The carriage came to a stop, the driver hopped off his seat and came to open the door for Estorea.

Extending his hand, he offered a gracious smile as Estorea placed her hand in his, stepping down from the carriage.

She nodded at him, "Thank you."

He grin, "No problem, miss! I shall get going now!"

He then went back up onto the carriage, whipping the horse making it trot along as the carriage drove away.

Estorea wanted to get into the King's Study. She needs to, however, find the time where the butler would check the Financial and Army papers and matter which would be placed in the study. A very high chance at that.

Estorea had gotten all this information by placing a private request at the Adventurer's Guild.

She paid a hefty price for it, but it was worth it. With this information of knowing that the butler only goes to check on the government's matters every 3 days and that there is just two guards that is guarding the entrance to the study. She could save time by not needing to take note or observe anything without looking suspicious.

It could be fake, but she could just simply get the butler's routine in just a few days, but it's much more effective just buying it. After all, what did they have money for? It was from her savings anyways, so it's all good.

She didn't know how her request got fulfilled, but she didn't intend to find out. Ignorance is very much bliss.

Thinking of this, Estorea look up at the palace absentmindley. It was grand. It looked alright. She expected a palace from a romance, fantasy novel to look like the ones from Dizney.

She simply look back down and continued walking. Estorea was not confident that she could win the competition. So she only had a time limit of 10 days to get the information she needed.

Where the army trained and where it was located was heavily guarded, hardly anyone knew where it was.

As Magic has been recently discovered only a few centuries ago. Not many things has been known about it yet. Although it is constantly being researched on, theres only so far as a few enchantment and casting circles, added on with spells and the possibility of reducing the casting time or increasing the power of the magic or one's manner.

In fact, magic tools besides the mana measuring crystal ball don't even exist! This proved to be useful but not so much as it disadvantaged Estorea too. Forbidden, dangerous or illegal magic weren't even a thing yet!

Reading the books in her library, she had discovered the current types of spells that were known.

One of them was illusion magic. And if one's magic power was strong enough, they could cast one that would mess with someone's senses. And this type of magic power was rare. So Estorea suspected the one who could be hiding the army, was one of the male leads - Xeno Avraon.

From what the novel had described of his appearance like the crown prince, Xeno had messy raven black hair, dark chocolate brown eyes and very fair skin.

He always wore a smile on his face, seemingly giving off an aura of friendliness.

Only those who had witnessed his actions, know how truly terrifying he is...

______

[Credit: @yinlingjx - Weibo]

_______

Since the story starts in 19XX, and 5 years has passed. There was only 4 years left before the storyline starts.

In the given information on the Male leads, while the heroine was 19 years old.

Evan Gladian was 22 years old.

Xeno Avraon was 21 years old.

And, Jarvis Genosis was 26 years old.

Since the heroine was the same age as her. Currently... Xeno should be 17 years old.

And, since there was a high chance of him casting the illusion barrier. He should be scheduled or staying at the army camp. But, if his magic is strong enough, he also could not be staying at camp and perhaps somewhere else.

But who knows? It would still not be a waste of time to check the camp regardless.

Estorea lowered her head, her face hidden. A small smile appeared, her thoughts organised and her plans coming into clockwork.

It was time to begin the plan.

****

Estorea recieved the golden pin that had the number of 367 engraved in it.

She then pin it onto her shirt.

Just a few moments ago, all the participants had been brought in the palace by a few threatening-looking guards. They were then greeted by a old stern-looking lady that seem to be the head of authority among the servants.

Estorea concluded that it should be the head maid, the position right beneath the head butler. Considering her age and her worn hands that had clear signs of having done housework when she was younger.

She was also very strict on the maids, making sure they were behaving well and that their attire was not one place out of order.

She eyed all the participants, making some flinched due to her glare.

The head maid was called Hannah Alberta. She ordered the participants to call her, "Ms. Alberta".

And if they should have any questions, they shall raise their hands and asked now.

And they were then briefed on the locations they were authorised to enter and was also warned of the places where it was strictly prohibited, and if they shall break any of these rules, they would be disqualified, or experience something worst.

~◇~

Rule number 1: Everyone should arrive in the given location on time. If one is late. They will be disqualified.

Rule number 2: One shall not enter a place that they are not given access too, if one shall be found in a prohibited area. They are immediately disqualified and kicked out of the palace, receiving a ban of 3 years on not being allowed to step inside.

Rule number 3: Partcipants are not allowed to disrespect any staff in the palace. However, if there is evidence that a staff is misbehaving, or if you so suspect. Do inform the head maid and appropriate changes shall be made.

Rule number 4: You are not allowed to cheat under any circumstances. If one is discovered to have been cheating, they are exterminated and will be issued physical labour for 5 years.

~◇~

It was plain obvious they were taking this seriously.

'It seems like the concubine has the king wrapped around her finger...' Estorea thought, the rules were too strict, but at the same time, befitting of a royal. But normally, this kind of rules would only apply if the host was the Queen or King, or if an extremely important competition was behind held.

But such rules for a concubine's son? It seems like the concubine is very capable indeed.

She then heard the sound of Ms.Alberta's voice, snapping out of her thoughts, she look on ahead, seeing that each participant was being assigned a personal maid.

Soon, a maid with sienna-skin tone and brunette hair tied up into a bun, walked up to her. Her black eyes having a adventurous look in them.

She tilt her head, offering a closed-eye smile. Then bow slightly, a confident grin on her face. "Hello Sir, I shall be your personal maid for the upcoming 10 days. My name is Anette, do address me however you like. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

Estorea flash a smile, "I shall call you, Ane, if you do not mind. It's a delight to meet you as well. Let's do get along for the upcoming 10 days, yes?"

Anette smile in return, nodding her head. She then gestured for Estorea to follow her, in which she did.

Walking through the hallway, the floor and wall was made out of marble, pillars supporting the ceiling as expensive-looking small dark oak tables decorated the hallway, with precious vases on them, having a variety of flowers in each of them.

Estorea look around, observing her surroundings.

Soon, they came to a stop, and Anette open the door, letting Estorea walk in as she look around at her temporary room.

"Shall I go get some snacks, sir? Lunch will be in 4 hours, so I would recommend a snack. Also, if you would need to require any information, please do ask me. And if my authority allows it, I shall answer."

Estorea nod, "Yes, thank you. I do not have any questions, but I will ask if I have some."

Anette then bow, walking out of the room, the door close and Estorea walk around, occasionally rubbing the furniture and scanning it for any revelant details for interest.

She place down the bag she was holding onto the wooden desk that had been provided.

The room was of a decent size, with a king size bed with blue, high quality silky covers, and fluffy pillows and a comfortable mattress.

A window was located a bit further away from the side of the bed, the sunlight streaming through and only hitting the floor or an object or person if one would to intervene it.

There was a wooden desk a few distance away from the window, facing the wall. There was a small ink bottle and a feather pen in a stand placed on the table.

There was two pale red sofas, facing each other and a coffee table was located in between them, the setting in the middle of the room, just a few meters away from the door.

There was even a small bathroom!

Thank goodness, she didn't had to take a public bath. It would have been a real trouble.

This room setting was extremely accommodating. From this treatment, it could be show how much the authority the concubine had over the king, and also show the Queen's capabilities of handling the assigned matters.

It seems like shes not doing very well, besides from keeping her own position and power that she has in a grasp.

Estorea walk to the window, she stared outside, she let out a small sigh. 'Exactly like the chinese novels bloody dog drama... How annoying. I do hope we, the participants won't be involve in any of this.'