Literary Literacy

But Elaina clearly wasn’t interested—politely declining every invitation.
What truly interested her? The luxurious feast on display.

Usually bullied by her legitimate sisters, she rarely got to eat well.

Now—free gourmet food? She’d feast like a queen.

So Elaina ate a dessert on the left, a crab leg on the right—her mouth stuffed full.

Like a greedy squirrel.

Black couldn’t help but chuckle.

As for her sisters? They were busy dancing—no time to bully her.

Lily, though—plump and not exactly beautiful—wasn’t invited by many men.

But due to her high status as a Duke’s legitimate daughter,
many swallowed their pride—dancing with this “rich woman” to gain favor, dream of marrying into nobility.

Lily, with a handsome man in her arms, strutted proudly—like a peacock.

Yet she kept stepping on her partner’s feet, making him wince in pain—unable to complain under her sturdy build.

Noticing Black’s gaze, Lily shot him a venomous glare.

Black found it amusing—so she still held a grudge?

As for Krystin—she was the most popular person at the ball.

Not just men—even women wanted to dance with her.
Truly, she charmed all genders.

Yet Krystin seemed low-spirited, rejecting all invitations.
Just sitting alone.

Others didn’t dare disturb her.

The reason for her mood? Also tied to Black.

After the earlier incident, Krystin sincerely apologized to him—
for causing him to be targeted by Seth.

Though Black said it was fine, Krystin still felt deep guilt.
Fitting her character.

Black looked away—one thing confirmed:
Jiaye hadn’t come to the ball.

Her injuries were severe—she’d need two or three more days to recover.
No role for her today.

Giggles beside him interrupted his thoughts. He glanced over.

A group of maids chattered—likely gossiping.
But they kept glancing at him, then laughing louder.

???

Black was baffled.

“You’re quite popular now. They’re teasing someone to ask you to dance.”

Karina—standing behind Alice—spoke calmly.
An experienced maid, she knew exactly what her colleagues thought.

This surprised Black.

Perhaps because of Alice’s earlier words—indirectly legitimizing him.

To the maids, Black had shed his pirate identity—now a civil servant.

“Hmm? If you’re interested, go dance. I permit it.”

Alice said coldly.

“Your Highness jokes. As your guard, staying by your side is my duty!”

Black lied smoothly.

If he really went—he’d definitely get punished later.

“How’s your literary talent?”

Suddenly, Alice asked something completely random.

“Fairly good, I suppose.”

Black answered instinctively.

He did have a foundation—once ranked top in Chinese class.

Hearing this, Alice turned slightly—gave a faint nod—and a sinister smile touched her lips.

Seeing that smile—Black sensed disaster.
This villainess was up to something!

Sure enough.

“Good. During the Literary Duel later—I’ll tell you when to step up. Use your talent well.”

???

Black was confused. What did the Literary Duel have to do with him?

He came here to eat—zero interest in the Azure Triad Contests!

“When I say go, you go”?

Did she mean… he’d participate?!

“Your Highness, I’m slow-witted—could you clarify?”

“The princess means you’ll join the Literary Duel.”

Karina, serving Alice long, understood instantly.

Cracked.

Black didn’t understand—why him? Couldn’t he just be a spectator?

He was just an NPC villain!

“Your Highness—may I ask why?”

Alice nodded—pointed at Seth, dancing with a noble—coldly:

“We humiliated Seth earlier—made him lose face. He’ll try to regain it in the Azure Triad Contests.”

“If I’m right—he’ll aim to win two contests, earning the right to dance the Oath Dance with me—then embarrass me during it. Maybe even force indecent acts.”

“So—we must stop him from winning two contests.”

Alice’s eyes flashed—cold, ruthless.

She might lack sword talent—but her mind was sharp.

“The order of the Three Contests: Literary, Martial, Dragon.”

“I can win the Dragon Duel. In Martial—Seth is likely the strongest here. He’ll probably win.”

“So the Literary Duel becomes crucial.”

“Seth isn’t strong in literature—but his followers include many scholars. They’ll secretly help him win.”

“And on our side—the Literary Duel depends on you.”

Finishing, Alice gave Black a calm glance.

She loved reading—but had little research in literature. Her talent? Average.

Black felt the sky collapse.

He understood the situation—but had zero confidence.

His literary skill was decent—but not excellent.
And Seth had a whole brain trust behind him!

How could one man compete against many scholars?

“Your Highness—maybe you could find some scholars too? I suddenly feel my talent isn’t great. I was just bragging earlier.”

But Alice glared coldly.

“I have no followers. The scholars I know are all in the capital.”

“And remember—who did I humiliate Seth for?”

With that, Black had no excuse left.

Only choice—face it head-on.

He could only pray the Literary Duel topic was something he knew.

Otherwise—he was doomed.

Amid Black’s anxiety—time flew.

The social dance ended to elegant music.

Yet excitement didn’t fade—it intensified!

Because the main event was about to begin—
The Azure Triad Contests!