Chapter 17 Chapter Seventeen

"Who was President of the United States of America during World War III?" Sylvia asked. I don't know how to do this question, so I avoided her sight, hoping she wouldn't call me.Thankfully, Amy raised her hand and answered, "President Wallis." We start the week with a history lesson in the hall.Well, it's actually more like a history exam.Everyone has different historical knowledge. It is hard to say which ones actually happened and how much anyone remembers.Unlike English and Mathematics where we have textbooks and exercises, my mother used to teach us history only orally, so when it comes to our history, it is difficult to determine whether it is history or stories when it comes to things I know.

"Correct. Wallis became president before the invasion of country C, and he led everyone to face this war." Sylvia agreed.And I said silently in my mind: Wallis, Wallis, Wallis.I'd love to remember that, and tell May and Gerald when I get home.But we learn so many new things every day, it's really hard to remember all of them, "Why did country C invade? Celeste?" She smiled: "Money. The Americans owe them too much debt and can't pay it back." "Very well, Celeste." Sylvia gave her an approving smile.It's so frustrating how Celeste got her, "When the United States of America couldn't pay its huge debt, the C-country invaded. Unfortunately, this didn't get them their money back, Because the United States has long been bankrupt, but let them get the labor force of the United States. When the C people came to power, what did they change the name of the United States to?"

Several people and I raised our hands: "Jenna?" Sylvia picked one. "Country C, American state." "Yes, on the surface, the American states in country C are no different from those before the war, but in fact they are completely different. People in country C use various influences behind the scenes to influence the main policy direction and make the laws and regulations biased towards them." Sylvie Ya walked slowly between the tables, I felt like a little mouse being watched by a hawk, she was getting closer and closer. I looked around, and a few people also showed confusion on their faces.I thought everyone knew this part of the information.

"Anyone want to add?" Sylvia asked. Baliei added: "The C-country invasion led to several countries, especially in Europe, joining forces with each other and forming allies." "That's right." Sylvia responded, "However, the U.S. state of country C didn't have such an ally at the time, so it took them five years to prepare again, which is already not easy, let alone win over them at the same time. Allies." She made a tired expression, expressing how difficult it was at that time, "The American state of country C wants to resist country C, but of course they have to guard against another enemy's invasion. So, which country wanted to What about invading the US state of country C?"

This time, many hands were raised. "Russia." Someone said the answer without being named.Sylvia looked around for the offender, but couldn't find the source of the sound. "Yes," she said a little unhappy, "Russia wanted to expand on both battlefields, but failed miserably. This failure gave country C a chance to fight back. Why?" Chris raised his hand and replied: "Because Russia's target is obviously not limited to the American states of country C, people from all over North America united to resist this invasion, and country C was also attacking Russia, which wanted to steal their territory, so It becomes easier."

Sylvia smiled proudly: "Correct. Who led the war against Russia?" The whole room answered in unison: "Gregory Elijah!" Several girls applauded. Sylvia nodded: "The next step is to establish the country of Elijah. The states of the United States and their allies at the time formed a united front, and because the reputation of the United States of America was too bad, no one wanted to continue to use this name, so Gregory Elijah named after him. Under his leadership, a new kingdom was established, and he saved the country." Imega raised her hand, and Sylvia gestured for her to speak: "In a sense, we are similar to him and have the opportunity to serve the country. He was just an ordinary citizen, but he gave all his money Contributed with wisdom and wisdom, he changed everything." Her words were full of admiration.

"That's so true," said Sylvia, "and, like him, one of you will be royalty. For Gregory Elya, when his family married royalty, he became King; for you, it means marrying their royal family." Sylvia was touched when she said that, so when Dusty raised her hand, it took a while for her to react. "Well, why isn't this written in the book? We can't learn it." There was a trace of dissatisfaction in her voice. Sylvia shook her head: "Dear girls, history is not something to learn, but common sense that you should master." Mary turned to me and whispered, "Obviously we didn't know." She smiled at her joke and turned back to Sylvia.

I thought about it, and it seems that what we know is different, and the truth is just speculation.Why not give us history books? I remember a few years ago, I went to my parents' room.My mother said that I can choose the books I need to read to learn English. I saw a dilapidated history book stuffed in the corner and took it out.That's an American history book.A few minutes later, my father came in, saw me reading the book, and said that as long as I didn't tell anyone, it didn't matter. When Dad asked me to keep it a secret, I did it without hesitation.Moreover, I really like reading that book, at least there is still something worth reading.The book had been torn in many places, and there were burn marks on the sides.In that book, I learned what the White House used to look like, and what the previous holidays were like.

It occurred to me, for the first time, that I had never asked why our history was so ambiguous, at this moment when I had to confront it.Why does the king keep us guessing? The flash went off again, capturing Maxson and Natalie's smiles. "Natalie, lower your chin a little bit, okay, that's it." The photographer took another shot, and the flash once again lit up the room. "I think it's ok. Who's next?" he asked. Celeste passed by.Before the photographer was ready to take another round, a group of maids surrounded her.Natalie was still by Maxson's side, said something, and raised her heels playfully.He responded softly, and she giggled and walked away.

After yesterday's history class, they told us that this shoot was all about entertaining the public, and I don't think it's that simple.A magazine published a review about what Faye Wong should look like, but unfortunately I didn't have the chance to read it.Imega and a few others read it, and according to her, the comment was that Maxson was looking for someone who was elegant and would look good in his picture, and she would look good on a postage stamp. So now we're all wearing creamy white wrap dresses with low waist and a heavy red sash slung across the shoulders, taking turns posing with Maxson.These photos will be published in the same magazine, and the magazine people will choose the ones they think are good.I'm a little uncomfortable with this arrangement, which only confirms that McKesson is just looking for a pretty face, which is what I've been disgusted with from the start.After getting to know him, I'm pretty sure he doesn't think that way, but it doesn't please me that people think of him that way.

I sigh.Some girls walked around, eating healthy snacks and chatting.But most of the people, including myself, gathered in the improvised studio in the hall.A huge gold tapestry hangs on one wall and stretches to the floor, reminding me of the big curtain my dad used at home.In front of it, there is a small sofa on one side and a column on the other.Right in the middle is the coat of arms of Ilia, adding a touch of patriotism to the burlesque.Every candidate had to go to the set to take pictures, and many of the onlookers were whispering about what they liked, what they didn't like, and what they would do when it was their turn. Celeste strutted up to Maxson and whispered something to him.Next, Maxson threw back his head and laughed, nodding in agreement with her secret.It's weird to see them like this, how can someone who I get along with do the same thing as her? "Okay, ma'am, please look into the camera and smile." The photographer called Celeste, who immediately did as he was told. She turned to Maxson, put a hand on his chest, tilted her head, and smiled professionally.She seemed to know how to get the most out of the set's lighting, and made Maxson move or insist on a different pose.While some girls don't rush to shoot (especially those who haven't dated Maxson alone), Celeste chooses to show her efficient side. In a short amount of time, she was done, and the photographer called the next one.Before leaving, Celeste still touched Maxson's arm vigorously. I just looked at her, not knowing it was my turn. Later, a maid reminded me softly. I shook my head slightly to focus myself, lifted the hem of my skirt and walked towards Maxson.I may be hallucinating that he looks brighter as his eyes shift from Celeste to me. "Hello, honey," he complimented. "Don't do this." I warned him, but he just smirked and held out his hand. "Wait a minute, your shoulder straps are crooked." "As expected." The damn thing is so heavy, I feel like it's sliding down with every step I take. "It should be fine by now," he joked. I also joked: "At this time, they should hang you with the crystal chandelier." I poked the shiny medal on his chest.The uniform on his body is a bit like a guard's uniform, but of course it is much more refined, with many golden decorations on his shoulders and a sword hanging from his waist.It is indeed a bit exaggerated. "Please look at the camera." The photographer called us.I looked up and saw not only the photographer, but also pairs of eyes staring at us, and my nerves tensed up. I wiped the sweat from my palms on the dress and let out a big breath. "Don't be nervous," Maxson said softly. "I don't like everyone looking at me." He pulled me close and put his hands on my waist.I wanted to back away, but Maxson's arm locked me firmly: "You just look at me with that unbearable expression." He put on a doormat look, which made me laugh out loud . The camera fired a flash at that moment and caught us laughing at the same time. "Look," Maxson said, "it's not that hard." "Maybe." Then I was still nervous for a while, the photographer said all kinds of instructions, Maxson changed from the hugging position to a little farther away, and turned my back to his chest. "Very good," said the photographer. "Shall we take some shots on the sofa?" After taking half of it, I felt much better.I did my best to sit gracefully next to Maxson, but every now and then he would poke and tickle me, making my smile slowly turn into a laugh.I can only hope that the photographer captured the moment before my face deformed, otherwise, it would be a big deal. Out of the corner of my eye I caught someone waving at us, and a moment later Maxson noticed it too.A man in a suit stood there, clearly gesturing to speak to the prince.Maxson nodded to let him speak, but he hesitated, looked at me, then at Maxson, signaling my presence. "It's okay, let her here." Maxson said, and then the man came over and knelt in front of him. "My lord, the rebels have attacked Myston," he said.Maxson sighed and lowered his head wearily, "They burned a field and killed a dozen people." "Where in Miston?" "West, approaching the border." Maxson nodded slowly, seemingly filing the information away in his mind: "What did my father say?" "Your Highness, it was he who asked me to ask your opinion." Maxson was surprised for a second, then said, "Support with troops from Sutar to Tammins instead of going south to Myston, there's no use going there. Let's see if we can intercept them." The man stood up and bowed: "Okay, Your Highness." As if he had arrived suddenly, he disappeared immediately. I know we should have continued to take pictures, but McKesson is distracted right now. "Are you okay?" I asked. He nodded with a heavy face: "It's okay, but those dead and injured..." "Maybe we should stop for a while," I suggested. He shook his head, sat up straight, smiled again, and took my hand: "The most important skill you need to master in this profession is to remain calm no matter how restless you are in your heart. Please Smile, America." I pulled myself together and smiled shyly at the camera again.In the last few photos taken, Maxson squeezed my hand tightly, and I responded with a firm squeeze.In that moment, I felt a real and deep connection between us. "Thank you. Next one, please," the photographer called. When Maxson and I stood up, he still didn't let go of my hand: "Please don't reveal any information, confidentiality is very important." "Of course, I understand." The sound of high heels on the marble getting closer reminds me that we are not alone, but I want to be here.He finally squeezed my hand again and let go.As I walked out, a few things were on my mind: Maxson had trusted me so much to let me know the secret; and, for a moment, I felt like it was just the two of us.Then I thought about the rebels, and also, kings are usually too quick to jump to conclusions, so something isn't quite right, but I can't tell anyone. "Janelle, honey." Maxson called to the next girl who walked up to him.I couldn't help laughing at how hard he tried to please.He kept his voice as low as possible, but I heard him say, "Before I forget, are you free this afternoon?" I felt a sinking in my heart, maybe the tension just now has not disappeared. "She must have done something very bad," Amy insisted. "That's not what she said." Chris retorted. Dusty took Chris's arm: "What did she say?" Janelle has been sent home. This elimination is too difficult for us to understand, because this is the first time that a single person has been sent away without breaking any rules.She must have done something wrong, so we all wonder what happened. Chris's room was just across from Janelle's. She had seen Janelle come back and was the last person she saw before she was sent away.Chris sighed. This was the third time she had repeated the story. "As you all know, she and Maxson went hunting," she said, waving her hands as if to sort things out.Janelle's date is known, and after filming wrapped yesterday, she told everyone who would listen. "That was her second date with Maxson, the only one who had a second date," Ballie said. "No, she's not." I muttered to myself, and several people turned to look at me when they heard my words.That's true, Janelle is the only person besides me who has dated Maxson twice.Of course, I didn't deliberately count in my head. Chris went on to say: "She was crying when she came back. I asked her what was wrong, and she said she was leaving, and Maxson let her go. She was so uncomfortable, so I hugged her and asked her What happened, but she said she couldn't tell me. I don't understand why, maybe we are not allowed to tell the reason for being eliminated." "That's not in the rules, is it?" Dusty asked. "No one mentioned this to me." Amy responded, and several others shook their heads in agreement. "And what did she say afterwards?" Celeste urged her. Chris sighed again: "She told me to speak carefully, then broke free from my arms, and slammed the door." We were all silent for a moment, both thinking. "She must have insulted him," Eleanor said. "Well, if that's the reason for her to leave, it's not fair. Didn't Maxson say that someone in this room scolded him when they first met him?" Celeste complained. Everyone looked around, trying to see who was that from each other's faces, probably thinking of kicking her away too.I gave Mary a nervous look, and she jumped up to speak. "Perhaps she said something about national affairs? Politics or something?" Ballie smacked his lips. "Come on, how boring is their date to talk about politics. Has anyone here talked to Maxson about anything about running a country?" No one answered. "Of course you don't have any," Ballie continued. "Maxson isn't looking for a partner, he's looking for a wife." "Don't you think you've underestimated him?" Chris objected. "Don't you think Maxson wants someone with ideas and insights?" Celeste raised her head and laughed: "Maxson can handle national affairs by himself, that's what he was educated to do. Moreover, there are different people to help him make decisions, so why does he want others to teach him how to do it? What to do? If I were you, I would learn to keep silent, at least until he married you." Vallei walked to Celeste's side: "He won't marry you." "Inevitable." Celeste said with a smile, "How could Maxson choose a third-level nerd when he could choose a second-level idiot?" "Hey!" Dusty yelled, "Maxson doesn't care about rank." "Of course he cares." Celeste answered her in a tone that seemed to be talking to a child, "Otherwise, why do you think all the ones below the fourth level have disappeared?" "Still," I said, holding up my hand. "If you all think you know what he's thinking, you're wrong." "Oh, that's the girl who doesn't know when to shut up," Celeste said with mock complacency. I clenched my fists, wondering whether it was worth it to hit her.This is her conspiracy, right?But before I could react, Sylvia opened the door and rushed in. "Here's the letter, ladies!" she yelled, and the tension in the room evaporated. We all looked at Sylvia for the letter she was holding.It has been two weeks since we came to the palace, and this is the first time we have received a letter from home, except for hearing news from home the day after we arrived. "Let me see." Sylvia flipped through the letter in her hand as she said, unaware of the atmosphere that was about to break out a few seconds ago, "Ms. Ding Ni?" She looked around for her with her eyes. Ding Ni raised her hand and walked forward. "Ms. Elizabeth? Ms. America?" I almost ran to snatch the letter from her, so eager to hear news from home.After I got the letter, I hid in a corner and read it. I don't consider myself lucky at all.Tomorrow night, we're all going to be grilled by Gavriel, and we have no idea what he's going to ask, and I think I'm going to make a fool of myself. kiss him?We've only just met, and Maxson has no reason to kiss me. So, the girls who got knocked out have been snatched up by rich guys.I really didn't expect that as a person who was eliminated by the future king, it would become a sought-after commodity.I walked along the wall, thinking about Xiaomei's words. I wonder what the hell happened, what happened to Janelle, and wonder if Maxson has a date tonight, I really want to meet him. My mind turned involuntarily, trying to find a way to talk to him, and at the same time, my eyes were fixed on the stationery in my hand. There was basically nothing written on the second page of Xiaomei's letter, so I tore off the blank space on this page.Other girls were still engrossed in books from home, and some were sharing new news with each other.After walking around the room, I stopped at the visitor's log in the women's space and picked up the pen on it. I quickly wrote on the torn paper: Your Highness: Anytime.pull the ears. I pretended to go to the bathroom, left the room, and looked around in the corridor, but there was no one there for a while.I just stood there and waited until a maid came with a tray of tea things. "Excuse me?" I called her softly, and the voice could be heard far away in this empty corridor. The girl curtseyed to me: "Hi, miss?" "Are you going to send what you have to the prince?" She smiled: "Yes, miss." "Then can I trouble you to give this to him for me?" I took out the folded note. "Of course, miss!" She actively took the note and left with a very excited mood.She will definitely open it after she leaves my sight, but I feel very relieved to write it so cryptically. The corridors here are fascinating, each one more ornate than my home.There was wallpaper, gilt mirrors, and many huge vases of beautiful flowers.The carpets were luxurious, the windows were polished, and the paintings on the walls were beautiful. I know the authors of several paintings, such as Van Gogh and Picasso, and others I don't know.There are also some architectural photos I have seen, one of which is the legendary White House. Compared with the photos and texts I saw in history books, this palace is not comparable to it in terms of size and luxury. I really hope It still exists, I can go and see. I went to the other end of the corridor and stood in front of a royal portrait.The work looks dated, in which Maxson was shorter than his mother, and now he is much taller than her. During my time at the palace, I only saw them together at dinner and on Ilya Capital Report live.Are they all private?Do they dislike so many strange girls in their home?Are they here purely because of blood and a sense of duty?I don't know what to think about this mysterious family. "America?" When I heard my name, I turned around immediately.Maxson was trotting down the corridor. I felt like I was meeting him for the first time. He wasn't wearing a suit jacket, the sleeves of his white shirt were rolled up on both sides, the blue tie around his neck was loose, and his hair, which was usually combed back, was a bit disheveled.It's a stark contrast to how he was in uniform yesterday, and now he looks a little boyish, more real. I froze there.Maxson ran up to me and grabbed my wrist. "Are you okay? What happened?" he pressed me. What's up? "Nothing, I'm fine." I replied.Maxson breathed a sigh of relief, I really didn't expect him to be so nervous. "Thank goodness! When I got your note, I thought you were sick or something happened at home." "Oh! Oh no. Maxson, I'm sorry, I know it's a stupid idea, but I don't know if you're coming to dinner, but I want to see you." "Well, for what?" He was still frowning at me, as if checking me for injuries. "I just want to see you." Maxson paused and looked me in the eye with an incredulous look. "You just want to see me?" He looked surprised and delighted. "You don't need to be so surprised, friends should get along with each other." My tone emphasized that this is a matter of course. "Ah, you're mad at me for not having time to see you all week, aren't you? I didn't mean to ignore our friendship, America." Now, he's back to prim Maxson. "No, I'm not angry, I'm just explaining. You look very busy, go back to work and see you when you have time." He still held my wrist. "Actually, if you don't mind, can I stay for a while? They have a budget meeting upstairs, and I really hate this kind of discussion." Without waiting for my answer, Maxson pulled me under a window in the hallway I couldn't help laughing when I sat down on the short sofa, "What's so funny?" "You," I said with a smile, "it's cute to see you so tired of work, what's wrong with these meetings?" "Oh, America!" He looked at me again. "They're always going in circles. Dad is great at reassuring the advisors, but it's so hard to steer the committee in a certain direction. Mom always asks Dad to give the education system More support. She thinks that the more educated people are, the less likely they are to become criminals. I agree with this, but my father disagrees. He opposes cutting some innocuous budgets to supplement education. This is simply It's so infuriating! Besides, I'm not really in charge, and my ideas are easily ignored." Maxson rested his elbows on his knees, then rested his chin on his hands, looking tired. Now, I can see a little bit of Maxson's world, but it's still hard to imagine.How could they not listen to the opinion of the future monarch? "I'm sorry. Look in a good direction, you will be more influential in the future." I patted him on the back, trying to encourage him. "I know, that's what I tell myself. But if they'd listen to me now, change could happen now. So frustrating!" he said, looking down at the carpet, and I couldn't quite hear it . "Well, don't be so discouraged, your mother is going in the right direction, but simply changing education will not bring about real change." Maxson raised his head: "What do you mean?" His voice was full of doubts.And understandably, it was something he had put a lot of effort into pushing that I easily overturned.I want to change the wording. Well, the 6th and 7th grade education system sucks compared to the advanced tutors you can afford at your level, I think it would be a great thing to provide them with better teachers .But what about the eighth level?Aren't they the main crime-prone population?They don't get any education.I think if they can feel that they have something, anything, that might encourage them to go the right way. "And..." I paused, wondering if what I was about to say would be too exciting for a boy who never opened his mouth when he was hungry, "Have you ever been hungry, Maxon? Not because you were unprepared." You can't go to eat, but you really have no food. If you really have no food, neither your parents nor your mother, and you know that other people's daily income is beyond your lifetime... What will you do? If your family depends on you, is there anything you can't do for the one you love?" He was silent for a while.Earlier, during that raid, we had talked about my handmaiden, and at that time we had admitted that there was a huge gap between us.Today the topic is even more divisive, and I can sense he wants to avoid it. "America, I don't know that some people live hard, but stealing..." "Close your eyes, Maxson." Although he frowned, he still obeyed my command.I didn't start until he closed his eyes and relaxed his expression. "Somewhere in this palace, there is a woman who will be your wife." I saw the corners of his mouth move, the beginning of a hopeful smile. "Maybe you don't know which face it is yet, but please think of all the girls in that room, the one who loves you the most, and your 'honey'." His hand was originally on the sofa, next to mine, but now, his fingers lightly passed over my hand.I flinched back embarrassedly. "I'm sorry," he murmured, looking up at me. "Close your eyes!" He giggled, then returned to seriousness. "This girl, imagine that she is very dependent on you, that she needs you to cherish her. Let her feel that the selection of Fei never happened at all, just like, even if you were pushed out of the door to look for her from door to door, you would still choose her in the end, She must be the one you're going to fall in love with no matter what." A smile appeared on his face, as if hopeful.However, the upturned corners of his mouth were quickly pulled down. "She needs your protection and care. If it really comes to the moment when she has nothing to eat, in the dark night, you can't fall asleep listening to her hungry stomach growl..." "Stop talking!" Maxson stood up abruptly.He walked to the other end of the corridor and stood there with his back to me. I suddenly felt embarrassed, not knowing that this incident would make him so uncomfortable. "I'm sorry." I said softly. He nodded, but continued to stare at the wall.After a while, he finally turned around and looked for my eyes, which were full of sadness and doubt. "Is that really the case?" he asked. "what?" "Does this... really happen out there? Do people really starve like that all the time?" "Maxon, I..." "Tell me the truth." His mouth was drawn into a straight line. "Yes, it happens a lot. I know that in many families, people often need to leave their share of food for the children or younger siblings. I know a little boy who was fined in the town square for stealing a little food. Whipped. Sometimes, when you're desperate, you do crazy things." "A boy? How old?" "Nine." My breath trembles as I think of the scars on Jamie's tiny back.Maxson rubbed his back like he was in pain too. "Did you"—he cleared his throat, "did you ever do that? Hungry?" I shrank my head, this subconscious action betrayed me.Ben didn't want to tell him that. "How serious is it?" "Maxson, this will only make it harder for you." "Perhaps." He nodded seriously, "but now I realize how little I know about my own country." I sigh. "Our family used to be very difficult. Many times, if we had to choose, we would rather spend our money on food than electricity. One Christmas was the worst, it was very cold, and we had to wear clothes inside the house. There are many layers of clothes, and you can see the white breath coming out of your mouth. And Xiaomei doesn't understand why we can't exchange gifts. Moreover, our family never has leftovers from meals, and there will always be people who want to eat more." Watching his face slowly turn pale, I suddenly realized that I didn't want to make him sad.I need to change the angle and say something positive. "The checks to my family over the past few weeks have been a big help. The family knows how to manage their money and I'm sure they've put money away for us to use for a long time. You've helped me a lot, Maxson." I smiled at him again, but his expression remained the same. "My God, you weren't kidding when you said you wanted to stay because of the food, were you?" he asked me, shaking his head. "Really, Maxson, we've been better lately, I..." But I couldn't finish what I wanted to say. Maxson came over and kissed my forehead. "See you at dinner." On the way out, he tightened his tie.