Depart

"Young Miss, a letter from the Royal Palace" the butler was holding a silver tray with a crafted rose gold envelope. She smelled a light scent of ambergris which is exclusive for the Royal Family.

There's also the red seal with the Royal Family insignia. It means that the emperor himself place a great importance on the content of the letter and it should be read as soon as possible.

This already gave her an idea that the competition cannot be taken for granted.

It contained a card with brief instruction and a luxury train ticket going to Versi.

Departure is tomorrow.

Versi is located in the northern part of the Empire. Around this time, snow would start to fall in that place. It would be alright to stay in its capital since it was on flatland, but the surrounding mountains would immediately be covered in ice caps and would be ten times colder.

The view is spectacular though, and many tourists would take scenic train vacation just so they can witness the magnificent peaks of Versi mountain range.

Luxury train would be a perfect way to enjoy this tour, and Yue would fully take advantage of that to condition her mind.

Yue sent a message to Assistant Yi for the information on Versi Province. There must be something about that place that is relevant in the competition else they wouldn't make such effort to let people travel for more than 24 hours.

Central Station.

This is the largest train station in the empire. Platform 1. This is where the luxury train is parked.

Consisting of 25 coaches including a spa, a fitness center, an entertainment area with cinema, and two dining area, one which caters buffet style restaurant which is included in the travel package and the other is a five-star fine dining restaurant.

This is one of the popular means for nobles to travel around the continent in comfort.

Someone approached Yue to help her carry the luggage inside.

She was led in suite.

Yue was greeted by a spacious and wide windowed room with carpeted flooring, patterned wallpaper, artistic paintings, delicate carvings, a fully furnished room which accentuated the Victorian-style interior. There's a space for receiving and private dining, en-suite bathroom, a double bed, a vanity, and a closet.

Yue was truly impressed. She immediately made herself comfortable.

She slept up just in time for lunch.

Yue went to the buffet restaurant. The fine-dining is only available at night and needed reservation at least 4hrs before dinner.

Once she stepped into the room, she was greeted by around 20 people.

Some small groups were formed but there are also those who mind their own business.

Fortunately, there's more than enough space to accommodate people and Yue queued to get her food.

When she got seated, suddenly, she heard some familiar rhythmic steps. Frown began to form on her face.

As the sound approaches her, she began to evade.

Unfortunately, two arms still managed to surround her neck.

"Yuechiiiiii~" an excited playful voice greeted her.

"Get off me!" Yue tried to break off from the arms that is holding her but to no avail.

"No way, I miss Yuechi" the man holds her more tightly.

Yue thrusted back her elbow but the man managed to avoid it. Her irritation amplified.

"Who taught you how to harm people Yuechi, you shouldn't learn those things" he released one arm but used the other one to mess with her hair.

"Excuse me, you shouldn't make the lady uncomfortable" one waiter approached them intending to mitigate the situation.

"Mind your own business" the man turned his head to the waiter, smiling, but his gaze is sharp. The waiter can't help but shiver.

"Thank you for your concern but it's just a little banter between friends" Yue knew the man's temper is not really agreeable, in order to save the waiter, she had to deescalate the situation.

"But-" the waiter is not convinced.

"Thank you" Yue showed her brightest smile.

Although he was still a bit skeptical, the waiter had no choice but to walk away since the party involved does not intend to protest. No one dared to meddle after that, but Yue knew everyone in the room us trying to observe their situation.

"Don't you think it's time to stop this. Just eat with me in peace" Yue can only invite the man to share table in order to stop his antics.

"Ahh Yuechi's wish is my command" the man took a seat in front of her and her eyes were slightly stung by his brilliant blonde hair. It looks fluffy and slightly long, like the style that is popular in idol groups. He got a youthful face, like a young brother next door and a tiger tooth to complete the look. If one didn't know him, one couldn't help to fall for his face. If not for her brother, Yue would also be tricked by him. Fortunately, she was able to keep a straight face.

"How come you're here?" the competition is limited to citizens of the empire. She originally met Kei in Country F which is full of people from around the world. Given his blonde hair and blue eyes, he should be someone from the western continent. Yue didn't think it was a disguise either.

"Of course, I want to see you Yuechi. You suddenly left me. It took me sometime to track you" Kei was acting like Yue should praise him for being able to find her.

"I should report that a pervert is following after me" Yue rolled her eyes.

"You should be proud Yuechi, I reunited with my mother for this" Kei looks a bit dark after saying that sentence, but it was only for a while that it's hard to catch his expression.

Yue was disturbed, she knew how much Kei resented his mother.

"You shouldn't have done that" Yue pursed her lips.

"Oh my, does Yuechi feels sorry for me. Then you can marry me to ease your conscience" Kei was satisfied by her reaction and acted frivolously.

"Shameless" Yue can only say helplessly.

The two finished their meal and Kei insisted to escort her back to her room.

"You can now leave"

"Before that, let me give Yuechi a gift" Kei pulled her arm and whispered to her ear.

His low wicked voice resounded in her ear making her tingle. She immediately pushed him away.

"I made a reservation for the two of us for dinner. My cute Yuechi, have a good rest" Kei reached for her nose to pinch it.

Yue closed the door to his face. Kei left with a grin.

Yue felt tired.

She always had to bring out all her energy every time she had to deal with Kei.

Glasfleur.

He whispered such word.

She saw the term in the information she got from Assistant Yi.

Yue knew that the last round would be hard, but she didn't expect it to be really difficult. She can't believe Kei managed to get the information on the competition.

Doubting Kei's identity, Yue once again asked for the help of Assistant Yi.