The Royal Court was filled with nobles and ministers.
Queen Gloriana sat upon the throne, while Aegis stood at the center of the hall, once again presented with a choice.
Before him stood a dozen young men and women clad in shining armor.
"Sage, they are our top-tier talents from the younger generation. Your journey will be long, so you should choose some of them to accompany you," one of the ministers said with a sly smile.
Among the group, most had sheltered appearances. They were too refined.
The young men were handsome, and the young women were exceptionally beautiful, each with graceful figures and polished manners.
Yet no matter how Aegis looked at them, he found no trace of true talent or the edge of real warriors.
He understood immediately.
These nobles were pushing their children forward, hoping to have them protected, or to form strong ties with the Sage.
But Aegis had no time to babysit silver spoons.
