The Million Duvat Endeavor *OPEN*

Phase 1: Entries and Results

Bonuses:

First entry: Genna Brightly

Best questions: Adrian Karrski

...............................

Contestant 1, Eristalle Akerri:

I refused to lay back in the chair and relax, knowing that getting too comfortable wasn't a good idea. I was lucky enough to be the first entry, and I was smart enough to make my application appeal to her highness.

I didn't mind who I was interviewed by, but I wanted to meet her royal highness, in all her dazzling beauty. Chief Selaeyah Valior was amazing, too. Though, her majesty was more of a challenging interviewer.

I fidgeted with my fingers, my dark fringe falling in front of my crystal-like glasses. I moved my hair out of the way, as I awaited my interviewer to arrive.

To me, it felt like days, due to my nervous mood. Though, minutes later, the door opened,  revealing a face that could not go unrecognised. Queen Saralee walked over to her seat in front of me, her posh posture leaving me in awe.

"Now, let's get to the point," She gave me a quick smile, "Eristalle Akerri, age 13."

"Yes, your highness?" I almost whimpered, but I forced in some confidence.

I had to highlight my strengths, and bury my weaknesses.

"What subjects do you do well at in school?" She asked, seeming genuinly interested.

"Well, I simply EXCEL at Science. It's my favourite subject, and I also do amazing in Maths, English and Business. I'm top of my class for everything else, too. I always beat my competition when competing for awards at school."

I informed her of my successes in a fast but slow pace, exaggerating and emphasising when I needed to.

"Impressive," The Queen told me, before resuming to her questions, "Why did you enter this contest?"

"I wanted to test my limits, and see if I could gain publicity. In life, you have to have a go at everything, and this is a chance I will not mess up. I would be famous, and build my fortune, power and status if I won. I would use my money for the good of the empire. Oh, and let's face it, who DOESN'T want money!?"

I paused, my lips falling to rest into a smirk, "If that isn't reason enough, I was simply DYING to meet you. Everything about you is extravagent, magnificent, and extra-ordinary, your majesty. I could not waste the opportunity to see you in person, and to show you what I'm worth."

I hoped my sly efforts to flatter her had been successful, so that I had a better chance of winning.

She chuckled, and her head tilted, causing her beautiful, lovely hair to glisten in the sun.

"How sweet," She sighed, softly, "Why do you think you will win, and not the others?"

I laughed, "That's easy! I'm by far smarter, and younger than most of the others. The public would love me. I am a strong contender because I can put up a good fight, physically and verbally. I'm not afraid to show what I'm made of, people should be afraid of me."

"Wow, feisty words from such a young girl," Her highness commented, "Do you feel there is anything negative about yourself?"

"No," I told her bluntly, "I'm almost perfect."

"Well, don't get too big-headed..." The Queen warned.

"Your majesty," I stopped her, "May I please explain, and develop on my answer?"