Theo looked around.

"It's just the two of us here."

Theo nodded.

"Hmm. With contestant number 8 not being here, there's nobody qualified to get my vote, is there? No matter who I choose, it's just picking the tallest among the short ones. If I vote for contestant number 9, I might make some money back."

Shami twitched at the corner of his mouth, wanting to hit Theo.

But considering Theo's already twisted sense of aesthetics, he held back.

"Theo, think it over. There's a huge risk behind this. Do you really want to take that bribe at the risk of being exposed?"

Shami appealed emotionally and logically.

"If someone finds out you're colluding and rigging the competition, that money will be scrutinized thoroughly. Moreover, your identity would be exposed. Have they paid the deposit yet?"

"No..."

Theo's expression gradually worsened.

"Without the deposit paid, the situation can still be salvaged. This is a competition hosted by Saint Karno School; if someone discovers something shady, no one can protect you."

Shami caught sight of Theo's clear panic.

"Risk getting found out for some money, or keep maintaining this identity of a fallen aristocrat's descendant? If it's the former, and you're discovered, you might lose everything. If it's the latter, if managed well, you could earn more with exhibitions in the future..."

Shami launched the whispers of a demon king.

Village Theo's heart was utterly crushed.

"Indeed, you're truly remarkable, Shami, my honest good friend."

"What should I do then, should I just withdraw?"

Theo patted Shami's chest and then anxiously looked at Shami.

"Don't waste this valuable opportunity. This is a competition under a normal aesthetic view, just cast the vote for the most suitable person according to it."

Shami patiently guided, giving Theo psychological cues.

"Isn't Lureya, Lina, Saili in the competition? That Dragon Race Maiden looks quite nice too."

Theo frowned tightly.

"Maybe I should still leave the vote for that mannequin."

"Did everything I say not change your thinking, you idiot?!"

Seeing this, Shami dropped the act.

"Theo, remember two and a half years ago when you were chased by mercenaries because they mistook you for a monster? I saved you then, proving you were just a villager, a normal human."

"You have the nerve to say that! It was all because of you! Selling fake goods to those thugs made them sick for three days and nights, and then they came to the village. Otherwise, would they have mistaken me for a monster?"

"Anyway, I saved your life."

Shami pressed his hands on Theo's shoulders, forgiving past grievances.

"Now it's your turn to repay the favor. Lureya, Lina, Saili, and that Dragon Race Maiden, your vote can only go to these four."

Shami still gave Theo the choice.

"You wouldn't have placed a lot of money on these few, would you?"

Theo was puzzled.

But at that moment, the commercial break ended.

The staff at the back of the stage were desperately looking for Theo.

Shami pushed Theo out of the washroom.

"Theo, repay the favor!"

——

Backstage.

Due to the commercial break, the contestants gained a brief moment of respite to touch up makeup and drink water backstage.

Since the popularity scores are announced live, the contestants can see the rankings in real-time.

Now, apart from the four maidens, the other contestants were no longer as tense as at the start of the finals, leisurely awaiting the upcoming results.

Whoever gets fifth place is the victor!

In contrast, the four maidens with dual identities were extremely tense.

Standing behind the curtain, they all peeked out, staring at the popularity chart.

The four's scores were very close, with the Elf Maiden slightly ahead, followed by the Magical Girl, then the almost tied white-haired maiden and the Dragon Race Maiden.

But this doesn't determine the final outcome, voting hasn't ended yet.

The judges' vote hasn't been cast either.

As long as they secure Theo's vote, the ultimate champion is still uncertain.

The four maidens drew back their little faces and, in a tacit understanding, glanced at each other.

"Ah, getting this far is already pretty good."

"Yes."

"No regrets."

"Whatever comes next, will come next~"

The four smiled simultaneously to show goodwill.

Just kidding!

An anxious atmosphere enveloped the four maidens.

They appeared to be smiling, but inside, they were quite determined about winning!

Having reached this point, who would be content to stop here!

"Sorry, looks like I'll be first. As for first place, it's possible to have a month of fun with Shami, right?"

The Elf Maiden crossed her arms, breaking the deadlock first.

"Lureya fabricated nonexistent memories."

The white-haired maiden accused the Elf Maiden, recalling a little thoughtfully.

"Clearly it was 'the contestant with white hair from the Swordsman Academy, who might come in first, second, third, or fourth, can have a month of fun with Shami'."

"This almost names the candidate directly!"

The Magical Girl kept silent but was also quite anxious.

The result of this final would be their first contest.

Having such a seemingly foolish golden-haired one take the top spot is just too frustrating.

——

As the four maidens quarreled quietly, the commercial break ended.

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