All the girls selected to live in the palace for the competition had arrived with their suitcases, and each was assigned her own maid. You went to a guest room on the second floor and had two maids: Lina and Scarlett.

Life in the palace felt strange for a while; you hadn't come here by choice and longed to leave, yet you had to wait until the competition played out. Your attendants took you to the bath and prepared you to familiarize yourself with the palace grounds, styling you to look soft yet stunning. Along with the nineteen other contestants, you headed toward the grand hall—guided by the head handmaiden who was to show you around—to meet the Queen, the King, and the Prince. The other girls whispered excitedly, eager to catch a glimpse of the handsome prince, but you... you were different from the rest of them. You entered the reception hall.

You all bowed to the royal family. Up close, the prince was striking; he had a composed, cool demeanor. The King began to speak, and then the prince—smiling—approached each of the young women to welcome them. Finally, it was your turn. He was much taller than you; he took your hands and kissed them, offering a warm greeting that didn't seem out of place despite his cool, aloof expression.