<Who are you guys? (1)>

The first test to select the heir for the position of Emperor.

In this test focused on harmony, three candidates form a team to complete their assigned mission.

In the next hour... Please select your teams and submit your list.

Nobody seemed to move despite the Chief of Staff no longer talking.

They were warily looking around or...

They are being choosy.

Cale smiled a bit while looking at the First Imperial Prince and the Second Imperial Princess.

It was unexpected.

The Second Imperial Princess, who had approached Mary during the opening celebration, did not contact Mary to work together.

Neither did the First Imperial Prince.

Cales group was disappointed that they could not be in the same team as the First Imperial Prince.

Human, thats disappointing! We could have learned about that confusing Dragon!

We could have learned about the first young lady of the Black Bloods as well.

I am curious about the First Imperial Prince's abilities, young master-nim.

Cale had asked Mary, who stated her curiosity about the First Imperial Prince's abilities.

Who do you want to work with?

For this test...

Mary, I want to do whatever you want.

Cale wanted to do things as Mary wanted as long as it was not something that would significantly destroy their goal.

Mary and Cale made eye contact.

Mary looked into those calm eyes and recalled their conversation from last night. Cale had asked her who she wanted to team with, and...

Is that okay, young master-nim?

Mary had asked if it was really okay to do as she wished.

Shouldnt we follow the will of our liege?

The moment Cale made a rare joke to jovially respond to her... Mary was able to smile along with Cale.

My will.

Mary thought about what she wanted.

She wanted to work together with other necromancers and compete with them.

That was her will but she had a desire that was more important than anything else.

...I saw it.

Mary had seen the burnt remains of the Duke's House of Orsena and the destroyed King's Palace. She had also seen the casualties and the uncomfortable citizens of the Roan Kingdom.

The Roan Kingdom was another hometown for her.

The Hunters. We need to learn about them, react, and fight them.

That was Marys top desire.

Of course, there was another desire that was almost at the same level as that one.

Help and protect my friends.

On, Hong, and Raon. Cale and the others... Mary wanted to help her friends.

The thing we need the most right now-

Mary recalled the information about the candidates Cale had explained.

What would you like to do, my liege?

Mary responded to Cale, who asked her as if he was a proper loyal subordinate.

Ive made up my mind.

Mary started to walk. She was the first candidate to move.

Many gazes seemed to find this to be unexpected.

People already knew about Marys background so they expected her to make her subordinate move since she was a royal.

Mary stopped walking.

- Human! Marys choice is interesting!

Raon's voice echoed in Cales mind and the person in front of Mary smirked.

Hooooo. Are you going to come under me?

Fourth Imperial Prince Noi.

He was the first team member Mary had chosen.

No.

Mary shook her head and answered with ease.

I am not under anybody.

What?

Fourth Imperial Prince Noi's eyebrow rose a bit and he showed his annoyance, but Marys eyes were calm as she looked at him.

You are not under anybody either.

Noi's eyes filled with an odd gaze after hearing what Mary had to say. Mary did not notice it as she continued to say what was on her mind.

You seem strong and wise. I want to work with you. What do you think?

Her mechanical voice made it sound even more trustworthy.