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"But how could such good fortune really exist in this world? As the day of selection neared, various rumors started to circulate. On the day of the selection ball, the neighboring country, the Luweil Empire, would allow its daughter, the Luweil Empire's princess, to participate. This clearly indicated that the princess was the main candidate for the queen. Others were just there for show. But if that was all, it wouldn’t be a big deal. However, recent news suggested that women who had registered for selection but were not chosen might be at risk of being conscripted as military prostitutes. And... the son of the chief steward, who is favored by the king and queen, the notorious playboy Dika, would also choose his 90th to 100th wives from these candidates. Women who registered but did not attend would be imprisoned for evading military service. Their fate... could be even worse."
Nia couldn't continue. The 12-year-old girl started to sob quietly, afraid of the uncertain path ahead.
"So, is this why you joined Black Flame Serpent and stole this diamond?" Suddenly, Mengdie spoke, startling Nia, who reflexively covered the pouch at her waist.
"You... how do you...?!"
"Never mind, your actions are not professional. I know..." Mengdie stopped abruptly, realizing she couldn't say she knew several skilled thieves on Earth. After thinking, she deliberately coughed and changed the subject: "So, I understand why you were chased by those two men. You've been trying to sell this diamond these days, right?"
Nia nodded: "If we have enough money, we can bribe the registrar to remove my sister’s name. Many rich people do this! But... but... I've been out for so many days and still don’t know how to sell this diamond... wu wu wu..." She started crying again.
Understanding the situation, Mengdie had to admire the mastermind behind this scam, able to concoct such a trick. First, they offer good conditions to get people to register. Then, they spread rumors to make the registered women anxious and desperate to cancel their registration. Subsequently, they send their own officials to collect bribes. One must acknowledge the cunning and ability to exploit loopholes!
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
However, such a grand scheme couldn’t be staged just like that. The person behind the scenes must possess considerable power and the ability to turn this scam into reality. Even if you expose the scheme, you can't openly confront them. Rumors remain rumors, not facts, and can't be used as evidence. Besides, you're giving the money willingly; they didn’t ask for it. Clever, indeed!
Noticing Mengdie’s cold smile, Nia seemed confused. But before she could ask, Mengdie pre-empted her: "Don't worry, I'll think of a way to solve the money issue for you. Keep the diamond hidden for now, so your sister doesn’t worry."
"Ah? But... but... without selling the diamond, where will we get the money?"
Mengdie sighed and shook her head, pondering how to explain to a 12-year-old. Stealing and selling stolen goods wasn't easy, especially for something as valuable as a diamond. Generally, clever thieves would only target such valuables when they had a buyer lined up. Otherwise, carrying it around looking for buyers is more of a curse than a blessing.
"When is the day for the queen selection?" Mengdie asked.
"Hmm... the first day of two months from now. To make it grand, it will be combined with that month's kingdom auction, all held within the royal city."
Mengdie "huh"ed, realizing that the day she planned to get the necklace was also the last day for Aya to escape her predicament. It all needed money~~~ Two months... where to get so much money?
...Wait, does registering for queen selection mean free entry into the royal city?... No, no! What am I thinking? Such an act would damage a man's dignity! Better to find a way to make money.
As Mengdie pondered, there was a commotion outside with men shouting and Aya screaming!
Mengdie and Nia hurried to the door. They saw a group of civilians surrounding a small square in front of the house. As Mengdie and Nia appeared, the crowd parted slightly, their faces tense.
Mengdie looked questioningly towards the center and saw Aya, who had just returned from the hospital, kneeling on the ground with her hands bound behind her. A knight held the other end of the rope! Around her stood a small squad of about a dozen soldiers. Another knight stood in front of Aya, pointing at her nose and speaking rapidly. Mengdie couldn’t make out his words because he spoke too fast.
"Damn it!!!" Nia suddenly exclaimed in a whisper, hiding behind Mengdie.
"What happened?"
"They... they've found us! Today, when I was looking for a buyer for the diamond... I was accidentally spotted by the knight squad! I thought I had lost them!"
Mengdie was shocked and angry at Nia's recklessness. But what was the use of anger? She was so young; how could Mengdie expect her to handle theft and fencing so expertly?
"What do we do? What do we do?! Sister Mengdie, they... they're demanding the diamond! If my sister can't produce it, they'll imprison her!"
Mengdie gritted her teeth, telling Nia to go back to the room and not come out. Then, forcing a smile she found repulsive but seemed to enchant those around her, she slowly approached the scene.
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