Chapter103

After Elara finished speaking, before Egbert could respond, Kristof let out a chuckle and said, "Looks like I agreed too quickly just now. The terms Her Highness offered Egbert are so generous. If I had waited a bit longer before accepting, would Her Highness have promised me something just as good?"

Although Kristof said that, his tone was full of teasing. He was clearly joking and didn't mean it seriously.

Elara glanced back at him and shrugged. "If you need it, I can offer you the same," she said.

Kristof laughed and shook his head, then looked at Egbert. "Her Highness has already said this much. You should accept it soon. If she keeps making promises like this for your sake, I'll really get jealous."

Egbert looked at Elara. Somehow, the heavy iron chains on him had already been removed. His tall frame, nearly twice her height, slowly lowered as he knelt on one knee. His dark and defined features were lowered as he said,

"Half a year. I agree. Thank you for the favor, Your Highness."

After this trip to the dungeon, Elara had gained both a talented scholar and a skilled fighter. She felt quite pleased.

The remaining people in the dungeon were only those who hadn't truly committed crimes. It was time to release them all. Among them were a few useful officials and talents, and Elara asked Kristof to help select and bring them back.

Kristof indeed had great ability. After just a few words, he clearly explained Elara's identity, situation, and goals. He even managed to convince some of the officials who had already lost all hope. Once they heard of Elara's status and reputation, they were willing to follow her again. This trip to the dungeon was a complete success.

As Elara led the group out of the dungeon, the three examinations on the surface were already in full swing.

Each exam site was crowded with people, but thanks to the Wei guards, the examinees all stood in their proper places without pushing or chaos.

Perhaps after spending time around Elara recently, the refugees who came to take the exams had changed how they saw her. From afar, when they spotted her, their faces no longer showed fear. They even kneeled respectfully with a bit of devotion.

"Your Highness."

Elara raised a hand gently in the air and nodded. "Don't mind me. Continue with your tests and try your best to pass."

Maybe they didn't expect her to respond at all, let alone say something encouraging. Those kneeling looked up at her. Some smiled, while others blushed.

Although Kristof and the others had participated in the academic test, they hadn't seen the martial or craftsman exams, both created by Elara. Now, as they saw all three exams in action, Kristof didn't even bother to change out of his messy clothes. He eagerly ran around to look at everything.

Compared to Kristof's relaxed curiosity, Egbert had followed quietly behind Elara ever since he agreed to join her. Although he was also curious about the exams, he only took a few glances before looking away. It seemed he wouldn't move unless Elara gave an order.

Elara led them past the academic and craftsman tests, stopping in front of the martial exam.

Unlike the tense atmosphere of the first two, this area was surrounded by an excited crowd. Cheers and shouting could be heard constantly.

When Elara and the others arrived, the martial test was already in its later stages. On stage, a skinny young man was facing off against a burly man.

Just by size, the skinny youth was only half the size of the other. But when the drum signaled the start, his figure flickered. Before Elara could even see what happened, there was a loud thud and the burly man had already fallen. The young man had pinned him by the neck. The winner was clear.

Another wave of cheers erupted from the crowd.

"That's him…" Egbert, standing behind her, seemed to recognize the young man. He spoke softly.

Before Elara could ask who he was talking about, her guard Tres walked over and presented the current martial exam results.

"Your Highness, here are the results so far."

Elara took the record and easily spotted one name that had appeared from the start and hadn't been knocked off.

She looked again at the thin young man on stage. "His name is Hector?"

"Yes," Tres replied. Just then, Egbert suddenly knelt beside her and said,

"Your Highness, I request permission to fight Hector on stage."

Elara looked at Egbert kneeling before her. She wasn't surprised by his request but was curious. "Can you tell me your reason?"

Egbert lowered his head slightly. "If Your Highness is using this martial test to select future generals, then the person chosen must earn everyone's respect. I am lucky to have your favor, but if I have no results to show, the army might not accept me."

"Also, back when I was a rebel leader, I fought against Hector's forces a few times. We never settled who was stronger. I admire his skill. I want to see the result today."

So these two had already fought before, and neither had won?

Elara grew interested. "Alright, go. If he's equal to your level, I'd like to see for myself."

"Yes." Egbert didn't go on stage immediately. He kept his head down and said, "Hector has been on the stage for a while and must be tired. May I ask Your Highness to allow him a short rest before we fight?"

What a fair and respectful man. Elara nodded in approval and gave him a smile. "Of course."

The rest break didn't last long. When Hector heard that Egbert wanted to challenge him, he seemed eager.

The two clearly respected each other and had strong impressions of one another.

Elara found a spot with a good view and had Tres bring her a chair. Soon after sitting down, she saw Egbert and Hector step onto the stage one after the other.

Both men were well known by the gathered crowd. As soon as they appeared, someone recognized Egbert. The previously one-sided support for Hector quickly split, showing that the crowd saw both as equally strong.

Egbert and Hector didn't make the people wait long. After a few words, they each took their stance and began to fight.

The match was thrilling. It was more exciting than any fight Elara had seen in TV dramas from her past life, even with all their special effects.

Refugees slowly gathered, and some bold local citizens of Marigold City who couldn't resist the excitement also joined the crowd.

By the time it was nearly six in the afternoon, the results of all three exams were finally out.

Elara climbed the tallest building in the center of Marigold City, standing in front of a row of heads hanging behind her as she announced the list of those who passed the first civil exam in Marigold City.

First was the written exam. Three people received the highest grade, six were given the second grade, and twelve got the third grade.

A total of twenty people passed the exam, and among them, three still had slave seals marked on their necks.