cecilia hadn’t heard of the Mipo Trading Company.

Wesley stood, exchanging more pleasantries, trying to steer the conversation. But Cecilia acted oblivious.

Wesley grew impatient. A busy trading company president, visiting in person, wasting time—didn’t this Princess know why?

Obviously, William’s Holy Knight exam!

Word of today’s arena fiasco had spread.

Wesley couldn’t guarantee William’s success, but this was insulting. Four connected candidates in one match? Hard not to think the Princess planned it.

She accepted his gifts. Even if she wouldn’t act on them, she owed an explanation, right?

But no—Cecilia kept up the polite charade, as if the gifts didn’t exist.

Maybe this pampered Princess was clueless. He’d have to nudge her.

Wesley broached the topic. “Your Highness, if I may, did you like the sapphire pendant worthy of your grace?”

“What sapphire pendant?” Cecilia’s expression didn’t flicker, as if she genuinely didn’t know, sparking anger in Wesley.

What was this woman playing at? Even a Princess couldn’t just take without giving!

Especially a Cursed Princess!

He disdained this little girl inwardly but didn’t dare show it, forcing an awkward smile. “The gift I sent with gold to welcome you to Solus City.”

“I see.” Cecilia’s tone was flat. She stood, instructing the maid. “Let’s go. Take Mr. Wesley to another room to talk.”

Not too bright, but at least she knows to switch rooms for discretion—not entirely clueless.

Wesley mused, following the maid to the next room.

Inside, he was stunned by the piles of gold and jewels filling the space.

He’d sent plenty, knowing others would too, but this amount was staggering.

“If others request a meeting, bring them here too,” Cecilia said, taking the main seat. Before Wesley could sit, she pointed to a guest chair. “And remove the other chairs.”

Not even a seat? A power move.

William was unsure of Cecilia’s game, but this rebuff showed the young Princess wasn’t a pushover.

“Your Highness…”

“President Wesley, no rush. Wait until everyone’s here.”

Everyone? Who else?

Wesley waited silently, puzzled. Soon, hurried footsteps approached, and a middle-aged woman entered with a few others.

“You!” William shouted, spotting a girl in the group. “You’re the one who kicked me out today!”

“Mind yourself!” Wesley hissed, forming a guess.

More groups trickled in, some with lavish gifts, reinforcing Wesley’s suspicion.

Today’s match was a warning to opportunists. Gathering them here was for an open bidding war—whose wealth and influence would win?

Everything out in the open: winners walk away, losers accept it.

This little girl had some cunning.

Everyone’s here—time to strike first!

“Your Highness, I’m willing to…”

“Patience. One more hasn’t arrived,” Cecilia interrupted, waving a hand.

After a long wait, footsteps echoed again.

Coming this late? So bold. Let’s see who it is.

Wesley glanced at the door.

Then he saw the silver-haired girl who’d humiliated William, her hair slightly messy, walk in.

What’s Going On?

Not just the others, but Rita herself was baffled by the room full of people.

“Rita.” Cecilia softly called her name, glancing sideways.

Oh, got it!

Rita saluted with a hand to her chest, then stepped behind Cecilia.

Her action caused a stir, especially among the candidates she’d trounced, barely containing themselves.

“This Rita’s already got a spot? No wonder…”

Some voices turned sour. “Your Highness, I may be slow, but I don’t understand your intentions.”

“As you saw, Rita won fair and square in the arena. If there are no further questions, you may leave.”

Nearly everyone choked.

You call that fair and square?!