Chapter 6

After the several-hour-long examination and testing were over, the sky was enveloped in deep darkness. Pulling Lily, who was blinking sleepily, into the carriage of the earl's family, Noah instructed the driver to take her back to her parents.

"Is Cousin Noah still working?"

Lily, peeking out from the small window of the carriage, asked.

"Yes. I need to produce the results today and decide on the future plans."

"Got it. Don't overwork yourself."

Moved by Lily, who was exhausted from the unfamiliar examination, Noah smiled wryly. This cousin always put others before herself, no matter what.

"Lily, take a good rest today."

When the carriage turned the corner and was out of sight, Noah turned and headed back to the castle. Upon returning to the room where the examination had just taken place, he found Daniel, along with the Crown Prince Noah served—Arthur Alum—sitting relaxed in a chair.

"Your Highness is here as well?"

"My remaining work is just to hear the results of your cousin's examination."

Without taking his eyes off the documents in his hands, Arthur gave a curt reply. His beautiful golden hair fell gracefully, and the blue eyes visible through the gaps were narrowed. It seemed he was particularly concerned about the content of Lily's examination results, as he stared at the paper without moving after his response.

(It's rare for him to show interest in someone else's abilities.)

Arthur, with his beautiful appearance, renowned intellect, and overwhelming mastery of the four elements—fire, wind, water, and earth—was perfect in every way. However, he often showed little interest in the people around him.

The recent annulment of his engagement to the second princess of the Auror Empire was dismissed with a simple "I see." Some advised offering asylum or aid, but Arthur quickly signed the annulment papers, gathered troops at the eastern fortress, and strengthened the defenses.

—They wanted it that way. Our country also needs to prepare for danger. What more can be done?

As a ruler, it was a sound judgment. But Arthur was also a young man of seventeen. It would be natural for him to have concerns or conflicts about his long-term fiancée. In fact, it would be unnatural for him not to. His seemingly cold and detached attitude was admirable, but Noah began to feel dissatisfied.

—He could at least confide in me, his confidant, or vent his frustrations.

Noah worked hard every day to bridge the gap between himself and this solitary crown prince. As a result, while the distance had not changed, he had become better at reading Arthur's expressions and gestures.

(Somewhere deep down, I can tell His Highness is interested in Lily.)

The reason was unclear, but Noah was deeply moved by his own growth.

"Her abilities are impeccable, and her character seems calm and serious. Thank you for introducing such a good candidate, Noah."

Daniel, Arthur's uncle, who also had beautiful golden hair and blue eyes, but with a much more expressive face—always smiling, making it hard to see that his eyes weren't smiling—repeatedly examined the test results and made notes.

"Her practical skills are a bit lacking compared to other candidates, but her magical power is impressive. She has great potential. With proper training, she will improve significantly."

Although she had hoped not to be selected, it seemed she would become Daniel's assistant.

"Are both of her parents magic users?"

"No. Both of her parents are nobles, but neither has magical power."

"Interesting. It's a case of skipping a generation. In such cases, it's more common for the magic to not manifest. It's even more intriguing."

Daniel, clearly interested in Lily, bombarded Noah with questions. Despite knowing her, Noah had only met her a few times. When it came to detailed information, he was at a loss for words.

"I believe she suddenly gained the ability at the age of seven. I don't know more than that. Her parents will be staying for a few more days, so I'll ask them."

At that moment, the room's clock struck nine. It was officially overtime.

"Her parents will be staying in the capital for a few more days before heading to the eastern fortress. I'll leave now to confirm the details. Is it acceptable for her to be assigned as Daniel's assistant?"

"Noah, include this girl in the candidates for the Holy Maiden and have her assist my work as well."

Arthur, who had been reviewing the examination results, spoke without waiting for Daniel's response.

"Hey, Arthur. You already have two candidates for the Holy Maiden. Show some restraint."

"We need as many people as possible to address the issues in the capital. Please cooperate."

"Fine. When can she start? Tomorrow?"

Before Noah knew it, Lily had been added to the Holy Maiden candidates and was asked to start immediately. Confused, Noah tried to think of a way to refuse. At the very least, he needed a day to persuade and console Lily.

"Tomorrow, there will be a meeting with the Holy Maiden candidates and the allocation of tasks. We need her there."

With Arthur's support, Noah gave up and bowed to Lily until she nodded.

"Understood. I'll bring her tomorrow. However, her parents will be leaving the capital soon, so please allow her to take leave until they depart."

"Agreed. The right to spend time with family and see them off is given to everyone. Arthur, is that acceptable?"

"Yes, no problem."

For Lily, this was a problematic outcome, but the selection process was over.

When Noah returned to the earl's residence, Adam, Emma, and Lily greeted him. Lily had decided to stay overnight.

"Lily, you're still awake. Aren't you tired from the examination?"

"I'm fine! I slept for three hours after we got back. I'm full of energy!"

In the fortress, when emergencies arise, two or three shifts are often organized, with short breaks between them to continue providing aid. Lily, who had such experience, took a nap to prepare for Noah's return.

"So, how did the examination go? I didn't do well in the practical part, so I'm sure I wasn't selected!"

Handing her the notification of her selection, Lily visibly disappointed.

"Also, I'm sorry, but there's a meeting for the Holy Maiden candidates tomorrow, and I need you to come to the castle for a short time."

"What?!"

"Yes. I'm sorry. Just for a short time. Please, Lily."

Thinking Lily would be furious at losing family time, Noah apologized profusely. He had to get her to agree to go to the castle the next day.

"You liar, Cousin Noah!"

"I, I didn't lie. It's just that taking away the little time you have with your family is regrettable."

"No! You said the Holy Maiden was not related when we were in the carriage to the castle, but you just said Holy Maiden candidate!"

"Oh!"

He had been careless. Lily strongly disliked the topic of being a Holy Maiden candidate and potential Crown Princess.

"Lily, if it's a decision made at the castle, you have to follow it. Noah can't change it."

Adam stopped Lily, who was about to shout. She gritted her teeth and looked down, acknowledging the truth.

"I'm sorry, Lily. I'll do anything within my power to make it up to you."

"Really? Anything?"

"Um. I can't refuse the Holy Maiden candidate role, but I'll keep my promise to do anything you ask."

What would she demand? Noah felt a bit uneasy but was relieved to have fulfilled his immediate obligation.

The next day, Noah took Lily back to the castle. During the carriage ride, they didn't talk, but Lily seemed to be in a good mood as she looked out the window.

"Hey, Cousin Noah. I thought about your request from yesterday—"

Noah braced himself for Lily's request but was relieved by its content.

"Is that all? That's easy."

"Yay!"

Seeing her jump with joy, Noah couldn't help but smile. It seemed they could get along well, despite the ups and downs.