𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀

Four

【CHAPTER 4】

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In a grand room within the academy, a judge was surrounded by a few of his friends. The room was bathed in the golden glow of ornate chandeliers, and the walls were adorned with elaborate tapestries, creating an atmosphere of luxury and privilege. Laughter echoed through the room as the men chatted jovially.

"It was really funny to see some of those people thinking they would pass the exam," the judge said, his eyes sparkling with malice.

"The results just came out, right?" one of his friends asked, a curious gleam in his eye.

The judge nodded, a smug smile on his face. "Yes, and you know what's even funnier? There was a peasant girl among the participants. I didn't even bother to grade her paper. She's not cut out for this kind of thing."

His friends burst into laughter, sharing in his disdain. "A peasant girl, you say? It's absurd that she even thought she had a chance."

The judge took a sip of his wine, savoring the feeling of superiority that washed over him. "Exactly. These country folks should know their place. Maybe she can offer us some other forms of pleasure, if you know what I mean."

Crude laughter filled the room, each man reveling in the cruelty of the conversation. "Ah, it's incredible that they think they can measure up to us."

"They should know this world isn't made for them," another chimed in mockingly.

The judge nodded with a satisfied smile. "That's exactly it. They don't understand their place. But at least it gives us some entertaining moments."

"Isn't that right?" came a voice from behind the judge. The voice was calm, yet piercing.

The judge and his friends turned around, their laughter dying instantly. Haerin, stood leaning against the doorframe, her arms crossed, watching them with a glacial stare. Her expression was impassive, but the anger in her eyes was unmistakable.

The men froze, their arrogance quickly turning to nervousness. Haerin's commanding presence was overwhelming. The silence that followed was heavy and oppressive, each second stretching into an eternity.

Haerin stepped forward, slowly uncrossing her arms. "I didn't mean to interrupt your... entertainment," she said, her voice cold and measured. "But it seems you have forgotten the very essence of this competition."

The judge, clearing his throat, tried to regain his composure. "Princess Haerin, we were just..."

"You were just what?" she interrupted sharply. "Mocking those who have the courage to participate in this test? Belittling the dreams and hopes of those who come here in the hope of changing their fate?"

One of the judge's friends, attempting to defuse the situation, spoke up. "Your Highness, we were only joking..."

Haerin raised her hand to silence him. "There is nothing funny about injustice. You have betrayed the trust of those who look up to you as role models."

The men bowed their heads, unable to meet the princess's piercing gaze. "I want you to know something," Haerin continued. "Every candidate who took this exam deserves a fair and impartial evaluation. And if I learn that anyone has been treated unjustly..." She left her sentence hanging, the threat clear in her tone.

She fixed her eyes on the head judge. "You mentioned a peasant girl, didn't you?"

The judge, swallowing hard, nodded. "Yes, Your Highness."