F

Scarlet stood in the middle of the banquet hall. Sweat beaded her forehead and she could almost hear the crickets from the far end of the banquet hall as she felt the weight of all eyes on her.

How could anyone stand having all these stares on them? Right, there was one. She glanced at Vance before turning her focus away. She wouldn't want to be around his presence any longer. And yes, she was petty. So what?

The King and Queen looked mildly interested and Lei had heart shapes in her eyes when she saw Scarlet at the centre of the stage. Scarlet fathomed it was because of all that talk about strong and independent women that got her all revved up.

Sam was drinking his wine as per usual and the rest of the audience were getting rather restless waiting for her to start.

Finally, Scarlet started. She decided to go with the rendition of Flightless bird, American mouth. It was her favourite song after all and she still felt teary after listening to it. So why not?

Besides, there wasn't anyone who dictated that she couldn't use her vocal chords as an instrument, yes? She gave herself a mini pat on the back as she marvelled at her choice. All those nights of singing in the bathroom paid off.

At the end of her performance, she expected some claps, some polite round of an applause. What she probably didn't expect was silence, all around. She was singing with her eyes closed to soothe her nerves so she had to opened them rather apprehensively, considering the total lack of response.

Okay, this is getting a little awkward. Scarlet wasn't sure if she should find a hole to bury herself. Or to pray that the system would just kill her off right then and there.

Suddenly, the King broke into an applause and the rest of the ton followed suit. Scarlet's expression went from embarrassment to slight puzzlement, it wasn't That good, was it?

"Truly a masterpiece! I can see why Lei has been going on about you," the King nodded his head in approval as he lavished Scarlet with praises.

Scarlet bowed humbly as per this world's protocol and made her way back to Sam. Almost like an adoring pet, Scarlet turned to look at Sam who was nodding his head in approval.

"What would it cost me to get you to sing for me on a daily basis?" Sam teased rather mirthlessly, as he sipped his wine.

"It wouldn't cost a thing," Scarlet uttered under her breath, looking at Sam like how Lei may look at her.

Good, good, you're doing great. Hold that stance, hold that angle. Your eyes look particularly striking here. Part your lips a little, the system instructed and Scarlet did as she was told. Sam lingered for a moment before finishing his glass. He leaned in just before someone coughed, breaking that moment.

"Vance! You couldn't pick a better time?" Sam cried out as he looked at Vance who had a rather darkened look on his usually calm and impenetrable expression.

"I think it's perfect," Vance uttered before he ushered Sam away from Scarlet, as if she was the plague.

You were so, so close, the system sighed and Scarlet sighed softly before shrugging it off. It's just round one and we'll see who wear out first as well.