Picked Up a Beast, Turns Out He's an Emperor (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 31

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. The Lotus Palace, where the eleven candidates resided, bustled day and night with preparations for the banquet.

This banquet, marking the commencement of the final competition, was virtually the candidates’ second debutante ball—except for the fact that its scale had grown unimaginably large, and its outcome could determine the rise or fall not just of a noble house, but of an entire kingdom.

Though it was a gathering that drew the attention of the highest-ranking families representing the Empire and the continental kingdoms, even more important was this: it was the day the young ladies would have their first official meeting with the Emperor.

Each candidate was entitled to dance once with the Emperor in turn, and the Emperor could choose one favored candidate to dance with a second time at the end.

Though dancing twice with the Emperor did not grant extra points in the competition, it undoubtedly meant she had captured his favor—and thus secured an early advantage in the contest.

After all, even the most impartial judges could hardly ignore the Emperor’s preference.

To become the evening’s star, each noblewoman practiced her signature move before the mirror.

Princess Lilibet repeatedly pursed and released her famously full, pouty lips while dramatically lifting her fan-like eyelashes to reveal her vivid blue eyes.

Meanwhile, the youngest daughter of Earl Hawthorn gathered her ample bosom as high as possible, sprinkled glittering shimmer atop it, and bowed deeply in a practiced curtsy.

Lady Grace still clutched a book in her hands, determined to capture the Emperor’s interest with her vast knowledge and wit, while the Princess of Chatel showcased the finest dancing skills among the candidates, moving with the grace of a swan.

Even busier than the noblewomen were their maids. To ensure their young mistresses stood out above all, they scrubbed, polished, dressed, applied makeup, and styled hair.

These were maids specially trained for the Empress selection. They could not afford to miss this chance—the honor of their house and the opportunity to become the Empress’s chief personal maid hung in the balance.

They adorned the noblewomen in the most exquisite, splendid gowns and treasures brought from their families, further enhancing their beauty with the continent’s most fashionable hairstyles and cosmetics.

“Miss, it’s time to head to the banquet hall.”

When Dina informed Arabella, who stood before the mirror, Vera, who was giving Arabella’s dress a final check, spoke up.

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