The last ten remaining candidates were daughters of families representing the Empire and continental kingdoms, so their pride and confidence were sky-high. Not one candidate had missed the chance to observe Arabell walking through the main gate of the pavilion from behind their window curtains.
Arabell was neither as stunningly beautiful as Princess Lilybet of Seville nor as strikingly glamorous as Lady Kendall of the Hawthorne Earldom. She was just an ordinary girl, not particularly special compared to them.
On one hand, they were relieved, but on the other, their anxiety doubled. If it wasn’t her beauty that caught the Emperor’s eye, it had to be something else – either outstanding talent or the backing of a powerful family, or perhaps both, like Lady Grace of the Lusang Ducal Family and Princess Lilybet.
The competition seemed to be gearing towards a duel between Lilybet and Grace, but Arabell’s unexpected arrival complicated matters for the other candidates. If they failed to become the Empress, they needed to at least befriend her to benefit their families.
Competing wrong could endanger not only themselves but also their families’ standing. That’s why they had to make a good impression on Lilybet and Grace.
The thought of having to be subservient to Arabell was infuriating, but upon meeting her, they realized she was beneath even their lowest expectations.
A daughter of a fallen family, barely deserving the title of nobility. Instead of dodging sensitive questions with quick wit, she was exposing her lowly status with every word.
Even if the Emperor had chosen her himself, he would soon realize his mistake.
Among these noble women, schooled in the finest manners and etiquette, Arabell stood out like oil on water – a stark contrast.
The candidates were sure that the Emperor, upon seeing this unsophisticated woman, would feel a sense of shame and regret.
Moreover, the pavilion was out of the Emperor’s sight. He had never set foot here and was not the type to lower his dignity for a woman.
This meant they could ignore Arabell without fear of repercussion.
Unfortunately, Arabell was unaware of the thoughts of the ten other candidates. She was simply grateful that they had gathered to welcome her.
“Honestly, I was very nervous and worried, but everyone is so kind and warm.”
Arabell’s clear eyes sparkled warmly towards the women smiling at her.
“My mother sent Mulberry silk fabric for all the ladies to share. This fabric hasn’t yet entered the empire. Please come to my pavilion, and we can continue our chat and take some fabric.”
As Princess Lilybet stood up, the other candidates followed suit.
“However, my mother only sent enough for ten. I’m sorry, Arabell, we don’t have a share for you.”
Lilybet said to Arabell, who was following behind the group of candidates.
“It’s okay. I’m happy just to chat and observe.”
It was sincere. Arabell had never experienced the joy of sharing happy conversations or lunch with peers before. She was thankful to the ladies for accepting her, despite her late arrival.
Surrounded by several candidates, Princess Lilybet sighed lightly,
“One should at least have the sense to notice.”
She spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear, her blue eyes now coldly looking down on Arabell.
“My pavilion is already full with ten ladies. I’m afraid it’s not possible to invite Arabell. The same is likely true for the pavilions of the other ladies here, right?”
As Lilybet spoke, all the candidates nodded without hesitation, maintaining their polite smiles.
Grace, usually at odds with Lilybet, agreed with her this time, lifting her chin arrogantly.
“Moreover, our residences are filled with invaluable jewels and dresses… It’s risky to let in someone of uncertain status.”
Picking up on Grace’s cue, the ladies beside her added scornfully,
“Honestly, if someone were to steal and run away, they could change their impoverished fate. Especially if they haven’t been properly taught the etiquette of a noble lady.”
“We should ask the Empress Selection Committee to increase security in our pavilions. My grandmother’s ruby necklace is a unique heirloom of our empire.”
Arabell stood silently, left alone at the table. The candidates, usually not on good terms, left arm in arm, laughing cheerfully as if nothing had happened.
Arabell bit her trembling lower lip, trying not to cry.
“Lady…”
Vera’s voice quietly reached Arabell from behind.
Arriving with the other maids, Vera found the noble ladies spitting venom with their refined mouths.
After a moment of hanging her head, Arabell looked back at the trio of maids.
Breathing deeply, she spoke bravely,
“I wanted to take a walk in the garden anyway. It’s alright. I’ll go alone, so don’t worry about me.”
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she did not let them fall.
Vera nodded, and Arabell turned and walked away quickly.
“I’ll follow her from a distance to make sure she doesn’t get lost.”
Millie appeared and spoke bluntly, then followed Arabell.
Arabell had quickly become an easy target for everyone. In the competition, it’s crucial to form alliances with other candidates, but now no one would want to be allied with her.
It was clear that they had all decided it was better to attack and eliminate Arabell, the Emperor’s chosen one.
“Looks like I won’t even need the housekeeper’s intervention for her to be eliminated. This is going to be over quicker than I thought.”
Millie followed Arabell, her expression emotionless, lips curling slightly.
The Villainous Demon Lord Laid an Egg for Her (Female-Dominated)
Several months after transmigrating into a book, Yu Wu found herself facing the demon lord Li You, who could no longer conceal his dragon horns. With one hand on her aching waist and the other gripping a sharp sword, she stared at him.
The demon lord’s eyes were red with fury:
“This is all your doing! Today, I won’t rest until I kill you!”
Yu Wu rubbed her temples. Putting aside the taboo against bloodshed during pregnancy, wasn’t it this very man who willingly walked into her trap that day?!
Warnings:
- Male pregnancy.
- Height ratios are set to mirror typical male-female height proportions.
- Characters include a foot-loving demon lord and an eldest daughter from an immortal family’s concubine lineage.
