Outside the gates of Magic Feather Fantasy.
Su Nian widened her beautiful eyes, looking at the girls standing before her.
These young women were all dressed in splendid clothes, their makeup exquisite, their figures slender and graceful, every gesture carrying a hint of reserved pride and lofty demeanor.
On their carriages, different family crests were engraved, representing their noble status in this world and their gazes never left her.
Coupled with Amy’s earlier exaggerated descriptions about the Third Prince, as well as the absurd rumors circulating through the city…
Could it be that these people were admirers of the Third Prince, here to give her trouble?
After all, according to the gossip, she had “stolen” the prince that they had dreamed of for so long.
Hmm…
But this was Academy City, so surely they wouldn’t dare to act against her openly?
Even if trouble did come, she wasn’t afraid!
Besides, she still had a trick up her sleeve—
Diverting disaster eastward!
Let that bastard Horned Demon deal with anyone trying to cause her trouble, hmph!
However, the confrontation or fierce argument she had imagined did not occur.
Countess’s Daughter—Lilian Field, dressed in a fiery red long dress and wearing a jeweled coronet, walked straight up to Su Nian.
After performing a noblewoman’s curtsy, she spoke up, “I’ve long heard of Miss Su Nian of Academy City. Seeing you today, you truly are extraordinary. You really live up to your reputation as a Magic Girl Idol renowned throughout the Continent.” Lilian said.
The noble ladies at her side also exchanged pleasantries and introduced themselves.
Clearly, these noble ladies were far more composed than Su Nian had expected, or rather… their intentions weren’t as simple as just fighting over a man.
They had indeed come to Academy City for the Winter Festival at their families’ behest, all because of the Third Prince.
But today, their purpose was not to enact some tired scene—publicly warning Su Nian to “stay away from the prince”—nor to mock her background with petty words to show off their noble birth.
For ladies as highborn and self-assured as themselves, such behavior did nothing but vent anger, bringing no real benefit and only making them appear foolish and lacking in self-control.
Their families had spent considerable resources to send them to Academy City—not just for a fleeting moment of sharp-tongued satisfaction.
The noble ladies who sought Su Nian out today were not those with the highest chances of winning the Third Prince’s favor.
Their family backgrounds, while illustrious within the vast noble hierarchy, were not the most elite.
For them, it was highly unlikely that the Third Prince’s marriage would fall to them.
Thus, being sent here by their families was less about vying for the title of princess consort, and more—
A valuable experience and social investment.
Even if they failed to become the prince’s bride, it would be best if they gained something else.
For instance, making connections with important people from other families, or shining at the Winter Festival to win fame for themselves and their kin.
If they failed to attract the Third Prince’s attention and accomplished nothing else, having wasted their families’ resources and networks, what awaited them would likely be branded as “failure.”
Although they arrived together, their true goals depended entirely on their own standing within their families and their personal ambitions.
For example, Juliana merely wanted to befriend the future princess consort, seeking social benefits for her family.
Even she thought the rumors were a bit far-fetched.
But as the granddaughter of an old duke, or the daughter of the Marquis of Peaceburg, she found that the true frontrunners for the position of princess consort were already surrounded by those eager to curry favor—she could only try her luck here.
Juliana’s approach was a cautious one.
Of course, there were those among them who were more aggressive!
The daughter of the Lord of Rock City, Countess’s Daughter Lilian Field, naturally wouldn’t be content with the modest gains of mere social introductions.
As for the rumors about Su Nian and the Third Prince, they certainly didn’t believe them all.
However, before them stood Su Nian, the Magic Girl Idol, basking in fame.
So…
If she could “defeat” the wildly popular Magic Girl Idol—Su Nian, the talk of the Continent—in some area right now…
That would undoubtedly be a highly cost-effective way to bring glory to her family—and to herself, Lilian.
As for how to defeat her…
That required careful consideration.
Among Su Nian’s most famous qualities was her reputation as the first beauty of Academy City.
No one knew exactly how this rumor started, but it spread and stuck…
If she could win in terms of beauty…
Lilian’s gaze lingered on Su Nian’s flawless face for a moment, then quietly shifted away.
‘Defeat her with beauty…?’
Don’t make her laugh!
Before coming here, they had already seen countless magical images and promotional posters of Su Nian through various channels.
Now, seeing her in person, that naturally breathtaking beauty left even these noble ladies—accustomed to seeing beautiful women—utterly amazed and… defeated.
In this regard, she stood no chance.
As for singing and dancing?
That would be pure humiliation.
Her opponent was the Magic Girl Idol, beloved across the Continent—her stage presence was already acknowledged by millions.
These noble ladies might have learned instruments or dance as part of their upbringing, but it was merely to cultivate a ladylike temperament.
Compared to Su Nian’s professional level, the gap was insurmountable.
As for direct combat…
Su Nian was not only an idol, but also the youngest and most acclaimed Magic Tutor at Red Maple Magic Academy.
A direct challenge would be no different from striking a stone with an egg.
Even trying obscure or niche competitions, even if they managed to win by luck, would only make them look petty and become the laughingstock of the city, not raising their reputation at all.
Countess’s Daughter—Lilian Field—pondered silently, searching for a breakthrough.
At this moment, her gaze landed on Su Nian’s smooth, rounded shoulder, where a palm-sized, pale green, adorable little bird stood quietly.
Its feathers were pure, its form round and cute, and it looked just like a typical ornamental pet.
But Lilian, with some knowledge of Magic Beast breeding and contracts, immediately noticed the faint, unusual energy emanating from this seemingly harmless bird.
‘It was no ordinary creature.’
Indeed… the little bird perched on Su Nian’s shoulder, gazing around at the city with curiosity, was none other than the Wind Elemental Holy Dragon—Xiao Qing, who had only recently mastered the shrinking spell.
A thought flashed through Lilian’s mind like a spark, making her eyes suddenly light up.
‘That’s it!’
The strength of a Magic Pet is closely tied to the owner’s wealth, resources, and years of careful training.
To be called a “Magic Pet,” rather than a mere wild beast, one must often be raised and contracted from infancy or even from the egg stage.
This process consumes enormous sums—buying all sorts of rare foods for the pet, magical materials to aid its growth, secret medicines to enhance its potential, and hiring professional Magic Beast trainers for practical instruction.
All these are “luxuries” that only the noble class can afford.
A powerful, rare Magic Pet is not only a symbol of status but also a testament to a family’s foundation.
So, the best way to “defeat” Su Nian and make a name for herself across the Continent was…
A Magic Pet Competition!