Naomi’s hostility was apparent, or at least everyone thought all she ever wanted to do was harm their favorite maid. Thus, they were all in front of Isabelle. Ester and Emma even made their move by threatening to reveal the result of last year’s beauty contest.

“So what if I lost? There are only 28 maids and 4 instructors,” Naomi said. She showed no signs of backing up. Her mischievous eyes, skipping Ester and Emma, targeted Isabelle.

“Ester wasn’t going to say anything, but now Ester will.” The look from Naomi flipped Ester yet again.

Naomi said said nothing, but her posture clearly challenged the maids.

Isabelle saw the green eyes were still on her. Her eyes moved back and forth between Naomi’s face and the grip that held Arnacia’s hand. Originally, she was happy to be the winner (and the fact that she was likely to win again) but seeing Naomi made her uncomfortable.

“Emma will remind-“

“Two,” Cecelia quickly interrupted.

“And Isabelle got 26 votes plus 4 votes from the instructors,” Naomi’s voice contained a hidden elation.

Isabelle secretly sighed in relief at knowing the result. But when she saw Naomi’s face, the uncomfortable feeling brewed again.

“Now, get out of here,” Cecelia said. She didn’t like where the situation was heading.

“Not before I tell you a secret,” Naomi said to Isabelle. She didn’t even bother to look at Cecelia. “I gave myself one vote and the other person who voted for me was,” she waited for a dramatic effect and took a deep breath before saying the next word. “Arnacia!”

The voice echoed inside Isabelle’s head. Wasn’t Arnacia the last person who would vote against her? Heaviness hung on her heart, and her stomach stiffened. She wanted to say something but didn’t dare, for Arnacia also felt like a stranger now.

“Ester knew it. Arnacia is a cheater!”

“Emma will never forgive the cheater.”

Cecelia snorted and looked away, whereas Eleanor worriedly looked at Isabelle. Isabelle utterly defeated their group and left no room left for counter attack.

“Do you understand now? Isabelle! Do you even know the things about Arnacia that I do?” Naomi teased.

Isabelle shook on hearing her own name. The second line was like a hammer than squashed her heart. What did the poor girl know? She didn’t even know everything about herself in this life.

“Naomi, it’s enough. Go back to your camp,” Arnacia said. “Otherwise, you might get disqualified.”

“Kiss me first,” Naomi said.

“I can’t, in front of everyone,” Arnacia replied in a low voice. “Later-”

“We will meet alone later. It’s a promise!” Naomi let go of Arnacia’s hand and spun around once. The joy she felt was better than winning any beauty competition.

Do you even need the approval of others when your love is by your side?

On the other hand, Isabelle’s head dropped. She was surrounded by Ester, Emma, and Eleanor, but did it mean much? Would they be the same after knowing the truth? She didn’t wish to find the answer.

Victoria returned, before Arnacia could approach Isabelle, with the following orders. The maids were to set up the tournament grounds. It was more than a mile away from the camp, but 28 maids could take the supplies in three round trips.

One by one, the group of maids went inside the sleeping quarters and returned with goods. They worked systematically like ants and took the supplies to the tournament grounds.

Isabelle was between Ester and Emma. She carried a small box, whereas the adjacent maids had their hands full. Light chatters lit up the riverside. But she was the only maid who didn’t utter a single word.

A stage with a canvas to prepare a backstage was set up up in between the tournament grounds. An open tent, big enough to provide sitting space for all the maids along with instructors, was also put up. The setups were simple, but packed with all essentials.

Isabelle worked methodically, so did others, just like ants. All the maids dressed up the ground without breaking a sweat. By the evening, it looked more like a mini festival place rather than a training ground.

Now that all was done and dusted, the chatter only increased.

“Ester wants a bath.”

“Emma will eat a lot today.”

“Isabelle?” Eleanor nudged Isabelle. “Are you okay?”

The three maids surrounded Isabelle. Cecelia was at the side whereas there were no signs of Arnacia.

“Ester knew something was wrong, but Isabelle always speaks less.”

“Emma will make her feel better.”

“Ester doesn’t know why she is sad.”

“It is about Naomi and Arnacia?” Eleanor asked.

Isabelle wanted to nod but did her head only drooped down more. When she noticed Arnacia was missing, her mind connected it with the promise Naomi made. They must be kissing somewhere alone, she thought. She wanted such thoughts to not sprout in her mind, but the effort was futile. Along with it was the image of Arnacia kissing her. But it would replace with Naomi and Arnacia over and over again.

“Ester thinks Naomi is at fault for taking Arancia away.”

“Isabelle, we will help you,” Eleanor stroked Isabelle’s back. “Is it Naomi?”

“Yes…” Isabelle wanted help. These maids knew more about Arnacia than her. She looked up with hope.

“Ester knew it!”

“Naomi was in the same camp with Arnacia two years ago,” Eleanor said. “They are old friends.”

“Emma will tell you the truth. It must be Naomi who forced her friend to vote when they met after a long time.”

It was an instant remedy! Isabelle got a little better. Possibly, there was much hope left for her. She waited for the next words.

“Are you worried that Naomi will steal Arnacia away?” Eleanor asked.

A smile popped up on the faces of Ester and Emma. They liked the shy face of Isabelle. Even Eleanor couldn’t help but smile. What fun it is to help a jealous maiden!

“Emma will tell you-“

“Ester knows-“

“I can help you with-“

“The best way!” The three maids spoke together. Three different ideas were fired at Isabelle. One was a bit extreme, the second unsafe, and the last… would it be alright for her?

“With this you can take Arnacia back!” All three assured their ideas would work. But Isabelle’s heart was set. She told the maids about her doubtful choice.

Emma and Ester didn’t mind their ideas begin partially rejected. Instead, they reassured Isabelle about Eleanor’s idea.

“Ester won’t reject if you ask Ester that.”

“Emma will also welcome it.”

“Don’t worry, it’s alright. Arnacia won’t reject it,” Eleanor smiled brightly.

Everyone’s encouraging words and smiles made Isabelle’s heart set on making this audacious plan work.