Embers of Hidden Crown: Trials of Unseen Heir
part 4
Liam
oh , did I interrupt something ?
Hinami
This is my friend, Liam
Cassius
Pleasure to meet you Liam , I'm Hinami's Brother, Cassius
Liam
Oh , Cassius the son of the grand Duke !?
Liam
How nice to meet you too your grace
Cassius
let's drop the formalities now , you're the son of the great Archmage
Cassius
you're no joke yourself
Cassius
How was the exam ?
Liam
I must say the exam was quite hard ~
Cassius
The results wil be announced in an hour , let me treat you too until it's time
We three went to a nearby dinner and order food. we then kept chatting until our food came
Hinami
🤤smells sooo good ~
We started talking as we ate our food and Liam was surprisingly fun
He made funny jokes and shared funny events that made us choke on our food. It was truly enjoyable
After an hour of resting our back and stuffing our faces , we were all called to the main city center gathering to announce the results
It was extremely packed with people, family member of contestants, commoners , random nobles , a lot of people were eager to hear the results being announced
Sir Pablo ( Host )
Students who passed are
1. Mathew Ledger
2. Stephen Miller
.
.
.
.
.
9. Liam Antel
10. Hinami
Everyone
* gasp * what ! the women passed too ! no way !!?
Sir Pablo ( Host )
And this year, the passers grades are beyond exceptional, the lowest is the 20 is 23 by Mathew and the top scorers are Liam and Hinami
Sir Pablo ( Host )
With 78 and 90 respectively
Sir Pablo ( Host )
The two top scorers will be rewarded greatly and will have an advantage in the coming competitions.
Sir Pablo ( Host )
The next round will begin by tomorrow so prepare ,
Sir Pablo ( Host )
That's all for today
Most people cried for failing, some are happy and some are still stunned about our results
Infact , I'm stunned too , he got 78....
Liam
Hinami ! you just got a 90 !
Hinami
You did pretty good too , 78 is almost impossible
Liam
Come on , and you're saying that ~
Cassius
I guess that's good news , then I suggest we go back to the Manor
Liam
( why's he so calm....as if he already knew ...)
Liam
I better get going too
Hinami
* sigh * but mom's gonna Kill m_______.
guard
lady Hinami , The Emperor seeks your presence this instant
guard
Then I'll lead the way
Cassius signaled me that everything is gonna be okay and Liam stood there confused
I followed the man to the Imperial palace and we arrived not so long after
There , I entered the grand Imperial Hall were the Emperor was seated.
guard
Your majesty, Lady Hinami has arrived
Hinami
Greetings your Majesty, it's an honour * bows head *
Emperor Remus
You may rise
I raised my head and looked at the Emperor for the first time up close
Emperor Remus
I saw the reports of the preliminaries and was shocked to see your results
Emperor Remus
80 is impossible let alone 90,
Emperor Remus
In addition, I heard from our mages that you changed 10 of the original answers during the exam
Emperor Remus
If it's true , than you'd get a 100....unlike anything the Empire has witnessed
Hinami
Your Majesty, how can such a lowly girl like me score a 90 , it was merely luck in my eyes
Emperor Remus
We shall see then ,
Emperor Remus
Guards, bring in the Archmages
A group of people came in and stood in front of me . Then placed their hands on the ground after forming a circle around me as the Emperor ordered
Emperor Remus
Hinami , you may only speak the truth since these mages have placed lie detectors around, and lying to the Emperor is a great offence
Emperor Remus
Did you intentionally change the ten answers
Mediator
she's lying your Majesty
Emperor Remus
Hinami , there will be no next time,
Emperor Remus
I'm giving you one more chance
Hinami
Y-yes...your Majesty, I did
Emperor Remus
You knew all the answers , didn't you
Mediator
she's telling the truth ,
Emperor Remus
.... ( how odd , I've never heard such a thing...)
Emperor Remus
Then , that's all , I'll call you when needed
Emperor Remus
You may leave now
Hinami
Thank you your Majesty
I left the place escorted by the guard and went back to the announcement area
There , Cassi and Liam were sitting on a bench and waiting for me to come out , I suppose
Liam rushed towards me and gave me a hug , why I feel kinda weird
Liam
* lets go of Hinami * , are you okay ! what was that just now ! why did the Emperor call you !?
Hinami
His Majesty wanted to know if it's true that I scored 90 , He said it was Odd and such things
Hinami
It was really nothing
Hinami
You didn't have to worry Silly , ha ha
Hinami
Ha ha , then let's get going shall we
We walked together to the city's main capital and parted ways as our Carriages arrived
I'm glad I entered the second round , but I'm worried about the Emperor....he is suspicious already ....
guard
Lady Hinami and Lord Cassius have arrived
The gates to our Manor opened and we entered with the carriage
Knight Marshall
good to see you again, My lady
Hinami
* walks down the carriage stairs *
Hinami
good to see you too Marshall
Hinami
have you missed me ~
Knight Marshall
Contrary to your expectations, I had a great time without you
Knight Marshall
* chuckles *
Mom came towards me marching in anger as Dad followed her
Mom
I heard everything from your dad ,
Mom
And I have to say , I'm exhausted!
Mom
Marquess Nicolas and his son left the Manor a while ago after they had some tea. They were truly disappointed
Mom
But since you have passed the preliminaries, I can't stop you now
Dad
we agreed to support you fully from now on , no take backs this time
Dad
Indeed , but you can't fail from this point on, you should earn your place as the next Vizer
Hinami
I definitely will !
Mom
* sigh * I can't believe this ,you've drained me alot young lady
Now that a major obstacle is gone , I can have a better chance of acquiring the position I desire.
I entered the Masion , went in my room and called for my personal tailor to make me something as comfortable as what Cassius wears
I can't continue wearing these large gowns from now on, I need to wear something more flexible.
Maid sui
wake up ! you're new clothes are ready !
I took an early bath and went to my dressing room to embark on my new clothe
Hinami
Hm , it looks comfortable enough
Maid sui
Then let's dress you up, shall we
I wore my new attire and it fits perfectly, it was comfortable and easy to move in , just what I needed
Maid sui
* gasp * my lady , you look stunning !!
Maid sui
But that's mens outfit, will it be alright?
Hinami
why not , there's no rule I can't wear this
Maid sui
But other ladies_______.
Hinami
don't worry , I have enough friends now , I don't really mind if other nobilities think this is absurd.
Maid sui
Then as you wish. Good luck on your plan
Hinami
I'll be leaving then ,
I exited the place and head to the exit
Dad
You're looking great Hinami ,
Mom
Oh dear ! you're wearing a suit now !
Dad
Come on Hon, she can't possible compete with a full dress can she
Mom
But the standards for women is _______.
Cassius
Clothing Standards don't really matter in competitions mother , don't worry
Cassius
we shall leave now , it's getting late
Dad
Good luck Hina , don't forget to hold back your fists. Don't get into fights okay ~
Mom
......well , good luck
Hinami
Thanks mom, see you later
I exited the manor and we drived to the city capital. There , contestants were holding luggages and I wonder why ? are we staying for some time ?
we went out of the carriage and walked to the gathering area on foot
There, the first person I found was Liam
Liam
Hinami ! * waves hands *
Liam came towards us and we started speaking about the event
Liam
You look stunning today ~
Hinami
Liam , why are contestants Holding their luggages ?
Liam
oh that , they sai _______.
Sir Pablo ( Host )
Contestants ! We have an announcement to make so gather around !
Liam
oh, let's get closer Hina
Liam and I squeezed through the crowd and listened to the announcement
Sir Pablo ( Host )
The second round of the Vizer selection will begin today !
Sir Pablo ( Host )
Contestants will be staying in dorms for this round ,
Sir Pablo ( Host )
The second round consisted of 3 levels
Sir Pablo ( Host )
Each level will have two people eliminated and the rest will proceed to the third round. The levels are ,
1. Puzzle test
2. memory test
3. swordsmanship test
Sir Pablo ( Host )
The competition will last 5 days , Including today. Audience are welcome to watch the events but none have the right to interfere ,
Sir Pablo ( Host )
You have 30 minute to prepare , your dorm rooms will be given to you after half an hour
Sir Pablo ( Host )
You can excuse yourselves now ,
Contestants
Oh, we should brings lods of food , let's go , * chatter *
Liam
Hina , you didn't bring your luggage did you ?
Hinami
unfortunately yes ,
Cassius
Don't worry , I have it here
Hinami
woah ? how did you know ____.
Cassius
Your maid gave it to me just in case , she said "good luck My lady " as well
Liam
( the smile again...)
Cassius
I'll take my leave Hina , I have a lot of paper work to do back at the manor
Hinami
ha ha , I can't believe you're saying that ~
Cassius
silly me , I keep forgetting
Cassius
Then see you next week
Liam
You seem really close to your brother,
Hinami
Ah , yes we are , we grew up real close so I guess it makes sense even after we grew up
Liam
( Hm , Such a rare sight ....I keep getting amazed with Hinami....)
Hinami
Then , we should treat ourselves to some meal before we get in
We went to the dinner where we ate with Cassius last time and order crab legs. It was absolutely delicious
Hinami
dis foo is sooo delicious ~ * munching food *
Liam
Hey hey , you'll choke if you keep talking
we ate all the crab served to us and went back to the gathering area for an update about our dorms
Sir Pablo ( Host )
Everyone, make a line of 4 and enter to the building after receiving your keys
Sir Pablo ( Host )
As for you Lady Hinami , you'll have a dorm on the other side of the building
Sir Pablo ( Host )
here you go
I recieved my keys from the Host and went in the masion like building
It took me a while to find my room but I found it at last ,
I unpacked my luggage and arranged my books on the shelf
Hinami
oh Liam, what brings you here
Liam
I was bored so I came to check on you ,
Hinami
it hasn't been a minute since we saw eachother
Liam
well ya , but I'm really bored ~
Hinami
Why don't we take a look at the place then , it's a huge mansion for 20 people
We went outside and started exploring the place , it was truly amazing. Large Even halls , A food buffet , beautiful garden and all the facilities we could ever ask for
As we were exploring the garden , we embarked on an unexpected personal
Liam
Greetings Your Highness
Sephora (2nd princess)
Hmm~ I never knew a women was competing this year ?
Maid 2
She apparently is your Highness
Sephora (2nd princess)
well , it doesn't matter, I'm here to see the men
Sephora (2nd princess)
Your name is ? * looking towards Liam*
Liam
Liam Antel Your Highness
Sephora (2nd princess)
Liam , you could make a great Husband with your looks and physic , which family are you from ?
Hinami
( husband ? is that why she's here )
Liam
I'm the Heir of the great Archmage in the Central city your Highness ( Husband , is she serious ? )
Sephora (2nd princess)
oh so you're a mage , Hmm...I'll have to reconsider my choices then , mages are dangerous after all~
Maid 2
Your highness * whisper * this girl here is a threat to your choices this time. She is a fair competitor in my eyes
Sephora (2nd princess)
Ha ! this little women dressed in a suit , no way in this world
Maid 2
Why don't you ask Noah , he knows better how to judge
Sephora (2nd princess)
Hmph ! very well , You there
Sephora (2nd princess)
Meet me here after an hour , I have some business with you
Hinami
understood your Highness
Sephora (2nd princess)
I shall take my leave then ,
Sephora (2nd princess)
* exits place *
Hinami
Her voice is oddly annoying too
After our short stroll through the mansion , we went back to our rooms and I had a chance to read more book
I woke up early in the morning which is so unlike me and went to the garden for fresh air.....garden....I feel like i forgot something yesterday.....
Hinami
And these flowers are so beautiful ~
As I was enjoying the early scenery, I spotted a person in the garden
And at that moment , the person turned towards me with a glare
Hinami
!! ( so beautiful....is she also a contestant....but I'm the only women here )
Hinami
Ahem, Excuse me My lady , what are you doing here ?
Noah ( 3rd prince)
Lady ? I'm a guy😑
Hinami
H-How ??? what ....( no way ! )
Hinami
Oh, are you perhaps....a lady in disguise? * gasp * maybe ______.
Noah ( 3rd prince)
No , I'm not !
Hinami
how is that even possible ?
Hinami
Are you one of the contestants because I've never seen you here ?
Hinami
or in the exam hall
Noah ( 3rd prince)
* sigh * so annoying
Noah ( 3rd prince)
I'm the third prince Noah
Hinami
Pffft, come on , you expect me to believe you ~
Hinami
Maybe you're fake name yes , ha ha
The person , Noah for now walked towards me and looked down on me.....she was actually really tall up close
Noah ( 3rd prince)
You're so Tiny yet you have a big mouth ,do you want me to prove to you that I'm a guy ~
Hinami
w-well....that won't be necessary
Noah ( 3rd prince)
good , then excuse me , I have somewhere to be
The person exited my site and soon we were called to the gathering area.
Sir Pablo ( Host )
Ladies and gentlemen, we will now start the first level of this round
Sir Pablo ( Host )
it's called puzzled test.
Sir Pablo ( Host )
You will be given 10 hours to complete the puzzle.
Sir Pablo ( Host )
The puzzle is to find out the criminal and catch them before they escape this Empires territory.
Sir Pablo ( Host )
Henry Gol , he is not a real criminal but will serve as one for the competition. You will be given certain Hints to find him and Make a strategy to catch him
Sir Pablo ( Host )
You have to use critical thinking, convincing skills and Geography knowledge to solve the puzzle , which will get harder every hour
Sir Pablo ( Host )
Failure to catch the criminal will not get you eliminated, but the least person to contribute to the team will be eliminated from the challenge
Sir Pablo ( Host )
Now we'll be having for groups with five people, each member should actively participate and solve the puzzle up to 50 % for a pass
Sir Pablo ( Host )
You have 4 minutes to choose groups , let's begin
Liam
Hina , you and I are a team so let's find more people
Eventhough we tried to invited contestants, they all were hesitant to join my team
Contestants
sorry but...we don't really trust you , ha ha , dude I can't believe you said that ! ya ! no way you got 90 without cheating! how shameful ha ha * laughter *
Humbolt
I'll join your team
Nick
pffft , ha ha , you sure look excited
Contestants
* gasp * those two joined !! no way !?
Contestants
that's not fair at all ! what !?
Hinami
* happy * great ! then we're ready ! ( I'm excited ! )
Our team mates where Nick , Humbolt and Ester. They look strong and reliable so I guess we'll win this round ,
Sir Pablo ( Host )
Times up , now you'll be given 4 hints , to start , you have exactly 10 hours from now to catch the criminal
Sir Pablo ( Host )
The competition starts now ,!
The guards gave us a peices of paper and we started analysing it for useful hints.
Our team chose the garden as our base to start planning out
There was a map on the paper and 3 words
Hinami
So first off this the map of our Empire ,
Liam
really ? I never knew
Humbolt
Indeed , that must be our first Hint
Hinami
And these words right here are written in an ancient language named Marsuvialin , The language is long dead but there are particularly two speakers in the entire Empire
Ester
I guess they want us to translate the words as our second hint
Ester
but where could the 2 people be ?
Hinami
The first one is in the Far Northern states, she is an old lady living on her own on the top of a mountain
Nick
But the northern states takes 7 hours to reach
Nick
( how did she know all that...?? )
Hinami
Yes, so we'll take our second option
Humbolt
!! , you can speak the language ?
Hinami
I learned it from the old lady in the northern states on my winter break when I was 15
Liam
I believe We'll figure this in no time then ( always full of surprises...)
I translated the words and we soon understood everything after putting the puzzles together
Ester
So it's basically telling us the location of the criminal
Hinami
Yes , but the last word is only " 3km oppose "
Hinami
I believe they're trying to tell us that the criminal is located 3 km in the opposite direction of what we thought might be his current location
Liam
We should head out and catch him then
We went out to the main city and went to the place we thought the criminal was present. Then we took a route opposite to the place and arrived at a Dinner called Tatui
There , i alone entered the place to avoid suspicion as they guys stood outside and waited for my signal
I took a seat and ordered a large portion of Food to stuff my food
Everyone here looked suspicious but I know the person we're looking for
waiter
Maam , here is your food
The waiter brought me my food and turned around to walk away when
Hinami
* grabs waiters wrist *
Humbolt
That was pretty easy ( but we couldn't have done it without her....)
Hinami
Not now.....let's wait until the allotted time is over
Hinami
.....I wanna eat my food 🙄
Everyone
HA HA ! * laughs *
Humbolt
Indeed, that was unexpected
We tied the man up , cover his mouth and started eating once our food arrived
It was soo good I wanted to cry
Liam
Hina , we should get back now , it has been over 10 hours since we started
Hinami
oh , okay , let's get back
Sir Pablo ( Host )
None of you have succeed to bring the criminal so we'll be________.
Hinami
And we have the criminal!
Everyone
* gasp * no way ! What !? How !?
Sir Pablo ( Host )
Interesting.....very well , ( no one has ever won this round , even the current viser ....)
Sir Pablo ( Host )
we'll proceed to the next level , Teter and frail from team 3 will be eliminated for this round
Sir Pablo ( Host )
Your next level is memory challenge, get some rest now .The next challenge will begin 3 days later , meanwhile , you can wander around within the limits of the central city and enjoy yourself. Bear in mind that you must return to your dorms at night.
Nick
it was nice teaming up with you Hinami ,
Humbolt
Indeed , I had a great time
Ester
See you later then ,
Later on , we all head back to our rooms to get some rest .
At this rate , I have a pretty high chance of becoming the Emperor , this is gonna be easier than I thought !
Emperor Remus
I've never seen nor heard anything like this before....
Vizier Archael
It was unbelievable to us too your Majesty, but we can agree that this is all beyond mere luck , that women is extraordinary.
Emperor Remus
And I thought I had the most clever sons , what a way to disprove me
Vizier Archael
( she is definitely a grate puppet for me to control, if I can , then I'll surely take the title as an Emperor in no time )
Emperor Remus
But I don't think that's enough , I need to test her potential in real life situations. I have to see for myself wether she is lucky or clever.
Vizier Archael
I believe the next meeting to solve the issue of the northern states would be at most fit your Majesty
Emperor Remus
Indeed , then that case will be their final exam
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