Formidable Challenges-2

Earlier

***

Ralies's POV

I watch the participants doing their task and certainly, it's amusing to watch the chaos break.

Louis hasn't come back yet, probably not fond of this event.

I rested my head on my palm while observing the scene below.

Which team is that? I spotted one team which is already finished their task. I tried to scan for the possible members but I can't make it from this distance.

I like their presentation. Its an egg with the creamy yolk? On a trey that nicely decorated. It looks far more appetizing than my everyday royal cuisines.

"Order the team to bring there for ten servings for me and the guest."

"Yes, your highness!"

I ordered the guard who stood beside me and he obediently follows my order.

***

"Louis, I glad that you've come back."

I ask him as he takes a seat beside me. He shrugged and I continue.

"I have an eye on a very interesting team. And I am certain that you will likely interested as well."

Then the plate of eggs placed before us. I take one then examine it closely.

"Do you have any idea what is this?"

Louis looks at me and from his expression. He said 'it's just a boiled egg, that not surprised."

"Chuckled~ This is beyond my expectations, I may enjoy meeting them but."

"Have you had an eye on them?"

"If so, I suggested you take this team into your consideration if not I'll take them."

He eats the egg, so do I. The flavor then exploded in my mouth. I can't explain the taste. The sourness and the texture that not like any other that I once tasted.

"I see, this is what makes you boasted about them."

Louis speak. He takes another bite and I look to the participants that are undergoing Louis's task.

Team 13, I look forward to meeting you. I could use some enjoyment before goes meeting with the candidates.

It's boring. I don't need another to look after. This kingdom alone is enough.

"Then lets us taste others as well."

***

Mei's POV

Zzzzzz~

'Wake up you sleepy head~!'

Uhh~ Gimme five more minutes........

Zzzzzz

'Fine~! If you intend to fail your third task~'

No kidding Purin-Chan...... Please don't disturb me while I'm as sle-

I shot up as the realization hit me.

'Don't forget to meet at the palace's back yard at 9:00! And do dress properly, pin your team's tag every time and exactly above your heart!'

Mrs.Claudia's words lingered in my mind as I sweatdrop. What time is it?!

'Its fifteen to seven~! Still! Do not get careless~!'

It's not even seven and you wake me up?! Are you planning to make me restless?!

'I see~! But the fact is, there aren't you alone in this place~ When the time comes, I'm sure some would've failed because of their carelessness~!'

Yeah right, I'm staying in the inn now together with other girls and other teams. If I were to wake up late. I'll need to bath with countless girls! It's not like I'm a pervert! But still! I'm used to be a man and not having a bath with other than myself. Talk about a thing like this remind me of last night where we share our time doing the 'pillow talk'

***

"Mei! Why are you left your country and decided to become a maid here?"

Risa ask. I reluctantly answer her.

"It's a family matter that I couldn't talk about."

Their expression becomes sad, Risa also felt guilty for asking the question.

"Oh...... I see, sorry."

"Its not that important anyway, the reason I become a maid because I felt like so."

"Gasp! Holy! Sorry, I'm being rude but! Maid?! You could do better than that!"

Sylastah surprised. I know I'm capable of many things. But I'm sure being a maid is least of a burden.

"I know, but I believed that me, being a maid would've me learned to put my talents into good use."

Everyone except for Carloe and Clara has their face look at me, admired.

"So? I like your cooking but could you tell some detail on how you learned it?"

"Yea I agreed!"

"I-i- could you tell us?"

"...delicious"

Sigh..... I guess it can't be helped.

"Umm? It's hard to summarize."

"I learned them by myself...... all of them."

""""W-what?""""

I saw that coming.

"Uh? It's hard to explain but I'll give you a rough idea on how I learned."

They nodded impatiently, I kinda like to go straight and make this quick but it will only spawn more questions so I come around with logic.

"I used to travel a lot and there saw many different food and cuisines."

"I tasted them and tried to make my replicates."

"So you used to cook a lot from just tasting?!"

I nodded. If I were to tell them that I learned from the internet that wouldn't end well for me.

But now, I can make replicates from the original just by the look and taste it. Thanks to "Keen eyes"

"Sure! We'll never archive what you've done!"

Risa laughed. It's that unnatural? I mean I'm a cheated one here you know.

"Um.....Mei? May I ask of your magic?"

Vinca called me in low voice. With this. She gathers the attention of the girls again.

"Magic?"

"....oh I saw her used it once but never mind."

Clara seems to remember something but chooses to keep it to herself.

"""Soooooo?"""

Here we go again.......

"Sigh~ I guess we're friends now so it's fine to tell you."

"My magic is not listed on the magic tier list."

They surprised but they resisted the urge to ask me a question.

"My attributes are elemental but it can not only use the elemental's power. Instead, it creates things out of the elemental."

"Sound confusing?"

Risa spoke. I may not be the best speaker but I'll guess they don't get the right picture.

"Okay okay! For example..... I could make some organics plant by knowing its nature and appearance."

"Aha?"

"Ah! For orange! I need to use the natural mana and nature elemental to make it."

I imagine a big orange which is sweet and tasty. Then I form the mana into the picture I Imagined and then bingo!

"Woah!!!!"

"Here like this."

"What is this ball?"

"Isn't it Cafca fruit?"

"Is it eatable?"

The question filled the air. To my fault. I did not know that orange did not exist in this world, in fact, it was Cafca fruit.

I peel the ora- Cafca fruit then handed to them.

They hesitantly take a bite.

"Uhh! So sweet and fruity!"

Rola cupped her cheek as she beamed. Cute.

"Exactly!! Cafca fruit could never be this sweet!"

I never taste Cafca fruit before. Is it that bitter?

".....your magic is very useful! What else could it make?"

Carloe seems too interested. I give her a look but she adverts her gaze away. I know.

"Chuckled~ It could make anything, from mortar to a battleship."

" ...w-what b-battlechip?"

Ah!

"I mean! Okay never mind."

Then the talk goes on with mostly about how are we going to do when tomorrow comes.

***

I sighed. I look around the room.

The room is large enough for 7 girls.

I stood from my bed then make a bed. The others still asleep. One was missing. Wonder who could've woke up this early.

I make my way out of the room then to the bath. The bathroom is public. Of course, I don't want to bath with the other, I'm too pure for that.

'It's not like you embarrassed about how others will see you~?'

S-standup!

'Alright! Alright~!'

I already gathered the necessary and head in the bath.

*Click!*

I take a toothbrush and a paste that I've made. I don't know whether this world has toothpaste or not. I brush my teeth and wash the brush.

I take a white towel and started to undress from the sleepwear. The bath is quite large. It reminded me of onsen.

I soaked myself before I dip my feet into the water.

"Whew!"

The warm water is nice! Also, its good to use with no other occupied. I relaxed in an isolated corner where there is a miniature waterfall.

*Click!*

After a long laze in the water. I heard the sound of the door being open. I quickly sank myself deep into the water to hide.

The stepping sound could be heard until its end with a sound of water.

"Ahhh! It's nice to be the first one~"

Her voice is familiar. I guess she still not noticed me yet. As if she heard my thought.

*Buumubumu* (Sound of bubbles.)

I ran out of the air and emerged from the water. She looks at me surprised.

"M-Mei?! How long have you been here?!"

She surprised. I slowly turn then my glaze met her. It's Sylastah.

My face quickly dyed in red as I realize that she is naked.

NO! I COULDN'T!

"M-Mei?"

She asked me again, shake me out of my deep thought filled with embarrassment.

"Uh-Ye-Ah- I-I-I've Been he-here just a bit ea-earlier!"

I managed to find an answer for her. But with the unbelievable count of stuttering, I turn my face away from her.

"Oh! Is that so? I don't know you're a morning person too."

Her voice sounds as calm as she can be. It's bothering me that her image still clear in my thought. I can't act properly if I'm still with her!

I slowly get up from the pool as I about to do she take my hand, forcing me to look at her.

How she managed to get close to me without me noticed?! I sat in the corner and she still makes it within second?!

"Mei? Why are you so red an oh!"

She noticed that I've held the towel to cover my front.

Her face then getting red and she released her to grab on my wrist.

"S-Sorry!"

"I don't mean to make you embarrassed!."

I nodded shyly. I slowly take a step away from the onsen. I get to my dresser and quickly dress in the knee-length dress with long sleeves and a black bow. I tied my hair in a high ponytail as Mrs. Crissy taught me how to do it. I feel like something is missing oh! I left my pin in the room so I'll go there and take my mind on a rest.

***

Sylastah's POV

Everyone still sleeping. I wake up early to write my family a letter. I missed them so much and I'd like to tell them how I'm doing.

Since the time I've been here in Roland, waiting to take part in the "Elevate for the Worthy." I always have a fight with my family. They're against it because I could be more than a meter maid. I know my capabilities, but I see this is the right thing to do.

In the end. My family gave in my dream and supporting me with all their being. I appreciated that they listened to me and reconsider. Without them, I wouldn't be here at all.

I finished writing a letter. I gently place it in the envelope and take it's with me. I then left the room. Make my way out of the inn we're staying. The inn is in the town so less walk to the post office. They operate every day, early in the morning and close before 19:00.

The walk takes some time but I finally reach the office. I handed the letter to the employee. There no fee. I finally got it's submitted. I hope for a reply soon.

I walk through the town to get back to the inn. On my way back there a suspicious figure all around the corner. I wonder who they're talking, it's better to quickly go back.

I managed to get out of the possible trouble and all I wanted is a nice bath to calm down my nerve for today's task. I go back to my room to get my cloth and all the necessaries.

She's missing? maybe she goes to the bath. I take my time's whiles on the way to the bath.

*Click!*

I politely open the door and slowly take off my cloth and hold a towel to cover my front.

*Click!*

There another door separated the dresser and the bath so I open it to take a bath. The water is warm and there a fragrance that I appreciated that I smelled. I sat in the warm water and enjoying my time alone in the large bath.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Ahhh! It's nice to be the first one~"

I said in satisfaction. In the time like this where people still sleep I can have the bath for me alone. I wonder if I could swim in her- WAIT!

I spotted something at the corner of my eyes. I shoot head to the isolated corner there and see there a bubble rise from something beneath. Without my glasses on, I couldn't tell what exactly it is. It's better not to be the mysterious figure.

Then the figure that I recolonized emerged from the depth.

"M-Mei?! How long have you been here?!"

I asked her surprised. But what surprised me more is her godly figure. It envies her but the admiration for her is beyond what I can describe. From the very beginning. her presence alone can make our team stand out a lot.

"M-Mei?"

I seem to think about something. With that, she realized I'm asking her and she struggled to answer me.

"Uh-Ye-Ah- I-I-I've Been he-here just a bit ea-earlier!"

Her voice is so small and with stuttering, it makes me blush of how cute she acts. Then my body acts on its own and quickly move to Mei. She flinched at the sudden move. She was about to leave the water then she gives me a look and quickly become red as a tomato.

Is she sick because she stays in the bath for too long? 

She may not notice it but I do. When we walk around the town yesterday going the Gales's house. Many pedestrians always look at us, or so at Mei.

She got it all. From beauty to unmatched talents. I admit I'm really jealous of her and also thankful for having her in the team.

"Mei? Why are you so red an oh!"

And now I'm here alone with her, exposed. Only the piece of towel covered her figure from my view. She shyly walks out of the bath.

*Click!*

With that she's left. I sighed. I could feel my face heated awhile ago and now still hot. I look at my reflection in the water.

Long blond hair that reflects all the light and the earth's brown eyes. Plain is what I thought. Even everyone from my neighbor said that I am beauty but its paled in comparison with Mei's.

Her brown hair that reaches the middle of her back and the matching brown eyes that always lit. Her beauty is gorgeous. She barely noticed a high spirit and energetic persona that make me wanted to discover her more.

Overall. She's mysterious yet charming.......

I shake my head then slapped my cheeks lightly to erase those thoughts.

"I'll better not stay long."

I get out of the bath and dressed politely with our team tag clipped above my heart. I look at myself. Still not pleased with my current look. I then proceed to comb my hair and goes for a more elegant style. I tied my hair into a neat bun and wear my glasses.

I look at the reflection in the mirror still, something missing. What could make me more likable? I could say that Mei is attractive but she not fashionable. To able to catch more eyes of any man is speechless, even the princesses would be envied her existence.

I guess I should get going. There is no point in wasting time unnecessarily.

***

Ahh! As I guessed. The bath isn't enough and there a lot of people who go back to their or friend's houses to take a bath. My team is already done but only ten minutes mark or so.

We're walking through the busy street to the palace's yard. The men aren't with us yet. Wonder what could happen there.

"I guess we should wait for them before going in."

Vinca suggested. I nodded in agreement. Maybe the judge wants us to be present as a team not separated. So we waited for them at the gate.

***

It takes almost all the time we had left and the guys had arrived. We scolded them for being late and ask for an explanation. What we've got is...

"I guess girls may take longer to take care of their 'Business' so we're playing chess while waiting for you girl."

Gales told us. They sheepishly lied to us. They're still asleep and only Cherock and Jack are on time. There still more room for improvement.

We race to the yard with the remaining time. Then the clock hit the mark.

*Clank!*

A loud sound of the metal gate closed. Then Mrs. Claudia is present at the podium with many judges line and her left and right.

"For every team that not completed. You're disqualified."

There some teams whose members still left outside the gate. They got disqualified by just being a second late. It could've been us if the guys playing chess.

"And now! The judges will inspect your cloth! Acknowledge yourself who's not complete."

They ruthlessly taking out team after team. Just from yesterday alone the remaining team only 30 teams and now 4 more left on spot due being late.

The judges skillful inspect us one by one and for our team, it's fine. But I could hear someone whispering to me. I turned to the owner and its Jack.

"Aye! Don't you think that the team deserves to disqualify too?! Look at that dumb brunette! His hair is stupid and messy Tch!."

I look at whoever Jack mentioned and found the brunette. I saw nothing wrong about him only his hair is a bit messy like his remark. He seems tired.

After the inspection ends. There is a total of 7 teams ended disqualified. Whew! Their dream has come to an end. The air filled with relived then a there is a spike of envious aura come from where the gate is.

I nervously look back only to see the disqualified shouting to each other, blaming their friend for the reason that they had to go home.

"I admired your responsibility! Now! For today."

"The judge will take charge from now."

What?! She did not give us the task? Then a man who resembles my grandpa showed up.

He got a grey beard and dressed in a very suitable style. The uniform resembles the commander of the knight but there only different. He's the commander of the butler!

"I shall introduce myself."

"My name is Gahmes S. Kyrie. I'm in charge of today's task."

Everyone gasped as they realized who he is. Last year. He also in charge of the task and his task is a hellish task that whoever sane will not dare to take. I've heard from Vinca once. She told us about this man. He's was once a priest then he loses his faith and makes living as a butler.

last year he tasked the participant to impress the princess part take in the queen candidates debut. Resulting in the downfall of many teams due to the candidates is very classy and choosey. Being brat, they always threw away anything the participant has to offer.

Only single numbered could make it out. Four teams who are blessed by 12 miracle individuals.

I heard once about them but its hard to beloved that they made it out from the princess. That test decided the 'Elevated personal' on the spot. But the qualified does not have their name officially announced because the test yet has come to an end and the participants are mostly eliminated.

"I'll get straight to the point. I disappointed that this year does not show much promise."

What? Even we do so well in the banquet and he declared that there not even a single pearl in the sea.

"What?! that old man bluffing about?! I GUESS HE'S AFRAID TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE'RE THE BEST RIGHT TCH?!"

Jack yelled whispered loud enough for the entire team can be heard.

"Shuush! If he heard it we may go down like them!"

Gales reminded him.

"Tch! Okay, Tch!"

"The best will have to face each other while the other climb to able at least to stand by their side."

"This test is your last and whoever loses goes home!."

"This is the survival of the fittest! Only the top six will able t receive the title!"

Oh no! Is this the so-called battle royale! I don't want to lose either! But one way another. They're always a winner and losers.

"Now! team 1, 9, 13 and 18! You all got the highest rating of all other teams!"

"You'll be given the special task, especially for team 13. You have the highest score so congratulations."

What?! This easily?! Why would I being paranoid of all time for this?!

"But it's still not right to deem you worthy!"

...

"As for the tradition. You all will go on the individual test with the judges. Your etiquette must be fine and well mannered! Your skill must be on varieties and variable, your passion for your work and your master must be limitless!"

"Should you failed you'll have to hold your tear. There no places for mere maid and butter here!"

"Only the worthy will survived."

So this is the real task, for us. I don't feel any hardship due to my family is already a noble. Not exactly noble but you can call it a celebrity. I was taught etiquette and many courses to improve my quality. I can't say the same for the other but Mei, Vinca, Rola, and Gales should be able to pass this easily.

So after Mr. Gahmes announced, we were taken by the judge who leads us to the separated areas from other teams whose not show promising work.

"Hey! From here on out! You better prepared! Don't know whatever waiting for is but I doubt that the old man got some plan!"

Risa speaks with cautious, cared to be heard by the man she mentioned.

She could've known him from somewhere. Right now I'm not in the right situation to think about other than how well I perform.

It bothers me. I got all the what it needs but I'm just too afraid to display it, too many worries about how others will judge me.

We were led to yesterday's banquet hall. I noticed there a large window that shows us the garden outside that was thrown into chaos.

"Vinca! Do you know the concept of the individual tests? If you do at least give me a heartwarming answer."

Risa asks Vinca if she knows what the test is all about.

We're standing in a large hall that only 4 teams stood. Others seem to very nervous. I too nervous.

But when I look at my team. They aren't any bit of that aura, only I who is odd.

Jack seems as always arrogant and overconfidence. This side of him always reminds me of the fiery spirit that's in Mei's eyes. She is patiently waiting for the test to start, ready for any kind of obstacle to be overcome.

"I don't know, how can I say this."

Vinca nervously answered Risa. She's nervous but there an aura of determination emitting from her.

"I guess they'll have us goes on their task and determined the result by scoring the individual then sum it up."

She continued. I raised my brows and think if I happened to drag the team down because of my performance I'll never able to face them again. This is an individual test. And as an individual, I'm the weakest person here. While I don't know what Belic and Cherock capable of.

"That acceptable I guess?"

Risa seems not affected by the intimidating task. She is as likely as Jack. Even if she despised to be matched with him. But she right now is overconfidence and also arrogant.

Sighed.

I Sighed to loud and the other noticed.

"Lyth-Chan? Are you not feeling well?"

Rola asked me with a concerned expression. She called me Lyth because Sylastah is just too long.

"N-nothing. It's just the nervousness."

I tell her about my worry. Rola then smiled and pulled me closer to as she gives me a warm hug.

"Rola! It's impolite to h-"

"Leave her."

Gales interrupted Sylas as we're staying in this form. For a while, I feel the distance between lessen. Making me felt more at home, surrounded by family.

"Lyth-Chan! You'll look better with a smile on your face!"

She pulled herself away from me and then both of her hands are on each side of the corner of my lip, stretching to imitate the smile.

"I may announce the basic rules of the task."

A different man who was in the room speak, gaining the attention onto him. He takes a piece of paper then proceeds to read it out loud.

"The participant may or may not doing the following."

"One, do not do the task alternately. Only follow the instruction."

"Two, Magic aren't allowed in any kind of form unless the judges obliged."

"And three, The participant will be scored individually then the result will be based on the total score of every individual."

Just as Vinca said! 

"Now, The leader of the four-team will be the first to goes on the test."

Oh no... I couldn't. I'm not ready yet!

My whole body becomes stiff, unable to move a single muscle. I can't move! 

Then there a hand on my shoulder. I recognized the feeling. I turned around and see Mei and everyone looking at me, they look at me with encouragement feeling.

"You can do this, leader-Chan~!"

Belic cheered. 

"This task isn't enough to stop you! This isn't even hard at all! Tch!"

Jack said with a mixture of confidence and annoying aura.

"Sylastah! You'd be a good leader! I know you do it once but now let's do it again and ever!"

Mei encouraged me once again. I admit that she's the best. Better of a leader than me.

"You're the leader. Our leader and that is the never-changing fact of this team."

She then wipes a strain of hair off my face. She then has done the same as Rola, she stretches the corner of my lip to make a smile.

"You're beautiful when you're smiled!"

I felt my face heated up and everyone chuckled. This makes me more than ready!

"Thank once again! I'll do my best!"

"""Chuckled~ You're so original!"""

With that, I step forward to take an unpaved road on my dream to finally reach my dream. Thank you, everyone, I finally realized I'm not the weakest but the part of the team as its leader.

I may rely on others more but this time... This time I'll make it different.

***

Kevin's POV

I, right now in a difficult situation. The idea that I suggested last night was disastrous. The fish is too soggy with oil. The guest doesn't want to taste it. We aren't failed because of low-quality food. We're pass because the quantity is right. So they decided to give us another shot.

"Hey! Kevin! How can we restore this pack of knives? It's too rusty and dull!"

Tim called me out. The test that Mr. Gahmes gave us today is hellish. He's wanted us to restore the item, one for each person. Then compared who done the finest.

For us, we have the 12 knives of the royal chef who known for the divine cuisine. He's well known for his craving on the food, making it more like a piece of art that one must hesitatingly eat.

"What method can we use to restore these items?"

"I don't know! But Sauvel may know about it! He's been here before isn't he?"

Sauvel, If it's him he may able to do something. After the first confrontation with him and the team. He's become more docile and gentle. It's like he was swapped my another person not known to us. At first, I thought that he was acting but he's genuine.

"Tim, where is Sauvel?"

"He's there! With Sarah."

"Okay! I'll ask him on how to restore these knives."

I walk to where Sarah and Sauvel are. Sarah is fairly close to Tim so I quickly became a close friend with her.

"Hey."

"Oh! Hello Kevin, how's your side?"

"Needing some help."

"Okay."

"Sauvel I need to know how to restore these knives if its don't mi-"

"Sure. I'll tell you."

He has been like this since then. In reality, he's capable of most things, from cleaning to repairing. 

He walks to our station that been set by the judges. He takes a bottle of unknown fluid and a sharpening stone.

"Here you do it like this."

He proceeds to teach me while the other gather and watches. He the lifesaver.

***

Narrator's POV

***#2 Decisions making, proficiency and planing test.***

(On the left side is mentioned Kevin and the right is Sylastah.)

The test has begun, I'm ready and confident.

They lit the fire in my heart.

The challenges may be too hard for me.

But as a team, anything within our reach.

We'll pass this together, this time I'll make it different!

The blond who's waiting in a room with three other people,

Overflowing with determination and being ambitious she is.

"The etiquette test has begun!"

The judge announces loudly as the participants slowly move

slowly with grace in every step.

"Team 18! You're striding too much distance!"

The judge quickly found the flaw.

With caution, Sylastah remind herself to not show any

weakness that would make her look falter.

"Take these tea sets and goes to another room."

"The judges will define your value based on your action."

The judge once again announces the participants.

'This time I'll be a true leader!'

Sylastah speaks to herself, reminded her true goal.

They already cleaned many but still, it does not lessen their work.

The knives just getting more and more when they realized 

how much work needed to restore one.

Team 50 is on the lead and other teams are struggling with their task.

"How much left?"

"Eh....... Hundred!"

Kevin surprised by the number of knives. 

"Worry not Kevin, This is more than enough for us to finish."

Kevin turned to look at Sauvel and nodded. Everyone is working hard,

from the breaking team now working in harmony. 

"Then let's do this once and for all."

Sylastah carefully takes a tea set and gracefully walks her way.

Many eyes were on her, judging her every moment.

'Calm down Sylastah, its only for a moment.'

She calmed herself down then she found the table set by the judge.

There Mr. Gahmes and Mrs. Claudia sat together.

This only made her felt more uncertain.

Her feet were shaken and her arm is unsteady.

'You can do this, leader-Chan~!'

'Sylastah! You'd be a good leader! I know you do it once but now let's do it again and ever!' 

'You're beautiful when you're smiled!'

With suddenly changing aura, she now confidently approaches the two.

This time she wears a magic veil.

Smile.

She then serves the two with a genuine smile, to the surprise of the two.

Most people would at least show some flaws when they meet influence people.

But to Sylastah, it's like they're the spotlight directed to her.

it's her time to become bright.

***

They managed to finished on time, but the result still yet unclear.

*Whistle*

The sound of the whistle being blow can be heard to all the teams outside the palace.

The others do whatever to finish their work while Kevin's team neatly line up all the items,

showing them the quality of hard work and co-operation.

The judge with a man dresses in the white that of a person who works in the culinary world.

He and the judge stopped and inspect all the items. While the judge is busy with the work.

The chef picks up a knife that Tim has shown to Kevin earlier and with a nostalgic, a tear escaped his eyes.

That moment, Kevin and his team thought they're done. But the chef surprised them.

"This is..... nostalgia, I dream of the once knife I always wield."

"The feeling, it's still...... as new as that time."

They were confused but then the chef handed Kevin the knife he holds.

He feels it, He feel it. The time this knife has been though and many foods were born from this knife.

The judge finished his work and continue to the next station, the chef pays the team last glance and with a smile.

He speaks.

"Thanks for your hard work. It's good to be part of this test."

(Back to normal view.)

In a room where a ten-person gathers in a round table. There was a two-person who known as Mrs. Claudia and Mr. Gahmes.

"Team 18 total score is 487 and is the lowest among the four teams."

The judge speaks as he held a paper in his hand. The paper is the report on each team that takes part in the Etiquette test. There a lot of people thinking and there another speak out.

"Team 50 was exceptionally in this task of item restoration."

"I recommended them."

The person who earlier inspected Kevin's team declared. There silent follow the sentence. 

"I agree, they may make a mistake in the first round but managed to archived the goal. Even if the quality isn't we hope for."

"Yes, they managed to make a comeback, especially this task. This task is not an easy one even for us the senior. 45 minutes and 150 items need to restore."

"Team 31 also a good candidate. They are both good at cooking and handy."

"But they're lacking teamwork, and teamwork is what we looking for."

Mrs. Claudia objected. Other judges look at him questioningly.

"A good work may not be archived with one's skill. But if it's archived by the work of a team. Anything is possible." 

"As the first task, team 50 have struggled with their member but they manage to fixed that, in the end resulting in a better outcome."

The room is once again silent. 

"Ahem!"

"There one team I must talk about."

Gahmes break the silence. Mrs. Claudia knows what is that team so she can't help but smirk.

"Team 13, the miracle of this year."

"Never before any team that has the perfect score of 600 and yesterday. The food is explainable even for the divine cuisine himself."

"Boiled egg could never be that perfect yet they surpass the royal cuisine."

Other give in an opinion.

*Clap*

The result is clear. 

"Then tomorrow we'll have them the ceremony."

"Of course but what about Mr.Louis's choice?"

"He does not choose any team yet."

Mrs. Claudia smirked and answer the question.

"Tomorrow we'll have him attend and choose the team for himself there."

"He's prince Ralies's guest so he expected the best."

The room then continues with other casual conversations and tomorrow's ceremony.

***

Peoples are taking the seat as more come. They come to celebrate the winner, the 'Elevated'.  Behind the large stage there a team whose has to pass the formidable challenges and ready to adorn the title, "Hornered".

There only 22 teams left yesterday. Form the first day to this moment. They are not a stranger but a comrade. They are not the person they once used to be. 

The places filled with joy and happiness. Yet one could not understand. Before the curtain rise. Prince Ralies and his guest Louis come. All people pay their respect to their future leaders. The moment has come. Mrs. Claudia takes her position at the podium. She inhaled, then declared.

"Today, we proudly declared that these boy and girl are not the people they used to be."

"They are those who left their old self and they are now ready to adorn their title."

"Please cheer for their future."

Then the curtain rises, reveal all the person who passed the task given. They're now in their elegant attire, the uniform that only meant for them. There a loud cheer and clap from the people who are part of the ceremony. While Mei she can't help but be overwhelmed by joy. She lets out a tear that she once lost. She was in her full glory, she adorns the gift to her by Mrs. Crissy, the apron that once used the stand before on this stage. Now once again its got the chance to be here again.

As the ceremony going on. And its turn for team 13. Louis has a fixed glaze on a certain girl and gained the interest of the prince.

"That one you eyed?"

Louis does not answer and continued to silent. In this thought, he was pleased to see this girl again but this is unexpected that she would become an "Honored maid" at the palace. He smirked and then answered prince Ralies.

"Team 13 and 50 will be working at the Baltik bastion."

Prince Ralies took back by Louis's word and raised his eyes brow. Ralies follow Lousi's glaze and his eyes fell on Mei.

"Okay if you insist."

"But I'll let you know, I can have her anytime."

Ralies smirk at Louis but he not falter. Instead, he glared back.

"If you can, then make her. I know who she is."

Ralies shrugged and waved as he continues to look at the girl.

"She interesting."

He mumbled to himself not aloud to lets Louis heard it.

***

The ceremony has come to an end as the other team getting ready for their work tomorrow.

"Team 13 and Team 50, please wait at the stage."

Mrs.Claudia announce. They have confusing look on their faces. But then Louis appear.

"Here Mr. Louis want to take to you."

Mei suddenly felt agitated at the sight of the blond. Why he's here?! 

'What he's got to do with us?'

Her thought was racing in her head while Louis smirking at the sight of her, he speaks.

"I would like you to work for me, at the Baltik bastion."

There a gasp could be heard among the two teams. Then Mei called him out.

"Louis! What take you here?!"

Mrs. Caudia is taken by her rudeness and about to warn her but Louis stopped her from doing it.

"Louis? How did you know my name? We're just met and you shake me off as quick as dusting a speck of dirt."

Her friend starts to giving her a confusing look but Mei did not pay attention to explain.

"I-I know you from yesterday's night! You introduced yourself! Idiot!"

"Chuckled~ I'm not expected to make such a delicious egg. But now I could enjoy it ever."

"YOU!"

"Mei calm down! He's our master."

Rola tries to claim her down. Mei gives her a surprised look.

"Master?! Oh, you don't want to call him that."

"Mei...... Stop being a child! I don't know what you got it going together but not now."

Sylastah scolded her, making her shrunk.

"So-Sorry....."

She said with a low voice. Louis smiled and decide to press it further.

"What you say? I couldn't hear it."

"Idiot I'm not apologizing to you!"

"Mei!"

Sylastah raised her voice in a warning tone.

"Tsk! Only this time."

"SORRY!"

With that, she turns away from him. He can help but chuckled at her childishness. She is fun to tease.

"You are, interesting."

He speaks to himself then he gestures Mrs. Claudia to continue.

"Mei Sakumo! You'd better ready to explain this to us!"

"Silence!"

Mrs. Claudia interrupted her friend from asking a question.

"You start working tomorrow."

"Mrs. Claudia where will we staying the night, we not working in the palace now."

Vinca asks her. Mr's Claudia then continues.

"You'll be staying at Baltik bastion from now on."

"Wha-"

"Mei Sakumo! Restrain yourself or you want your team and your handwork goes to waste?"

Mrs. Claudia warned her.

"Sorry! I'm sincerity sorry!"

"Then your team 13 and 50 will be staying with him and working with him there."

"Congratulations on making it's out. I have high expectations from you."

Mrs. Claudia said as she left the master and servants to talk about their matter.

"Now now! Shall we go now?"

Louis asked and they nodded as a reply. They walk their way out of where the ceremony was held. There a carriage parked outside. Louis then hopped inside and toss Mei a piece of paper that is called "Map"

"Now I hope you'd be there within half an hour."

Louis then closes the door and the carriage takes off. Mei being Mei, she picks a pebble and about to throw it at the carriage but Sylastah held her and give her a deadly glare. She obediently obeys and they start walking their way to their master's place.

"Tsk! You better prepared! Cause I'll never acknowledge you as my master!"