The Other Side of the Mask

"What about you QiLing?"

"Huh… oh he's so handsome, I can't wait to meet him in person!" I smile fakely and play along.

The girls don't notice the fakeness and keep gossiping.

When we arrived, I gasped in astonishment at the beautiful building in front of me. Yue Castle is unreal in person. It's a white castle that looks as if there was a layer of pearl over it, just like the moon.

"Hurry along now!", says a maid of the castle and escorts me to my estate in the castle for unpacking. I stare around in the room that could live a family in the countryside. These people are too rich for their own good… I mean like 100 of these rooms? I quickly unpack and join the rest of the girls in the unbelievably big "castle garden".

"Welcome, your Highnesses.", the messenger excitedly announces, "As of today, you will be in the Trials of Fantasy that will decide on the next Queen of Yue Kingdom!"

I quietly sigh in exhaustion, when will this be over.

"First up we'll be testing elegance and respect."

The messenger prances in front to lead the way to the Ballroom with gossiping girls behind him. I hesitate, then follow.

When we arrive, the messenger stops and gestures to some masked maids, waiting at the side who then passes us masks, including the messenger.

"Trial orders", he says curtly.

A loud groan comes from the girls.

"Aww! I wanted to seduce him with my pretty face!"

"Shh! I know right, but we can't ignore the orders!"

I quickly put on my mask and then another noble came up to me.

"Hello, QiLing, I hear that you're Mayor Chun's relative."

"Yes, I am."

"Is that so? Were you and your family hoping that you could rise in status?"

I see where this is going and I turn away.

She sneers and speaks again, "If you are, drop your hope and you should exit right now."

Fortunately, another noble comes up to us.

"Wang SanXing, please stop this rude behavior now. We are to meet with the Royal Family. You do not want to make them wait now, do you?"

SanXing's sneer drops, "O-of course not…"

We follow the messenger with our masks on. The Yue Castle is filled with treasures and glories that decorate it. Finally, we arrive at the center of the keep. Inside was a glorious hall with the royal family on their thrones in front of us. The present King stands up and greets us.

"Greetings, ladies!"

We curtsy in front of him.

"Greetings, your majesty."

"We are all here today for a certain event. One that happens once in a lifetime : The Trials of Fantasy!"

Finally, Prince Fu stood up and a bunch of girls started squealing excitedly. I have to admit, he does look way better than decent…

We spent the entire morning with a 'get-to-know-you' sort of thing as the Prince literally interviewed us in front of everyone. Then, we had lamb stew and a bunch of rich stuff that got me stuffed.

That night, I went back to my bedroom, exhausted. I jump on the bed, only to find it quite uncomfortable and too soft for my taste. I find the balcony and jump on to the roof. The moment I lift my head, I find a masked shady person.

"A-ah!"

I was startled that there would be anyone on the roof and slipped.

"O-o, please be careful."

The masked man spoke. His voice was surprisingly nice. He had glimmering black hair and a suspicious black outfit, wearing one of those white masks we were given.

"I-i'm sorry to intrude. I'll go back."

I start to head down to the balcony.

"No, it's fine, you can stay here if you want."

He pulls out an apple and starts eating.

"Mister, are you an assassin?"