Chapter 88
“Do I dare?” Malik taughed alouel, as if he’d just heard the funniest joke in the world.
He said, “It’s said that you’re witty and resourceful. Surely you don’t mean to challenge me to a hate of words? I have no interest in the tower’s scholarly games.”
Jessica replied with a faint smile, “Don’t worry, Prince Malik. Although I’m quite knowledgeable, I don’t bully those with strong limbs and simple inds you have nothing to fear”
The crowd was silent for a beat, and then laughter erupted like a spark catching dry grass.
Even Elsie burst into uncontrollable laughter after a stumused pause
She had known Malik for years and had never seen his get roasted like that, especially not by a get
Malik’s face darkened as he shot Jessica a sharp look. He let out a cold sort. “Then, might I ask what you intend to compete in? Spearwork?” He raised his hand.
From below, Gail stepped forward without delay. “Your Highness, here’s the spear with a swift motion, he threw the long spear onto the stage.
Malik caught it effortlessly, twirled his wrist, and with a metallic clang, the spear slammed upright into the platform.
The entire stage trembled from the impact, dust flying into the air.
Yet the floor beneath the spear remained utterly unscathed. It was a clear display of immense inner strength. Jessica instinctively stepped back two
paces.
The spectators grew uneasy. Malik, seemed even stronger now than when he’d fought Waldo earlier. It was obvious he was angered.
They weren’t sure if the seemingly delicate Jessica could endure even one strike from Malik. One wrong move, and she might be crushed.
Garbisch and Monica stood frozen beneath the platform, worry etched deep into their faces.
Everyone could tell that Malik was no longer in a good mood.
Malik’s voice was cold. “Ms. Yates, I will grant you three moves. Draw your weapon”
“You haven’t even heard what I want to compete in,” Jessica replied calmly.
“A duel requires strength and technique, not talk!” he snapped.
Jessica smiled, “Still, you’ve already fought Prince Waldo just now. Another match like that would be repetitive. So, how about we try something diferent Prince Malik?”
“As you wish!” he sneered. After all, no matter the format, she couldn’t possibly pull anything off. He wasn’t the type to bully women, but Jessica needed
to be humbled
Jessica then turned, looking toward the ladies in the audience. “May I borrow a silk shawl? The lighter, the better.”
The crowd was confused as to why Jessica needed a silk shawl. Some young ladies reached into their sleeves, but before they could respond, the Queen
chuckled and said, “I have one.”
The attending matron immediately stepped forward, presenting the fine silk to Jessica with both hands.
gave the Queen a graceful nod. “Your Majesty, forgive me. I’m afraid I must defile this beautiful shaw…..
The Queen smiled, waving her off, “Use it however you wish.”
1/2
Chapter 88
Jessica returned the smile with a slight bow. She then walked to the edge of the age, borrowed a guard’s sword, and began biziel the thin anth countless pieces.
When she walked back onto the stage, the divided the shredded pleces into two neat stacks and handed one stack to Andraj
“What’s the meaning of this?” Malik frowned.
Jessica looked at him. “Prince Malik, each stack contains ten layers of fine silk. I propose we test our spear technique this way with me striker, you most cut through exactly eight layers. Not seven, not nine“:
She added, “Each of the eight layers must be perfectly split into two. No sticking, no tearing, only clean cuts. But the ninth byer must remain completely
untouched.”
She raised her lashes, her gaze locking with his deep eyes, and smiled ever so sweetly, “Pilnce Malik, do you dare accept this challenge?”
