~Author's POV~

　　The commander watched the lady who aced all of his harsh and relentless training rounds. He chuckled beneath his chest, hiding his amusement from the crowd.

　　"That is all for today. You are dismissed." He spoke in a loud voice and an even louder set of sighs were released in the air. The commander shook his head. If this was the dynamic with which they all are training, it'll take them forever to ever be able to participate in the Trial of the Heirs. Which is at an alarmingly close date of just two weeks.

　　I set up one more goal in my mind. I instigated myself whilst letting everyone who passed by my stare at me, wondering if I was a bloody zombie. Tongue out, palpitating like no other and legs dragging me beyond exhausted body back to my pleasant and peaceful room.

　　'You can do this, Aurora. After all, you've done all those exercises and proved people wrong. Don't lose your dignity and reputation you've built with your determination.' The angel on my shoulder spoke. Then, I heard the devil from the other shoulder dismiss the angel almost too quickly!

　　'That's just a bunch of fifteen. All these people around you right now, do you see the way they are staring at you!?'

　　'Oh lord, please shut up. All I want right now is to have a nice warm bath and sleep my life away until dinner.'

　　Although I also had plans to skip dinner tonight and sleep like a boar until morning.

　　Few more steps...

　　Poor me…I turned into a laughingstock yet again when I held my hand out predestined to her path: the door handle which led me into my humble room.

　　"Oh my goodness, look at her. Who else could look so funny and embarrassing than her?"

　　"I know right! Haha!"

　　I deliberately ignored their mockery.

　　Three more steps, and I heaved such a heavy sigh that every other contestant around me and palace workers chuckled under their breaths. As a response, I purposefully slammed the door shut upon entering inside.

　　...But…I forgot to lock the door.

　　One by one, each of my soiled, sweat soaked garments came off my sore body. I carelessly threw them onto the bed, not minding how one corner of the bed would start stinking after awhile because of the clothes.

　　I waited for the water to heat up as I sat on the single chair, I couldn't wait to feel the warm water flush away all the exhaustion from my body and replenish me with positivity. Warm showers are often associated with happiness, I strongly believed in that.

　　Groaning, waiting for five minutes, I walked into the bathroom and began cleaning myself. I had a considerably good hygiene as well. I couldn't compromise on that, my previous lifestyle had urged me to maintain a good skin routine.

　　"Ugh," I muttered under my breath, feeling the pesky towel cling stubbornly to the bar handle. I definitely didn't want to rip my favorite towel in a fit of annoyance. With another towel twisted up in my hair, I caught my reflection in the misty mirror, securing the fabric firmly at the nape of my neck.

　　I couldn't help but smile at my own reflection. My body was changing, curves becoming more pronounced. Where I once appeared delicate and traditionally feminine, I could now see the emerging definition that added a new, toned aspect to my femininity. It was captivating to witness the transformation.

　　Humming to myself, I stepped out of the warm embrace of the shower, the towel wrapped around me with a carelessness that bordered on risky.

　　As I swung the door open, the steam seemed to dance out ahead of me, my gaze falling upon my bed.

　　...And then I screamed.

　　"AH! P-PRINCE EMERIC!!"

　　Why was he here, now, of all times? "W-What brings you h-here—shit." I mentally cursed, not at all prepared to face him in such a bare state!

　　I was about to retreat to the sanctuary of the bathroom—despite it being devoid of clothing, it would at least offer a temporary refuge—when he called out my name.

　　His voice was so resonant it seemed to echo from the depths of the ocean itself. Swallowing hard, I turned to see him rising to his feet.

　　"We need to talk."