Book 5: Chapter 196: Challenge

Book 5: Chapter 196: Challenge

What do the experts in storybooks do in a situation like this?

Erica wondered as she stood up.

Although Erica hadn’t taken any action, the burly man seemed startled by her action. He quickly retreated a few steps, his sinister face that could frighten any child to tears betraying nervousness. He gripped his nine-ringed machete tightly, as though it could offer him a shred of security.

“I-I’ll have you know... I’m not afraid of you! Come at me...!”

The burly man feigned indifference but kept his eyes fixed on Erica, alert to her every move.

Hmm?

Erica cocked her head, slightly puzzled. Despite the man’s loud proclamation, there was a hint of... fear in it?

Maybe... I should test him?

Erica puffed up her chest, mimicking the demeanor of the so-called masters from the storybooks she had read in her childhood. She took a deep breath then deliberately lowered her voice and said, “You want to challenge me...? You’re not even worthy!”

Oh my, did I really just say that? Will my arrogance get me killed?

Fear began creeping into Erica. She didn’t dare look at the man’s reaction, nervously closing her eyes. She pinched her thigh to suppress the urge to clutch her head and cower in fear.

However, her actions conveyed something entirely different to the man.

Did she just say that I’m not worthy to challenge her? The renowned Princess Estelle... said that? She even closed her eyes after saying that, showing no fear against any potential ambushes I might attempt on her. She’s not even taking me seriously. That’s... That’s...

That’s right! She’s right, I’m not worthy! Hahaha, I’m not worthy!

The burly man’s face lit up with excitement as he raised his nine-ringed machete and ran off.

Meanwhile, the other participants continued to conceal themselves behind the trees, bushes, and rocks. Clad in elaborate camouflage with vines and leaves wrapped around their heads, they blended seamlessly into the environment, monitoring the situation on Mount Coffin with the intensity of paparazzi on a royal scandal.

“Did you hear that? Princess Estelle says I’m not worthy! That means you guys have to send a new challenger to test the waters!” the burly man muttered to his comrades.

The hidden group exchanged helpless glances until a slightly more composed participant stepped forward. “In that case, let’s redraw the lots,” he suggested. He retrieved a cylindrical container and began shaking it until one of the inscribed bamboo sticks fell out.

“Same rules apply—those who shook out the red-tipped stick will be up to the task. No cheating with illusions or magic,” he said.

Erica wondered with uncertainty but didn’t dare to open her eyes to check. She feared the burly man might be standing there with a sinister grin, ready to kill her the moment she opened her eyes.

That’s how it goes in the stories! It’s so terrifying!

“Lucy Lore from Marchand State of the Southern Federation seeks counsel from Princess Estelle,” a melodious voice announced.

Huh?

Erica cautiously opened her eyes and saw an alluring woman not far away, eyeing her warily.

Wait, where did that scary man go?

“Lucy Lore from Marchand State of the Southern Federation seeks counsel from Princess Estelle,” the woman repeated, thinking that perhaps Erica hadn’t heard her the first time.

Erica blinked, sensing this woman might be more approachable than the menacing man from earlier. Perhaps she could communicate with her.

“I’m not Princess Estelle,” Erica replied, in an attempt to stall for time. She did not forget to speak in a nonchalant tone, as Lilith had taught her.

“Hehe, drop the act, Princess. Everyone knows about it already. Can you stop trying to fool commoners like us?” Lucy sneered coldly.

“But I am really not Princess Estelle,” Erica insisted anxiously.

Why does Lucy keep insisting that I’m Princess Estelle even when I’m clearly not? What if Princess Estelle finds out about this?

Even though Lilith had assured her that Princess Estelle had been eliminated and there was no need to fear in the competition, Princess Estelle was still a real princess in reality.

If she took offense, Erica feared she would end up floating in the moat lifelessly the next day.

“I’m telling you, I’m not Princess Estelle!”

“Well, I won’t believe you unless you can prove you’re not Princess Estelle,” Lucy countered, fixated on the idea that Erica must be Princess Estelle, without a shred of doubt.

Erica felt increasingly anxious. She wasn’t Princess Estelle—did she really need to prove it?

Driven by anxiety, Erica disregarded Lilith’s instructions not to remove her mask. She impulsively tore off the eerie ghost mask she wore, pointing at her own face. “Look, do I look like Princess Estelle to you?”

Upon seeing Erica’s true face, Lucy froze for a moment. Her features then contorted with anger, as if she felt deeply underestimated.