Inside the office where everyone had gathered.

Ed began to open up about his intentions for the first time.

“The reason I’m participating in the Buma Selection Tournament is… because of the succession battle.”

Prodia was slightly surprised by the unexpected reason.

“Weren’t you the only heir to the Frihi territory? I heard the territory lord has no children.”

At this, Ed’s clasped hands tightened.

“Up until now, that’s what was known. However, someone claiming to be the lord’s biological child appeared recently.”

Excluding Ed, who was adopted at a young age, Lord Frihi had no family.

He had lived a lifelong bachelor because he was an extreme workaholic.

Then one day, a man who was a spitting image of Lord Frihi appeared.

He was the son of a barmaid with whom the lord had dealings two decades ago while conducting foreign trade.

Considering the timing and the young man’s age, it was highly likely that he was truly the lord’s biological son.

“Is there a chance he’s lying?”

Ed shook his head at Prodia.

“I thought of that too, but he bears a striking resemblance to the lord.”

Green hair and brown eyes. Such looks were not common in the empire.

That’s why even among those who supported Ed, there was significant attrition.

“I had assumed that my position would be usurped. However, the lord didn’t do that. Instead, he commanded us to compete.”

“In the Buma Selection Tournament.”

“Exactly. The one who climbs to a higher rank in the tournament will be granted the succession.”

Various abilities are evaluated in the Buma Selection Tournament.

It was an opportunity to compare which of the two had better qualifications.

Even if they faced events unfavorable to them, they could use their intelligence and connections to prepare in advance.

Lord Frihi wanted to see all of this in his sons.

Prodia clicked her tongue.

‘So he wants to evaluate based on ability alone, no matter if it’s his child or not. What a ruthless man.’

Anyway, Prodia finally understood why Ed had to participate in the Buma Selection Tournament.

As he had said.

Ed had no interest in the Buma position or the winning prize.

All he wanted was the Frihi territory.

However, he had to hold out until his competitor was eliminated in the tournament.

In other words, Ed and Ertis could become valuable allies for each other.

Ertis had also concluded his calculations on this.

‘Hmm… I don’t really have to compete with this guy for the win.’

Just then, Ed looked at Ertis.

“You discovered all the magical tools I’d planted. Your skills are indeed impressive.”

“So you were testing me.”

“Of course. It’s a matter of selecting a companion to stake my life on. But don’t worry, there won’t be such a need going forward.”

The look in his eyes visible over his glasses was now different, more serious.

“I, Ed Frihi, will definitely make sure you win the tournament, on the condition that you also help me.”

“Wouldn’t it be better for me to keep your competitor alive for a longer time? To keep getting your help?”

Caught off guard by the pinpoint question, Ed was flustered.

‘I was planning to use him, but he’s too perceptive for that.’

He was at risk of dying while trying to exploit Ertis.

“Fine, let’s do this. If I can defeat that guy, even after I withdraw, I’ll help you win. In exchange, you’ll have to knock him out as soon as you face him. Deal?”

“Deal.”

Then, from the side, Luca joined in.

“I’m part of this alliance too, right?”

“Of course. The longer you both survive in the tournament, the better my own chances of survival.”

The three men had finally become a true team.

Soon, both Luca and Ertis began to open up about their respective situations.

Ed showed particular interest in Ertis’s story.

“Hmm… So you’re looking for your parents.”
Upon realizing it, Ed was the empire’s top informant, wasn’t he?

Irtis leaned toward him.

“Know anything about the couple who abandoned a child in front of the tower?”

“I was just trying to remember, actually…”

Ed gave a sly smile.

“If I find your parents right now, you’ll withdraw from the battle, won’t you? That would be a loss for me.”

“You little…!”

“Calm down, it’s a joke. I really don’t know anything about your parents.”

“Really?”

“Do you think I haven’t investigated the Archmage of the tower all this time?”

Ed was correct.

Irtis clenched his fist tightly.

How much did they despise raising me to leave me, avoiding everyone’s gaze?

‘Probably because I was a child with magical power.’

Children with magical power are usually treated like monsters.

That’s why they’d abandon me in front of the tower.

Thinking so, Irtis became somewhat gloomy.

Prodia Duser Yeongae, who had been watching him, also became equally serious.

‘Hmm… if I plan to take revenge on my parents, it’s a bit difficult.’

At that moment, their eyes met.

Without saying anything, Prodia knew what he wanted.

So she immediately sent telepathy to Irtis.

Irtis gave a look as if to say, ‘How did you know?’