Stolen by the Rebel King
Chapter 539: A Fool or A Scholar

Chapter 539: A Fool or A Scholar

Daphne let out a sigh of relief. Nikun made it after all!

His chances of winning Cordelia’s heart were practically non-existent, but Daphne was still happy to know that he managed to make it past the first round. His studying had not been in vain. Perhaps he might even be accepted as a member of Cordelia’s court, if things went well enough!

Cordelia got up, brandishing the stack of accepted essays. The crowd’s restless murmurs died off, and they fell back into expectant silence.

"I have finished judging your essays. I must say, there are certain candidates who have done better than most and warrant progress to the next round. Others will find themselves more suited to become storytellers and comedians rather than politicians."

Ouch. Daphne winced. At least Cordelia wasn’t outrightly naming the people who failed.

"When I call out your name, step forward," Cordelia said.

Or not. Would she?

"Nikun Anurak."

Daphne heaved a sigh of relief.

"Yes! Yes! I did it!" Nikun all but screamed to the heavens, leaping into the air in joy before he collapsed to the floor on his knees. "Thank you!"

Laughter broke out between the men, the tension from earlier was effectively broken.

"Guess Princess Cordelia is calling on those who deserve to become comedians first!" One man called out, and the resounding laughter was louder than ever.

Nikun froze in horror as he stepped forward shakily. The princess had not made it clear whether the individuals called out were her clowns or future consorts. A flush grew on Nikun’s face, and he shrunk into himself.

"Nikun Anurak, step forward," Cordelia ordered.

Nikun reluctantly moved. Daphne kept an encouraging smile on her face, and when Nikun dared to glance at the balcony, he caught it and straightened up again, pulling himself to his full height.

Cordelia glared icily down at the rabble-rousers, and their jeering tapered off into silence.

"If he is a fool, then I look forward to hearing you explain how the next candidate could possibly land in this category," Cordelia scoffed.

"Next, Waylen Argyle."

Shocked murmurs swept through the crowd.

Daphne observed the dark-haired man― he was one of the nobles that Luka had named as a suspect for Yael’s murder. He was clothed in silk brocades from head to toe, and the leather of his shoes shone under the morning light.

Daphne had a feeling that if she sold his outfit, she would be able to feed Vramid’s poor for a few months.

And if his clothes did not give away his status, the haughty look on his high cheekbones certainly made sure no one would think him anything less than a noble.

He walked forward with his head held high. Even from a distance, Daphne could spot the brief smirk that crossed his face as his green eyes surveyed the crowd before he gave Cordelia a polite nod and stood a deliberate distance from Nikun.

No matter what, it was now clear that Cordelia had not been naming the names of clowns. Anyone who still thought otherwise had a death wish!

The joy radiating off Nikun was palpable, and it caused more than one candidate to glare at him with barely concealed jealousy. He bounded over to Waylen as if he wanted to hug him in congratulations.

Waylen inched further away; Nikun held out his hand for him to shake, only for Waylen to scoff and turn away, causing Nikun to let out an awkward laugh as he got rejected publicly in front of everyone.

"What a prick," Jonah grumbled.

Daphne hummed in agreement. This man wasn’t treating Cordelia with enough respect for his station― he was acting as though he was doing Cordelia a favor by being here, instead of being grateful that he got selected.

His disdain for his fellow competitors also irked Daphne. She could understand not wanting a hug from a stranger, but surely a handshake wasn’t too much to ask! He didn’t have to look at Nikun as though he was a harbinger of disease!

Unfortunately, being a noble meant that he was educated enough to pass Cordelia’s first trial.

Cordelia continued to read out her list of names. Now, the crowd was nearly twisting themselves with anticipation, their eyes glowing with fervent hope that they were one of the lucky few selected.

"Gallagher Gaimont."

An older man with brown hair and brown eyes, and an impressive stubble walked to the front, tipping his head back with a relieved sigh. His clothes were well-tailored, but they lacked the finery of Waylen’s dressing. Daphne guessed he must at least be from a merchant family to do well enough to afford an education and fitted clothing.

He bowed low to Cordelia and gave a polite nod to the other two. Unlike Waylen, he eagerly accepted Nikun’s handshake.

"Mikhail Asalot."

A younger man with a head full of dark blue curls stepped up, quickly crossing himself. Daphne guessed it was a sigh of gratitude for the heavens above for blessing him since he was dressed in a long flowy robe that looked vaguely similar to the ones favored by Vramid’s own priests.

But she doubted any higher power could do anything in the face of Cordelia’s expectations.

"What is a priest doing in this contest?" Atticus murmured in her ear. "Did no one screen the candidates? He can’t even marry her!"

"Maybe he just wants to take part for fun?" Daphne guessed. "Or this is his way out of priesthood."

Cordelia cleared her throat.

"Tiernan Ragner."

A well-built man stood up. His light brown hair touched his shoulders, and he was dressed in casual leathers. He could have been anyone from anywhere. He bowed low to Cordelia and joined the rest of the accepted candidates.

"He seems like a hunter," Atticus mused.

"A hunter who knows enough about policy?" Daphne asked. Strange, but not unheard of.

Cordelia continued to list her names, and soon, a long line of men formed in front of her. When she finally reached the last line on her list, Daphne sighed.

Poor Luka had not been accepted. She was not surprised due to the difficulty of the task, but she couldn’t help but feel dismayed.

That sentiment was echoed by several other men, whose grumblings grew louder.

"This is unfair! How can you ask such a question, when some of us aren’t even educated?"