The plan to infiltrate the harem selection was settled.
Early the next morning, Amaryllis quietly packed her things.
She sneaked several outfits commonly worn on the island out of her home, along with some locally made natural makeup creams and the like.
With everything packed, Lillian carried a bulging bag of clothes and cosmetics and cautiously headed toward the cave deep in the forest.
As she reached a secluded path halfway up the mountain, footsteps sounded ahead.
A hulking figure blocked the light filtering through the trees.
Daran, reputed to be the strongest man on the island, was passing through on patrol with two or three personal attendants, blocking Lillian's path entirely.
The tall, burly man looked down at the petite girl, his tone casual.
"Lillian, where are you off to with all that stuff?"
Lillian's heart leaped into her throat.
Her hands abruptly tightened, and her back stiffened slightly.
Thinking fast, Lillian worked herself into the right emotional state.
She lowered her gaze, her eyes instantly reddening as tears gathered at their corners, poised to fall.
With such a pitiful display, anyone listening would have been putty in her hands.
"I-I just wanted to sneak off and rehearse my performance."
"The palace selection is coming up soon. I wanted to practice my talent beforehand so I can put on a good show for everyone."
The girl lifted her watery eyes, her lashes trembling gently.
Anyone would have felt for her, looking so delicate and vulnerable~
Finally, she added with a show of shyness.
"I'm rehearsing in secret, so no peeking before it's ready."
Faced with such a sweet, docile girl, Daran never thought to question her.
He immediately let out a hearty laugh.
"So that's it! All right, Lillian. Good on you for putting in the effort."
"Practice hard,