As soon as they returned to the relatively quiet tent, Aqina immediately beckoned to the other teammates.
She gathered the three of them to her side.
“Did you see that bunch of guys?” Aqina pursed her lips, signaling them to look outside.
Outside the tent was that group of noble youths who were still excitedly discussing and pointing toward the viewing platform.
“The one with the slicked-back hair, that peacock dressed like he’s going to a ball, his name is Popov.
That bouquet in his arms, it’s called a ‘Fire Rose’, I heard it’s greenhouse-grown and very delicate.” Tatiana leaned over to take a peek and frowned with equal disgust: “Just that idiot holding the flowers?
What does he want to do?
Give flowers?
Is his brain frozen?” “That’s right, he wants to go and curry favor, maybe even improvise a love poem.” Aqina spoke rapidly, quickly summarizing based on her understanding of Rosalyne.
“The Lady hates this kind of frivolous behavior with ulterior motives, treating her like a’shallow woman’ who can be moved by flowers and flattery.
Furthermore, I heard The Lady used to live in Mondstadt.
Although Mondstadt is a city of freedom and poetry, it also values etiquette.
For such an act that makes her lose face, it will definitely displease her.” Iour gasped, instantly understanding the pros and cons: “Then if this guy goes, won’t he just annoy The Lady?” “It doesn’t matter if he annoys The Lady, but his behavior might implicate us.
Or rather, affect The Lady’s impression of this recruit ceremony, and even of us recruits.” Aqina’s eyes were filled with disgust for him.
“More importantly, for us, this is an excellent opportunity.” “Opportunity?” Vera asked, confused.
“Stopping him, at the right time, in the right way.” Aqina lowered her voice and stated her plan, “After the ceremony starts this afternoon, The Lady will definitely be sitting on the viewing platform.
That peacock, in order to show off and curry favor, will definitely find a chance to go up and offer the flowers.
We keep a close eye on him.
As soon as he makes a move and approaches the viewing platform—” Aqina made a throat-slashing gesture.
“I will use my knife to knock away the bouquet, then immediately stop him and accuse him of attempting an assassination.” Tatiana’s eyes lit up: “Good idea, protecting the Harbinger’s safety, this reason is perfectly legitimate!” “Yes.” Aqina nodded, looking at Tatiana and Iour, “Tatiana, Iour, you two are responsible for watching those lackeys around Popov.
They might rush up, so if necessary, take action directly and subdue them.
If they don’t know what’s good for them, we can’t be blamed if they get injured or disabled.
Vera, you watch the surroundings to see if anyone else wants to fish in troubled waters or provide backup.
You control the field at the critical moment.” “We are making a big gamble.” Iour took a deep breath and analyzed, “Betting that The Lady really hates this kind of behavior, betting that she can be interested in us.
But if we bet wrong, we might offend both sides at the same time.
One side is the noble youth and the forces behind him, and even at the same time, The Lady will view us as smart-alecky idiots.” Aqina looked at him, her voice calm but with the certainty of controlling everything.
“There is a saying, wealth is sought in danger.” “We have already achieved the top rank in this trial and possess the right to choose.
But to enter The Lady’s inner circle and strive for a better position, these alone are far from enough.
We need a ‘turning point’ that makes her remember us and see us.
And this opportunity right now is the best turning point.
If we miss this opportunity, there will never be another.” She paused and added: “Besides, it’s not that I don’t have confidence.
I know The Lady’s likes and dislikes; this is the biggest advantage.
We are cleaning up the bugs she hates before she gets angry, and giving her a graceful way out.
This in itself is a value.” Tatiana grinned and reached out to pat Aqina’s uninjured shoulder: “Let’s do it!
I’ve long been annoyed with these embroidered pillows, and protecting the Harbinger, what a legitimate reason!” Vera also nodded vigorously: “I also think this reason is very legitimate!
I’ll listen to Sister Aqina.” Iour looked at the three and finally nodded heavily: “Alright, then let’s make a big bet.
Aqina, you are the most injured, so be sure to protect yourself after knocking away the flowers.” The plan was finalized.
The four of them seized the last bit of time to rest and adjust their state.
At the same time, they secretly kept an eye on the movements of Popov’s group.
In the afternoon, at the central camp.
The graduation distribution ceremony for recruits began in a solemn atmosphere.
All the recruits who passed the trial stood in formation under the stage according to their scores, waiting for the distribution of their fate.
Surrounding them were formal soldiers responsible for security and maintaining order.
As well as some representatives of low-to-mid-level officers who came to select talent.
On the viewing platform sat several senior officers and civilian officials.
And sitting in the very center was none other than [The Lady].
She was still in that uniform, her ice-blue eyes scanning the sea of people below calmly.
The ceremony’s procedure was quite routine.
Officers gave speeches, read out the overall situation of the trial, and then commended the outstanding ones.
When Aqina’s squad’s name and their shocking battle record were read out.
Suppressed exclamations rang out from under the stage.
Even the few officials on the viewing platform were slightly moved.
But Rosalyne didn’t even twitch an eyelash.
She just gave a faint glance at the four of them, Aqina and her team, who were called out to step forward.
Her gaze lingered for a few seconds on the bandages wrapped around Aqina and her pale face, then moved away.
She only felt bored…
Long-winded speeches, repetitive commendations, the impending struggle and distribution…
All of this made her feel a familiar boredom.