Facade

Lily exclaimed in disbelief, “With today’s advanced technology, Hera could easily create an audio that sounds exactly like her! 

“That’s cheating! If she’s too scared to show up, she should just withdraw from the contest instead of playing games!” 

“You can’t accuse her of cheating without evidence!” Christopher retorted, his expression darkening 

He detested the mention of “cheating” as it reminded him of his past humiliating experience. But what he detested even more was hearing others humiliate Hera in front of him 

“But it’s undeniable that she didn’t deliver the speech in person,” Lily argued softly. Frightened by Christopher’s solemn expression, she turned to Zyler, pitifully pleading for his 

Feeling a surge of protectiveness at the sight of Lily’s pleading gaze, Zyler’s discontentment with his score of 94 Intensified 

“Christopher, why do you always defend that country bumpkin? Have you forgotten that she copied your test paper during the entrance exam? Has she bewitched you or something?” Zyler interjected. 

Then he added, “Lily’s right. Hera didn’t show up for the contest, so we can’t be sure if she’s the one giving the speech.” 

“Bewitched? I wonder who’s the one bewitched here,” Christopher retorted, glaring at Lily with disdain as he spoke through clenched teeth. “Don’t jump to conclusions without verifying the truth!” 

As Christopher’s and Zyler’s eyes mer, tension thickened in the air, leaving the other contestants bewildered. They couldn’t understand why these close friends were suddenly at 

odds 

“She’s not cheating. It’s real. Look!” Cindy interjected calmly, pointing at the monitor broadcasting the stage. The camera had now focused on the audience, zooming in to reveal a tall figure entering the main entrance. 

Hera, holding her phone to her lips, continued her speech with a nonchalant demeanor… 

Dressed in Cavenridge’s gray i 

y winter uniform, her slim, long legs could be seen under her pleated skirt. Her long hair was casually tied into a bun at the back of her head ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Even without makeup, her natural beauty effortlessly outshone the other female contestants who had meticulously dressed for thecontest 

“Wow!” Someone exclaimed in astonishment upon spotting her presence, drawing everyone’s attention to her. 

Everyone was shunned as they watched Hera continue delivering her fluent Terranish speech. 

Hera slowly made her way to the stage, her speech flowing uninterrupted. 

Xyla, tightly holding the bouquet, moved to the side of the corridor and handed it to Hera as she walked p 

past. 

“You’re amazing, Heral” Xyla whispered to her. 

Accepting the bouquet with a faint smile, Hera resumed her speech without missing a beat. The moment she stepped onto the stage, her speech concluded perfectly. Hera flawlessly delivered her speech within ten minutes, seamlessly transitioning from another location to the auditorium. Her unwavering focus and flawless delivery were evident, even as she accepted a bouquet without missing a beat 

“Last but not least, I’d like to thank Ms. Lane for providing me with such a wonderful speech. “With that, Hera concluded her address. 

A hushed sälence enveloped the vence as everyone marveled at Hera’s mastery of Terranish. 

“Allow me to elaborate. While I provided Hera with the speech, she was the one who translated it into Teccanish. I must say, her translation is even better than mine!” Kerry stood up from the audience, her voice tinged with inexplicable excitement 

“well done! Bravo!” Tim rose from his sent, applauding. 

The venue erupted in applause, the sound fling the space and echoing for a long while.