Chapter 46: The Game

“We’ve practiced enough for today. It’s getting late—time to rest.” Tina was exhausted, barely able to walk. Without exercise, she’d almost forgotten her body was still plagued by illness.
“Alright.” Althea wanted to keep her longer but stopped short at Irene’s menacing glare.

“Miss Tyna, could you sign your name on this paper? It’s needed for entry verification at the ball.”
“Oh, sure.” Tina took the pen and paper from Althea.

As she prepared to write, she sensed a burning gaze. Glancing sideways, she saw Althea watching her every move, holding her breath.
Why stare now? It’s just a signature—why so intense?

Clever as she was, Tina realized this wasn’t just a signature but a test.
She hadn’t expected Althea to grow suspicious so soon. But Tina wouldn’t be exposed so easily. For a peaceful life, she had to keep up the act.

Her quill scratched messily across the paper, leaving barely legible scrawl, as if she were an illiterate fool.
“…” Althea took the paper, staring at the chaotic scribble in silence.

This handwriting’s awful. Is it really Tina?
No, she might be faking. Althea decided to test her further for the truth.

Pretending to see them off, she waited until they turned to leave, then deliberately fell to the floor at an angle that wouldn’t hurt much. Thud—
Tina heard the noise and saw the queen in her gown clutching her head, looking uncomfortable.

“You okay?”
“It’s nothing. I’ve been tidying the room, haven’t eaten dinner, and got dizzy.”

“Teaching me to dance might be important, but skipping meals? That’s bad for you.” Tina, concerned, helped Althea to the bed. “Did you hurt anything?”
“My foot hit something.” Althea lifted her gown to her thigh, revealing a swollen, red ankle.

“That’s not good. Want me to rub some oil on it?”
“Sure.” Althea agreed eagerly, her face brightening, making Tina suspicious.

Wait, a trap! Althea had stuck out her foot on purpose.
But—

Hmph, testing a seasoned pro with this? Too naive. I won’t fall for such bait—
That’s what Tina thought, but Althea’s foot was too tempting. She got carried away, unable to stop.

No, don’t smile.
If Althea saw how much she enjoyed it, her cover would be blown.

“Miss Tyna’s quite skilled. When was the last time you massaged someone’s foot?” Althea asked, eyeing Tina’s struggle.
“Last time? Probably… wait, I’ve never done this for anyone!”

Tina caught herself, nearly slipping up.
Damn, she’s probing with every move. Too cunning.

Althea’s expression was unreadable. That familiar technique—it was almost certainly her.
She had two options:

1. Keep probing until she found undeniable proof to make Tina drop the act.
2. Push until Tina gave in completely.

She wanted the second, but it might overwhelm Tina, maybe even drive her to do something rash.
Better to gather evidence slowly. She was used to waiting—what was a bit more time?

This game of wits added fun before her inevitable victory.
She was sure she’d win.

“You must be tired, Miss Tyna. I won’t keep you. I’ll handle the rest.”
Althea’s tone shifted from skepticism to barely concealed joy.

“Huh? We’re leaving?”
“Yep, but come practice tomorrow. Don’t slack just because you’re improving.”

Soon after they left, a tapping came at the window.
Althea opened it to find a black raven with a letter tube, its red eyes gleaming in the dark.

“What’s this?”
She took the tube, marked with a royal crest, and opened the letter:

To Her Esteemed Majesty—
All guests have arrived. A small tea gathering will be held tomorrow afternoon at the palace. Please attend amidst your busy schedule for important matters.

It seemed to be from Valencia’s messenger.
A private kings’ meeting before the auction? What was the motive?

Recalling the Mistmoon Cult encounter in the border town, it was hard not to suspect a link between their resurgence and this odd auction.
An ambush didn’t worry her—she could escape. She just hoped this tea party wouldn’t disrupt her dance practice with Tina.

…

At Vanessa’s home, Tina collapsed onto the sofa, exhausted.
Working all day and sparring with Althea at night left her drained.

Had Althea figured out her identity? Probably not, or she wouldn’t be so smug.
Three more days. Outlast Althea, get her compensation, and start the next simulation.

When she rose again, no queen could match her. Althea wouldn’t catch her then.
She’d live a new life, free from her illness and being pinned down.

That day was near, but first—
She had to survive Irene.

“I want to dance too. Let’s practice!” The blonde girl propped her chin, staring eagerly, though her eyepatch hid her gaze.
Irene envied Althea, dancing with Tina all evening, leaving her itching on the sidelines.

She’d learn, surpass Althea, and be Tina’s only dance partner.
“No way, I’m burned out.”

Another dance, and Tina wouldn’t make it to work tomorrow. Her feet ached just from the walk home.
“Please, please!” Irene, still in her maid outfit, pouted cutely.

That trick worked once or twice, but Tina was a sigma woman.
“Really no good?” Irene looked heartbroken.

“Ugh, fine, just a little. No more.” Tina couldn’t resist.
An hour later—

Irene sat on the bed, content.
Tina lay limp on the edge, her soul practically floating out.

“No… more dancing…”