Chapter 135

Chapter 135

Tu Nan should have been able to rest for seven days, but since Jenny’s rest days had already ended, she had to follow her into overtime.

Three days later, they entered an Instance together.

Jenny was much as she had imagined-a sweet-looking girl with her hair in a bun and large, spirited eyes. She looked a bit younger than Tu Nan.

“Hello there,” Jenny greeted her with a smile. “My name is Xu Duoyi. ‘Xu’ as in ‘many,’ and ‘Duoyi’ as in ‘meaning.'”

“I’m Tu Nan,” Tu Nan replied with a smile of her own. “‘Tu Nan’ as in ‘the journey south is unpredictable.'”

“Sister Tu Nan, let’s head into the Instance then.” Xu Duoyi had a naturally familiar personality, not to mention the two of them had already survived two Instances together. She stepped forward and took Tu Nan’s arm. “I’m already getting a little impatient.”

Tu Nan nodded and took out the invitation Maria had given her.

With a flash of white light, the two of them entered the Instance.

[Welcome back to Fairy Tale Strange Tales. The theme for this Instance is-Snow White.]

[Snow White Maria was born with breathtaking beauty. The Prince of the Neighboring Country, captivated by her, asked the King for her hand in marriage.

The King agreed to the Prince’s request without hesitation. After all, the kingdom was already in its twilight years, and he needed such an outstanding son-in-law to support the realm.

The Prince promised that on the day he married Snow White, he would lend his troops to the King.

However, Maria seems to have a different opinion…]

[Detected that the Player holds the item: Maria’s Invitation. You will be automatically assigned to the Snow White faction.]

[Current Instance Mission: Help Maria achieve her heart’s desire!]

After a wave of dizziness, Tu Nan found herself inside a Carriage.

She quickly scanned her surroundings but did not see Xu Duoyi anywhere.

Her identity this time was a fallen noble lady named Judy Carter.

Her father was addicted to gambling and had lost the entire family fortune, while her worthless younger brother spent every day indulging in pleasure, seemingly oblivious to the embarrassment of the family’s impending bankruptcy.

A gambling addict for a father, a useless brother, and her own broken life.

Judy had known Snow White Maria since they were children. With Maria’s wedding approaching, she had been summoned to the palace to keep her company.

Her father, however, seemed to think this was a grand opportunity.

The King had two sons. If his daughter could marry one of them, then this destitute noble family might be able to reclaim its former glory.

Therefore, she had a hidden mission.

[Judy Carter is a filial and good child who cannot bear to disappoint her father’s expectations.

Make any Prince fall in love with you and take you as his wife.]

It was already known that Maria and her two older brothers were bitter enemies. She had to help Maria achieve her goals while also finding a way to become Maria’s sister-in-law.

Was she supposed to be a double agent?

“My lady, we have arrived at the Royal Palace.”

Before Tu Nan could organize her thoughts, the coachman driving the Carriage spoke up, pulling her back to reality.

Although the Carter Family’s finances were stretched to the limit, her father had specially commissioned a magnificent gown for her to ensure she left a good impression on the princes. The dress was so voluminous it nearly filled the entire Carriage.

Tu Nan lifted the hem of her skirt and struggled to squeeze out of the vehicle.

A cool breeze blew outside. She maintained a reserved air, lightly extending her hand to rest it on the coachman’s arm as she stepped down from the Carriage with measured grace.

She looked up. The towering Royal Palace resembled a lion sleeping in the night, ready to open its massive maw and swallow her whole at any moment.
“Miss Judy, the Princess has been waiting for quite some time. Please, follow me.”

A palace Maid bowed to her and made a welcoming gesture.

Tu Nan nodded slightly, walking forward without looking left or right.

Her persona for this Instance was that of a noble lady, raised since childhood to prioritize her family’s interests, where every movement represented the family’s reputation.

It was truly ridiculous. The one who had brought shame to the family was her gambling addict of a father, yet she was still stubbornly required to ensure her every action conformed to the temperament of a noble lady.

She followed behind the Maid who was leading the way, slowly walking deeper into the Royal Palace.

The Royal Palace grounds were vast and the paths winding; it would be very easy to get lost without someone to guide the way.

Tu Nan was wearing a pair of shoes that didn’t fit properly. After walking for a long time, her heels were rubbed raw and stinging, making it nearly impossible to maintain a dignified posture.

She forced a smile, though she couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious.

She had originally thought that this time would be like the previous Princess and the Pea Instance, where the Players would be gathered together at the very beginning. Now, it seemed that was not the case.

She wondered where Xu Duoyi was and what her identity might be.

How were they supposed to meet up and recognize each other?

After turning through another long corridor, they finally entered the Castle itself.

The Maid led her to a room on the fourth floor and tapped lightly on the door.

“Come in,” a familiar voice sounded from within.

Tu Nan’s spirits lifted.

She followed the Maid into the room.

It was an incredibly luxurious room decorated in a Baroque style, filled with all sorts of rare treasures and jewelry-it was almost dazzling.

Maria was sitting on a sofa, a cup of steaming black tea placed before her.

She wore a gorgeous, eye-catching dress, yet it didn’t detract from her presence in the slightest. On the contrary, it made her look even more radiant and bright, exuding an air of nobility.

Maria lazily raised her eyes and swept a glance over her.

Tu Nan was certain she saw a flicker of a mocking smile in those eyes.

“All of you, get out. Judy and I haven’t seen each other in a long time; we have much to discuss in private,” Maria spoke softly.

The Maids in the room bowed their heads and retreated, carefully closing the door behind them.

Maria narrowed her eyes at Tu Nan, saying nothing.

Tu Nan lifted her skirts, stepped forward, and performed a curtsy.

“Your Highness, it has been a long time.”

“Indeed,” Maria said languidly, seemingly reminiscing. “How long has it been… I’ve almost lost track.”

“Since the last time we met, it has been about… ten or so days,” Tu Nan said with a smile. “I have missed you dearly.”

Maria gave a knowing smile.

“You really did come.”

“It was our agreement.” Tu Nan winked at her. “You are about to be married; how could I watch you stay in the Royal Palace all alone with no one to keep you company?”

The corners of Maria’s lips curled up with pleasure.

“I’ve wanted to say this from the moment I saw you-who on earth picked out that dress for you? It’s utterly tacky.” She gave her a critical look. “You don’t have a single decent piece of jewelry on you. It seems the Carter Family is indeed finished.”

“This entire country is about to be finished. A mere noble family doesn’t seem that important anymore.”

Tu Nan walked over and sat in the seat beside her.

Her feet, which felt as if they were being pricked by needles, finally got a moment of respite.

“Your timing is quite clever,” Maria said. “One week from now is the day the King is forcing me to marry.”