Sharon was extremely confident in her speech. The theme for this speech contest, finalized only the day before, centered around arts, allowing for free expression. The winning criteria, based on content and delivery, would be determined by audience votes. Patrick held thirty tickets.
Sharon, having written and polished her arts-themed speech long ago—a speech that had even won a minor award—believed her preparation would surpass Yvette's. For half an hour, she spoke eloquently, basking in the awe of her classmates and the approval of their professors. She felt certain of victory.
During her speech, Sharon glanced at Yvette, still leaning against the stage, seemingly asleep. This further fueled Sharon's disdain. Once Sharon finished, the auditorium erupted in enthusiastic applause.
“Sharon is a top student in the Frixyia department! Though arrogant, her skills are impressive,” one student remarked. Another added, “Her Frixyia is fantastic! Did you see the professors applauding?” A third chimed in, “Oh no, what will Yvette do? I heard she’s been cramming. I hope she doesn’t lose embarrassingly.”
After her speech, Sharon dismissively huffed past Yvette, embracing Winona. The two whispered conspiratorially. Victor watched Winona with adoration.
“Next, Yvette from the Physics Department,” the host announced. Applause and jeers filled the auditorium. Sharon and Winona exchanged smug glances.
Yvette walked leisurely to the stage, her eyes scanning the audience—Bonnie wringing her hands, Tobias looking worried, John holding a banner, and Jeremiah in the last row. Patrick noted she carried no notes. “Ms. Zeller, where’s your speech? Even from the countryside, you should know a speech is crucial,” he asked.
With defiance and nonchalance, Yvette replied, “I don’t need one.” Patrick smirked. “Oh, well, let’s begin.”
Nearby, Tobias, realizing Patrick was targeting Yvette, worried that their three days of cramming hadn’t been enough. The moment Yvette began, silence fell. Students and faculty were stunned by her fluent Frixyia. Winona and Victor were taken aback; Sharon looked up in disbelief. Even Patrick was speechless. Tobias and Bonnie, however, were surprised and happy.
Yvette radiated brilliance. Sharon realized Yvette's pronunciation surpassed even her professor's—impossible to master in three days. Yvette had been fluent all along. Sharon felt tricked; Yvette had been confident, not considering Sharon a threat.
Defeated, Sharon bowed her head. Yvette’s effortless fluency exposed Sharon’s stutters. Tobias, though not fluent in Frixyia, found Yvette captivating. Emily, after hearing Tobias's inquiry, stated, “Mr. Sunderland, your student is exceptional. Her skills suggest at least ten years of dedication. She could win provincial awards!”
Astonished, Tobias felt he’d found a treasure, puzzled by her choice of physics as a major. He later learned Yvette considered her Frixyia merely average. Winona, meanwhile, couldn't comprehend the country girl's fluency, a wave of fear washing over her as she realized Yvette’s true talent.
“Winona, Yvette really speaks Frixyia! She’s amazing!” someone exclaimed. Winona stiffly nodded. Sharon resented Winona for not revealing this earlier.
Victor, snapping back to reality, asked Winona about Yvette's Frixyia, causing Winona distress. He softened, admitting, “I was just asking. Whether she speaks Frixyia or not doesn't change anything, Winona; I want to marry you.” Sharon's expression shifted, then returned to normal.
“Jeremiah, am I dreaming? Yvette's Frixyia is better than yours!” Andrew exclaimed. Jeremiah agreed. Andrew wondered if rural education now included Frixyia.
Unlike Sharon, Yvette's speech lasted only ten minutes. Students translated for those unfamiliar with Frixyia. Her insights into art were astonishing, leading to questions about her understanding of art. The evidence, however, proved her profound insight.
Once Yvette stepped down, applause erupted, lasting five minutes. Patrick stood up.