The route to the immortal gate was filled with so many obstacles. Since the king had forbidden us to ride in our carriage so as to show respect for the immortals, we could only tread towards our location on foot. Now, my toes were covered in red blisters due to them being constantly jarred by the rough stone on the road.
Both my legs were already trembling and I felt they might give out anytime. I turned my head sideways, looking at the luxurious carriage that was being protected by an entourage of soldiers. Damm that two-faced king. When he was talking about showing respect to the immortal, he had never intended to include his daughter from the start.
Seeing almost everyone around was gritting their teeth as they persisted in walking and then the princess who was seated leisurely inside the carriage with maids at the sides to attend to her order, I bit my cheeks in envy. Gosh, why did I enter the body of a bullied girl instead of royalty?
"Aww." I gave out a moan of pain. "I wish I had been the princess."
"Me too."
Surprised by the sudden voice, I turned to my side and saw that there was a girl who had unknowingly arrived beside me.
She continued. "I would have been liberated from having to walk this long distance if I were her. Gosh, I'm so jealous thinking of that." She looked sideways as she spoke, her eyes meeting mine. "Hello, my name's Janice." Her bright red lips parted into a grin, revealing the white teeth beneath as she introduced herself.
"Hum… I am --."
"Zanillia." She suddenly cut in before I could introduce myself. "You're a very famous topic to talk about in the whole kingdom. The talks of the prime minister's daughter being a crook has been every house gossip."
"Huh..." I didn't know what to say at her bluntness, so I could only nod. "Yeah."
Realizing that her words might be offensive to me, Janice immediately apologized. "Oh! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to call you a thief. I was just saying what I've heard from the passersby. I'm so sorry if my words have caused you any pain." She lowered her head as she apologized.
"You don't have to be sorry." I waved my hand in understanding as we continued walking. "The earlier event had already proved the kind of reputation I have among the people."
"But you didn't steal that young lady's hairpin," Janice spoke out. "Natasi did. She just wanted to frame you because she disliked you."
"Yeah. It does seem like I've got a great affinity with those who dislike me. I was also framed before I entered this strange world." A wry smile appeared on my face the moment I thought of Alison's accusation against me.
Janice didn't understand what I meant by my last sentence. "So, why do you join in the competition, Zanillia?" She asked
"Don't know. My father just told me that he had put down my name on some bride candidates list and wished me luck." I replied indifferently.
"Ah! That means you aren't interested in participating in the bride competition."
"Bride competition? What's that all about?" I had only been in this world for about a day when that father of mine decided to send me off. Although I do understand that I was being sent out for marriage, I'm still clueless about what the whole activity is all about.
"You don't know? It's a contest to select the predestined bride of the lord of the seven realms. My ancestors would be swirling in their graves if I get chosen as his bride." Janice's face was filled with excitement as she spoke.
"And who is the lord you're talking about?" I looked at her with inquisitiveness.
"What?! Don't tell me you haven't heard about lord Vagamound. He's known for being the ruler of the seven immortal realms. People also call him the legendary master. No one has ever seen his appearance. Not even my dead ancestors. Legend only talked about how powerful and graceful he was. But I bet he's going to be handsome just like the beautiful words in poetry." Janice uttered in adoration. "I also heard that he can converge time and space. Isn't that powerful?"
"What?" My footsteps immediately halted. "Can you repeat what you just said?"
"I'm not sure if it's true. It's just some rumors that had been going on and on." Janice answered.
"I see." I resumed back to my pace. However, my mind was in turmoil as to what I'd just heard. If this lord Vagamound can converge both time and space like Janice says, then he might be the key to how I can find my way back home.
My mind was filled with excitement at the thought of that. It looks like I'll have to give my all in this contest. Only if I emerge as the victor would I be able to approach him. But that would be quite hard. Although Zanillia's face would have been a beauty on earth; in comparison to the ladies present here, it seems more lacking. Even Janice looks more beautiful than her. Damm, I just hope the contest won't be focused on beauty or I should just consider it game over for me.
"We've arrived at the boundary to the immortal realm. All people who aren't part of the candidates list should stay behind." The instructor ordered.
Hearing this, the princess could only climb down from the carriage. Her beautiful face was witnessed by all. Even I sucked in a deep breath the moment I saw her appearance. She's worthy of being the most beautiful maiden in the kingdom.
The instructor continued. "Also, be mindful of your behavior once you arrive at the immortal realm. This place is much different than the mortal world you came from."
"Yes." We all chorused in answer before stepping into the boundary dividing the mortal and the immortal world. Every one of us vanished from the spot.