In that moment, the whole place fell silent.
The previously ecstatic crowd was now staring, mouths agape, at the unbelievable scene unfolding before them.
Isla, who they had always seen as an ethereal beauty, was now face down in the dirt, a complete mess.
"Is this even something a human would do? Does he have any idea about treating women with care?"
"Monster, he's an absolute monster!"
A muffled laugh escaped from behind the curtain where Emily was watching. She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
She had never expected that Isla, always so quirky and spirited, would end up like this.
'What a strange guy.'
Without realizing it, Emily found herself increasingly intrigued by Timothy.
Apart from his strength, he was the first man she had encountered who seemed utterly immune to any charm.
'Could there really be someone in the world who is indifferent to beauty?'
A warm feeling surged in Emily's heart, making her question the beliefs she had always held.
After Isla was tossed aside like a stone, the anger in the crowd grew, and one challenger after another stepped up.
But with each challenge, Timothy's aura grew stronger, his power increasing at a terrifying rate.
Victory after victory, it was almost a total domination.
"Anyone else?"
He scanned the crowd below the stage, but no one dared to step forward.
"This Timothy has now won twenty-three consecutive matches and has even passed the princess's maid's test. If no one else challenges him within ten seconds, today's victory will be his."
The old voice echoed through the streets of Azure Sea City.
Many in the crowd clenched their teeth in frustration.
Some were scions of great families, others were the proud sons of top-tier sects.
Many had been confident in their ability to win the contest and claim the beautiful prize.
But now, not a single one dared to face Timothy.
His strength was simply too overwhelming, even for those skilled in Energy Foundation to last more than a few rounds against him.
To challenge him would only be to embarrass themselves.
A sense of despair and regret filled everyone's heart, pained at the thought of such a beautiful princess ending up with such a scoundrel.
"Ten."
"Nine."
"Eight."
...
"One!"
"Today's martial contest for marriage ends with Timothy as the victor. Although the princess will ultimately choose her prince charming herself, you may now make any request to the princess. As long as it is within her power, she will do her best to fulfill it."
Finally, the elder made the final announcement.
Amidst the cheers and the lively atmosphere, the elder respectfully looked towards the curtain: "Now, please welcome the princess to the stage."
"Eh?"
Hidden behind the curtain, quietly watching Timothy, Emily snapped back to reality.
She realized that, unknowingly, a slight smile had formed on her lips.
'Prince Charming...'
Although today's contest was arranged by her father, Emily had never truly considered choosing a prince charming for herself.
But now, as Timothy's image lingered in her mind, she was shocked to find her heart beating much faster than usual.
Recalling the joy she felt watching Timothy win match after match on the stage, Emily suddenly felt a jolt in her heart.
'Could it be that I'm actually developing feelings for this man?'
Emily tried hard to dismiss this bizarre thought.
Goddess Sylvia was her eternal role model, and she was not ready to let down her guard just yet.
"Princess?"
The elder's voice came again, and Emily had to push aside her thoughts for the moment, lifting the delicate curtain and stepping out.
Her skirt fluttered in the wind, and as her figure appeared on the stage, the crowd below was momentarily stunned.
Who could remain unmoved by the sight of such a delicate and beautiful Third Princess?
They cursed their lack of strength that had allowed such a scoundrel to remain standing at the end!
Lifting her head, Emily inadvertently locked eyes with Timothy.
Having lived in the palace for many years, Emily had seen countless exceptional men, but she had never encountered such deep, penetrating eyes.
Those dark eyes seemed to see right through to the soul, harboring a distinctly different aura.
For a moment, Emily was lost in thought.
"Holy smokes, what's up with her?"
Noticing Emily's expression, Timothy suddenly sensed something was off.
The aura emitted by his Ancient Saintly Body tended to attract women.
And clearly, the Third Princess had inadvertently been charmed by it.
But that wasn't the main issue.
Under normal circumstances, Timothy wouldn't care about such a trivial matter.
The problem was, Sylvia was watching from a tavern right now!
On the stage, it seemed as if all the light in the street converged on them.
Emily stood in front of Timothy, her delicate figure appearing even more fragile as she shyly lowered her head.
The scene looked decidedly unusual!
More importantly, Timothy could faintly feel a cold gaze from behind, unlike any other, as chilling as an iceberg.
This was not good at all!
Timothy decided to make it quick, speaking up, "Third Princess, winning the contest allows me to make any request of you. May I make my request now?"
Hearing this, Emily trembled slightly, her mind plunging into chaos.
She realized that her thoughts were beginning to waver.
She had always held firm, idolizing Goddess Sylvia, who neither married nor engaged in romantic affairs. Emily had resolved to do the same, never considering marriage, despite persuasion from her father and the court ministers.
This martial contest was merely a stalling tactic.
But she had never expected to meet such a unique individual.
A genius who dominated the Phoenix Kingdom, winning decisively and maintaining his integrity, completely unaffected by beauty.
His presence always reminded Emily of Goddess Sylvia, irresistibly drawing her in.
At this moment, Emily found her heart racing uncontrollably.
And she couldn't stop her mind from wandering.
Could it be that she had truly fallen for him?
Emily didn't want to believe it, nor did she want to accept it.
But her heart kept telling her to seek the real truth.
"I'm sorry, Goddess," Emily murmured, her slender fingers digging into her palm in guilt.
Her mind was a blank slate, needing only to confirm her feelings.
"Um, go ahead, what is your wish, could it be..."
Emily's words faltered, and even her ears turned red.
Timothy: "I want your..."
"No, I absolutely can't! I can't possibly fall in love with anyone."
"Even though you're handsome and charismatic, I'm sorry, it's not possible!"
Emily was completely flustered, her words a whispered jumble.
Timothy: "The bracelet on your wrist."
Emily: "?"
In that moment, she stood frozen in place.