Death... and me

Chapter 4062: Questions and Answers

’Hey, now that I think about it, I’m actually not needed at all,’ Kentucky noticed.

Rean nodded. ’That’s true. Do you want to leave already?’

’You kidding?’ Kentucky shook his head. ’Now it became really interesting. They can only tell the truth, and it won’t be Zanbril who will make the decision. In fact, I’m wondering why he would choose something like that as his last test.’

Rean pondered a bit, an idea appearing in his mind. ’Actually... I don’t think that was his idea.’

’You mean?’ Kentucky looked at Rean.

’Think about it,’ Rean continued. ’Even if he is a heir far back on the ascension line, he is still a heir. His wife-to-be will have access to the core of the empire, won’t she? It is likely that the Imperial Family agreed with Zanbril’s crazy tests with the condition that the last test would be with the use of the Roan Formation.’

’Oh!’ Kentucky had to admit Rean’s words made sense. ’Considering how Zanbril is, I can see that happening. He had no choice in the matter. The final decision, after screening out the princesses, would still be made with the empire’s best interests in mind.’

Turns out Rean was right. Zanbril didn’t want it, so he made sure that the previous two tests would bring out the best possible candidates. In fact, he hasn’t told the princesses about one thing: The formation could actually deny all of them!

Kentucky had a doubt in mind, though. ’There is one thing I don’t understand. Why not simply use some Soul Binding Contracts that state you can’t lie? They definitely have those for experts at the level of these princesses. Was this Roan Formation necessary at all?’

Rean smiled. ’That is actually pretty simple. Considering the kind of powers involved in this thing, it is likely that many of them have ways of avoiding the effects of those contracts. Thus, this formation was created. You don’t really think that we are the only ones who are safe from Soul Bining Contracts, do you?’

’Oh!’ Kentucky had to agree. ’Yeah, you are most likely right.’

Back to the main event, Zanbril looked at the princesses, his expression serious. "Let’s start with the last one who hit me. Princess Krakha’eh, what are your intentions for taking part in this test to become my wife? Above all, what do you want from me?"

After the last test was over, one of the princesses with a Celestial as an advisor failed. In the end, only two of them made it to the final round. Krakha’eh was one of the two. The other three only had, at most, a Semi-Celestial. Of course, it mattered not anymore, as only the princesses can take part in this.

"I..." Krakha’eh was reluctant to speak. Would this formation really find out if she was lying? "I always wanted to join the-"

*bzzzzzz!*

*Arrrghhh!*

Suddenly, Krakha’eh put her hands on her head and kneeled in pain. The runes around her were shining as soul power seemed to enter the princess’s head forcefully.

Zanbril narrowed his eyes, waving his hand, which caused the formation to stop. It would still detect bad intentions and lies. He just chose to stop its punishment before any real last damage happened to Krakha’eh’s soul. "I hope this serves as a warning to the rest of you. If you try to lie or carry out bad intentions, the formation will not hold back. This time, I stopped it. Next time, I will let it run unimpeded."

Krakha’eh felt like her soul was splitting into two, as the pain was still there. However, it was only a temporary thing, and her soul would heal without problems. She slowly got up, doing her best to deal with the pain as it disappeared little by little. "I’m sorry, Prince Zanbril. I-I wasn’t being honest."

Zanbril didn’t mind and was quite happy someone served as an example so early. "No problem. Just make sure you don’t lie. I’ll make things easier for you and the other princesses. Regardless of what your true intentions are, I will ensure you are sent back home if the formation does not select you. However, you won’t be able to leave until you answer the questions."

Krakha’eh took a deep breath and nodded. "Answering the first question, I simply wanted to use the status as your wife to increase my own power, both in my home and here in the Zentian Empire. As for the second question, I actually hope I can control you in my own way."

Zanbril saw that the formation didn’t activate at all. "So that’s where your thoughts lie, uh? As promised, if the formation doesn’t select you, I’ll send you home without any repercussions. My words are the empire’s words."

Krakha’eh was taken aback. "Does that mean I still might get chosen?"

Zanbril shrugged. "I also can’t lie in this formation, so yes, you have. Well, the formation can’t be controlled, even by me. It will take the empire’s best interests into consideration. If it, for some reason, thinks you are the best choice, then sure. The fact that you intended to control me at least shows you had the courage to step up for your own good, instead of being a mere decoration by my side."

Zanbril turned to the next princess, Fruadixa. The questions were the same.

Her answer changed, though. She said she didn’t have an interest in her own home as long as she could be chosen to be his wife. Her status would be much higher, and above all, she would have a better chance of reaching the Celestial Realm one day. It was a very selfish, and yet, obvious reason. As for what she wanted to do with him, she said she also didn’t have any interest in Zanbril; that’s all.

The next princess, Policlea, wasn’t much different. The Zentian name carried that much power. The only point was that she still wished to use Zanbril to help her side of her family back in her home. She was a princess, so her side of the family was the dominant side, right? Well, she was actually the daughter of a concubine instead of the queen. Her side of the family was obviously the family related to her mother only.

Now, there were only three left.