The soldiers were momentarily dispatched to ensure full preparations before departing to their respective territories.
The tents were set up before twilight. Sloane easily spotted her tent. It was one of the largest tents second to the royal family's.
To the opposite of her was the Valentino Family's tent.
—"Lord Sebastian's knights are equally powerful as ours. The match will be tougher than I anticipated."
Sloane bit her lower lip. Her eyes suddenly fell on him.
He was very serious about work.
—"It looks like he's guiding the new soldiers. He never smiles at others. As expected from Atlanta's demon lord."
While she was immersed in her thoughts, she didn't realize that Sebastian was well aware of her presence.
Then before she could react, he was approaching her.
"Lady Sloane why stand there spacing out?"
—"Crap! I drew his attention without realizing it."
"N-no it's nothing." She stammered avoiding glances.
"Are you perhaps not feeling well again?"
He sounded worried.
—"I'm not well when I see your drastic personality change."
Sigh*
"I'm alright Lord Valentino."
"I see. Then I wish you luck with this exam."
Sloane nodded then headed towards her tent.
Sebastian saw her leaving. At the same time, the crowned prince also had eyes on her and her tent.
"Keep tags on her."
He ordered a man in a cloak.
"Yes, my Lord."
—"Sloane De Nirvana. Let's see how much of a brain can you use."
He grinned evilly.
————————
The soldiers of Nirvana house had their tents set up near the main family tent. This was one reason that their tents occupied most of the area on the hunting grounds.
There were eight groups in total. Four of them were the knights of the Valentino House.
This time the selection outcome was quite different. The knights to be of the kingdom from both great houses were randomly grouped.
It meant cooperation between the two houses. This idea was proposed by Sebastian to deepen the bond between the two warrior houses.
When Sloane entered the main tent. The soldiers were already listening to Sir Lucas's terms and conditions. The people from her group were also present.
Azriel sat on one side observing them. Yulia peeked from behind the curtains which connected the private tent with the main tents.
"Since both houses are cooperative with each other, I expect better results than last year."
After the confirmation of their groups, the knights were dismissed.
Sloane's group was the fifth group out of eight. The first, third, fifth, and seventh were under house Nirvana.
The rest were under Sebastian's control.
Sloane's team members remained in the tent.
They briefly introduced themselves.
A boy in late teens had messy black hair and average height stepped forward and introduced himself.
"I'm nine and that girl is my younger sister twelve. We both are archers."
The girl standing behind him bowed humbly.
She had the same wavy black hair tied in a high ponytail and had clear hazel eyes like her older brother.
—"This group is getting weirder."Jack thought.
"I'm Jack. And I specialize in swordsmanship like Lady Nirvana."
A man in his early twenties with dark brown hair and tanned skin introduced himself.
"It's a pleasure to meet the great Lady of a warrior household."
Sloane who stood near the table cross-armed nodded in response.
He was well built and fairly tall. He had slanted deep brown eyes.
"I'm Tristan, and I have been working as a mercenary before I joined the Knights Order. My specialty is a cavalryman. I can attack a target riding a horse."
The last two introduced themselves. They were assassins covered in black from head to toe. All that was visible were those murderous grey eyes.
-"They are from Valentino's knights if I recall."
Sloane then introduced herself although they knew about her. It was just to complete a formality.
"I'm Sloane De Nirvana from House Nirvana. It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance. Please take care of me."
"Likewise My Lady." They bowed humbly.