Chapter 161: Chapter 81: Princess Collection Game

Before any royal banquet, there is a fixed agenda item—meticulously selecting the attire for the event.

With a few hours left before the banquet started, Ning Ruyue sat in front of a mirror while three maids brought dazzling jewelry into the room, one piece at a time.

As the Elder Princess of the Imperial Court and a formidable contender for the throne, she had to make a stunning appearance.

This banquet was held in honor of the director of the Cosmic Relations Coordination Department from Universe Company, and everyone knew that Director Qing Hua’s support represented the stance of Universe Company. The Prime Monarch’s heir had to gain the company’s approval.

Although the Elder Princess came with overwhelming momentum, if she couldn’t change the director’s attitude, it was all wishful thinking.

The dressing was personally overseen by Cai Die.

She meticulously combed the Elder Princess’s waterfall-like black hair, as if everything had gone back to the past.

Ning Ruyue looked at her own reflection and was lost in thought. Back then, Cai Die was her personal maid, carefully braiding her long hair just like now, then adorning it with those dazzling ornaments... just like now...

"Hold on a second."

The discordant image in the mirror stopped Ning Ruyue’s reverie, and she gestured a halting motion with her hand.

Just now, Cai Die had helped her put on a hair accessory—a pair of brownish-gray rabbit ears.

This obviously shouldn’t appear at such a formal banquet.

"What’s the meaning of these ears?"

"The rabbit ears are part of the evening gown ensemble for tonight. Your gown was custom-made by HIVE Company, a one-of-a-kind outfit in the entire universe named "Moon Rabbit Princess." The design features a black and gray color scheme and audaciously incorporates elements from the style of bunny girl costumes..."

"Why bunny girl style? That’s not something appropriate to wear to a dinner banquet."

Not to mention a banquet where all the nobility of the Imperial Court would be present. Even in daily life, such attire would be unbecoming of a princess. As the Elder Princess of the Imperial Court, was she someone’s pet rabbit?

"It was Head of Falang’s specific request. "Moon Rabbit Princess" was also custom-made for you at great expense. He hopes that you will wear this gown at the banquet and perform a song for Director Qing Hua."

"And who is Head of Falang?"

Ning Ruyue felt irritated, not only because she was being asked to wear such indecent clothing in front of the public, but now she was also being given orders.

"He is the most senior member of the Cosmic Coordination Department at Universe Company. If you can secure his support, maybe it could change Director Qing Hua’s mind."

"I refuse."

Ning Ruyue immediately declared, her voice tinged with a bit of a temper.

Not to mention whether this Falang, who had appeared out of nowhere, could persuade his immediate superior, even if he could, what would it look like for her to flatter an Extraterrestrial with a song in front of everyone? And what would the court insiders and outsiders think?

If she were to succeed her father in the future, what kind of gossip would circulate within the Imperial Court?

Would they say the new monarch secured support by selling her charms, appeasing Extraterrestrials in a manner no different from women who flaunt their allure?

"Remove the rabbit ears. I’ll wear that one."

Ning Ruyue, with a stern face, pointed at the most plain and fabric-rich dress on the bed, "Tell Head of Falang later that I have no interest in his proposition. Even if I cannot compete with the Second Prince, I will not fulfill his wish."

"But—"

"No buts! Cai Die, I never thought you would turn out this way!"

...

"The Elder Princess has refused and even sent me away," Cai Die reported in the Third Prince’s room.

Despite having been scolded, her face did not betray any hint of disappointment; on the contrary, she seemed rather relieved.

The words with which the Elder Princess reproached her were the very protestations Cai Die had made when the Third Prince had handed her the "Moon Rabbit Princess" outfit.

The princess was not a corporate pet; having her wear an evening gown modified from a bunny girl costume was an insult.

"The princess is very stubborn; it seems that Head of Falang is bound to be disappointed."

As many of the Imperial Court’s entertainment industries were in cahoots with HIVE, Cai Die was well aware of the cost of a custom-made gown.

Falang had invested heavily; he surely longed to see the princess dressed in this gown.

Or rather, his desires went far beyond that.

"No matter, it was to be expected," said the Third Prince, waving his hand dismissively.

Seeing that the Third Prince wasn’t angry either, Cai Die felt somewhat surprised. She had thought he would be furious, perhaps even storming into the Elder Princess’s chamber and advising her not to be ungrateful.

Within the Imperial Court, the Elder Princess had few supporters to begin with, and having now offended the people of Universe Company, her future was bound to be bleak.

Even a maid like her could see this predicament.

"What kind of background does this Falang supervisor really have?"

"A pervert."

The room fell into a long silence. Cai Die opened her mouth, but for a long time could not speak.

That assessment was perhaps too blunt. If it reached the ears of Chief Falang, even the Third Prince may not escape trouble.

Noticing Cai Die’s confusion, the Third Prince explained, "His hobby is collecting princesses."

"Collecting princesses?"

"It seems he has a particular fondness for the status of princess. He brings princesses from various planets back to his flagship to keep them as pets."

"...There’s actually such a thing."

Cai Die couldn’t help but worry about the safety of the Elder Princess. With her knowledge of the company, whatever they set their sights on eventually became theirs.

"So, even if the Elder Princess conceded to his demand, put on that dress, and docilely played a tune for Supervisor Qing Hua, Falang would never help her. Or rather, Falang, more than anyone in the department, does not wish to see the Elder Princess inherit the throne. Once she becomes the new monarch, the company’s position wouldn’t allow them to take her away to the heavens."

This was merely a game.

The Third Prince was certain Falang would not be angry about the Elder Princess not wearing the dress; this would instead make the game more interesting.

The transition from stubborn resistance to eventual submission was what would make the game much more thrilling.

"Once the Second Prince ascends to the throne and the Elder Princess becomes a loser in the struggle, she will no longer have a place on this planet. By then, Falang will make her willingly put on that dress and come to his chamber alone, in exchange for a chance to leave this place."

"You have to help her!" Cai Die urged anxiously.

"It’s no use; I don’t have that kind of power," the Third Prince shrugged his shoulders. "The fate of every person is written from the start. I am no exception, and neither is the Elder Princess... Didn’t I tell you before? Another identity of Falang’s is that he is the Elder Princess’s ’sponsor’."

"Sponsor? What does that mean?"

"The Elder Princess’s appearance, personality, and even the track of her growth were all tailored by him, including her current rebellion and stubbornness, which all appeal to Falang."

This was the fate that the Cosmic Coordination Department had laid out for the Elder Princess, "She’s bound to lose the struggle for the throne and to wear that gown, but by then, she will embrace her own ’happiness’."

As a pet rabbit princess, she would live a carefree life on a strange flagship.

Just like Falang’s other pets.

"You knew, you’ve known from the start, yet you still chose to be his accomplice!" Cai Die felt a chilling cold in her limbs.

She wanted to rebel out of anger, but then quickly realized her insignificance.

Reason, however, prevented her from blaming the Third Prince.

"But this is precisely the most exciting part of the game," said the Third Prince.

The orchestrator of fate, as well as the one who changes it.

What conclusion will this game come to when the two meet?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read