Maria's words left Clare taken aback, her thoughts muddled.

With wide eyes and disbelief painted across her face, Clare stammered,

"You dare imply I'm not fit for this! Do you even know I'm the crowned victor of the youth group in the national contest regarding the Ancient Zither? Who made you the judge of my prowess!"

Maria gave a slow, deliberate nod before swaying her head in disapproval.

With a smirk, Maria remarked, "It seems the standards of the competition have seen better days."