"I already have an idea of how I want you all to bond with one another, if you guys are willing to hear me out."

As if approving his request, a small silence followed his statement.

"Okay, so I was thinking I could assign some small groups of people comprised of each clan. You guys will be helping the kingdom out in some way!"

Gabriel finally spoke up.

"Hold on a minute. You want us to get with some people in the Rose Clan to do chores around the kingdom?"

"Well, yes. However, there’s a good reason for this!"

Most of the Katra Clan started pouting and let out some grunts in protest.

"We’re already busy enough. Count me out!"

"Me too! That sounds boring!"

Zoey was the only one who seemed to defend him.

"Maybe we should hear him out guys. Think about it: the more we get the public to like us, the more free items we can take from them!"

To this objection, almost everyone was immediately back on board.

"I never thought of that!"

"Prince Jacob is a genius!"

Jacob raised his hand.

"That’s not why I’m doing this! It’s just to help strengthen the bonds between your fellow nobles and the civilians."

"Bonds that we can use to get free things!"

"Yah! I love this plan! When can we start?"

Jacob slapped himself in the forehead.

"I had Maria send me a list of names of each of the Rose Clan members. I will be assigning you in groups of four. Two of you guys, two of the others."

Zoey raised her hand, clearly wanting to get a word out.

"Yes, Zoey?"

"Can you put me in a group with Serena? She’s like my best friend!"

"I’m sorry, but I’ll be assigning these at random. Serena won’t be the only person you may be fighting alongside."

Zoey frowned but understood enough to not object.

"Anyway, we are going to start later today after the Rose Clan is done in the fields. Any more objections before I continue?"

Steel raised his hand.

"Yes, Steel?"

"Can I cut people?"

Jacob looked at him creeped out.

"Uh... no cutting people allowed."

He raised his hand again.

"Yes?"

"When can I start cutting people?"

"You don’t cut people! Just be normal!"

He raised his hand once more. Jacob was ready for a response.

"No... cutting people is not normal."

Steel slowly put his hand down.

"Okay, I’m going to start assigning you now. Zoey and Harold, you will be together with Caleb and Abby."

Zoey started to smile.

"Abby sounds nice! I can’t wait to meet her!"

Meanwhile, Harold looked like he had been told the worst news of his life. He finally spoke up to speak with Jacob.

"You mean... I won’t be with Slade?"

"Yes, Slade will be with some other group."

Harold seemed thoroughly depressed hearing this and slouched his head. Jacob simply ignored him and continued.

"Next up, we have Steel and Bo. You guys will be with Jack and Lucy."

Steel raised his hand again. Jacob started getting annoyed.

"Is this a question about cutting?"

"No."

"Go ahead."

"Can I chop them just a little?"

"No cutting, no chopping, just don’t hurt each other for crying out loud!"

Jacob heard a voice from the end of the table.

"Pardon me, but do I have to deactivate my power when I’m with them?"

Jacob assumed it was Bo since he didn’t see anyone else’s lips moving.

"Yes, it is only fair to them."

"Aw man."

Jacob’s eye started to twitch.

’Maybe this wasn’t a good idea after all.’

"Next we have Gabriel and Mrs. Katra. You guys will be paired with Peter and Cane."

Gabriel started jumping up and down in his seat.

"I get to be right next to the lady of the house! I mean, I’m not surprised. It’s only expected because I’m just so very-"

Jacob ignored him and continued.

"Next we have Slade and Mr. Katra. You will be with Maria and Emma. After them, we have Maddy and Lee paired with Lidia and Bart. I will be joining this group to make an odd number of five since I would be left out otherwise."

Maddy’s entire face started sweating while Sydney started nudging her with an elbow. She whispered in her ear so Jacob couldn’t hear.

"Now’s your chance if you wanted to take it."

Maddy simply stood still like a statue, refusing to meet anyone’s gaze.

"The final group will be Sydney and Bryce paired with William and Serena."

Maddy started nudging Syndey back, raising her eyebrows.

"Hear that, Sydney? William’s going to be in your group!"

Sydney grabbed Maddy’s face and shoved her out of her chair.

"I believe I’ve covered everyone. I’ll get these groups sent to Maria so we can get something started today! Does anyone have any last-minute questions?"

Zoey raised her hand excitedly.

"Yes?"

"Can we have special team names?!"

Everyone around her started murmuring at the implication. They all loved the idea of having names for their groups, possibly so they could see who had a cooler sounding name.

"Names? I don’t see why not. That may even help you all connect better by sharing a group name."

"Awesome! I think our team’s name will be Fire Death Bringers!"

Harold seemed absolutely disgusted by this notion.

"How about you talk with the other members of your team before coming to a decision?"

"I’ll make them like the name!"

"Please don’t make people do anything."

"Haha! I’ll call our team Gabriel and His Wonderful Servants! I love it already!"

"I think whatever name Jacob will come up with for us will be perfect for all of us."

"Our team will be named the Charming Goddess Blondes."

Bryce interjected.

"Uh, Syndey? I’m bald..."

"Your names all sound weak and childish! Ours will be Death God Team That Kills Everyone with Gravity. Much more mature and darker."

"Can I cut people?"

Chaos started erupting around the table with people yelling over each other. Jacob’s head felt like it was going to explode.

"I think I’m going to leave now. I’ll send a servant to get you guys when we’re ready."