~Aurora~

　　[27th of February that year, two days before commencement of Trials of Heirs]

　　"Ha...ha...ha..." I heard panting from every wolf around me. All sixteen contestants in the special training regime arranged by Prince Emeric and commander in general, Charles Rogen has been successfully finished as of today! Cheerful smiles were on each and every one of our faces.

　　But in my ears, few words otherwise were falling which surprised me greatly.

　　"Yo, we were so wrong about that girl. I can't believe she's aced at each and every one of the tasks given by Commander Charles. It makes me want to go talk to her. Take some tips, maybe."

　　"Right, right! If she'd even give tips that way, I'd be very happy. But, I don't think she will. She's...petty about the things we've talked behind her back, right?"

　　At last, something that they say made my smile evaporate. Commander looked at me, noticing my smile fade.

　　"Hereby, I declare the ending of this regime. Although, none of you have met the requirements by yourselves. You lack teamwork needed for the upcoming trials. But since the trials are soon to come, there will be a special announcement regarding it soon. Be vigilant. Again, try your hardest no matter what is thrown at you."

　　"Yes, commander!" All of us yelled in a monotonous, yet loud voice. But deep down, we know the small smile of satisfaction that dances on Commander's lips was because of our performance. I don't want to hype myself up, thinking we all did a great job. Yet, at the same time, things are much easier out there and we truly gave our best in this regime.

　　As I was leaving the ground, I noticed a few wolves following me. All of them were men.

　　"Whoa!" Oh. I almost bumped into the only woman with me in the regime!

　　"Sorry...Clara?" I smiled innocently.

　　"Clara it is." I widened my eyes, surprised that I remember her name despite hearing it just once a week back from Commander's mouth. She was taller and much toned than me, and the tan gave her an implicit look which could make all the guys fall for her in an instant.

　　"Want to hang out with me at supper? I remember you going to the history section in the library frequently, I might have borrowed some of the books which are of your interest. We could read them together at supper, if you'd like." For a moment, she crushed her eyebrows together and stared at me. I was positive that she would reject my advances, but then...

　　"If you have 'The Secrets of Warfare from 1880's', you have my attention." The most subtle, flirtatious smirk was on her lips as I grew flustered. Is this the first time someone had agreed to hang out with me? And...is this the first time ever asked someone to hang out with me...?

　　I'm beginning to like this situation.

　　Out of the blue, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

　　"Actually, we are looking for that book as well. The other editions are not necessary for our trials, I've heard. Mind if we join tables with you two?" A fair, tall man with blond hair asked as I began smiling brighter. Behind him, two other friends smiled widely as I nodded my head vigorously.

　　"Sure!"

　　"Man...she's so cute up close." Oh, they've whispered it too loud. Seeing my reaction as I stared at the two behind the blond, I asked for their names immediately before it turned awkward!

　　"I am Johnathan, but please, call me Johnny and,"

　　"I am Pope Summer, you might've recognised from the Sunquest pack." I widened my eyes. Of course! They live up to their pack names! Whilst all werewolves are naturally inclined to darkness and negative thoughts, the Sunquest pack are quite the opposite! Cheerful and bubbly.

　　Pope is blond as well while Johnny is the only one with stark black hair. All three were towering over me, at around 6'2" maybe?

　　Waving at them, I turned back around to continue talking with Clara.

　　Soon, dinner time had arrived. I was preparing myself with a costume that shall look diligent and good. Some perfume wouldn't hurt a soul either, and so, I had it around my wrists and by the sides of my neck. Oh, it is such a good day today to socialize.

　　As I was walking down the hallway, someone's familiar scent lingered in the air. Curiosity got the best of me, I have to convey my gratitude to that person as well. Without his tips, I might have not gotten the desired result I wanted.

　　He was walking with a bunch of his subordinates. He took a calculated turn around the hallway with all people around him, two of them holding papers of statistics and everything. He noticed me, along with other contestants behind me. He halted in front of me...

　　"Can I talk to you in private, Prince Emeric?" He nodded his head curtly, and we walked to the gymnasium by ourselves. At this hour of celebration, no one was here.

　　"Your Highness, today was the end of our special training regime. I would like to thank you OK behalf of us all. It helped us plenty."

　　"It's my duty to introduce all of you to levels of difficulty. I've heard from people that you've borrowed all of the important books before they could even get their hands on it." He said with a straight face as I chuckled. As I did that, I caught the slight curve on his lips! One of the rarest smiles on earth belonged to him. And if I might say so myself, one of the sweetest smiles belonged to him as well!

　　"I promise to return them~" My hand was up for the promise, he smiled once again!

　　"All the best for the future, Aurora Fangborn. By the way, there is a little announcement for the day. Even if you have excelled in Commander Charles's training regime - which I'm proud of - there is another virtue that is taught by our Guard Captain Kingston Miller. You should learn from him, just ask what you wish." My eyes widened. How many high rank posts are distributed in their kingdom? I'm a little confused over their hierarchy, but,

　　"I owe my success to you, uh...yes. That's it. I shall head for the dinner hall now. Once again, thank you, your Highness."

　　I expressed my gratitude with a smile that I thought I lost for good.

　　Suddenly, the man leaned a little too close to my face with a sly smirk on his face. Oh my Goddess...my heart is drumming against my chest. I'm sure he could hear that as well. My arms are up against my chest in defense, just in case he leans too much into me. Or...

　　"The pleasure...is all mine, Cadet. Besides…there is a special announcement tomorrow." His words brought me out of my headspace as I curiously tilted my head,

　　"About what, your Highness…?"

　　"There will be a raise in your rewards. Be prepared, for I cannot reveal everything to you privately, right here." Tomorrow's announcement will be exciting, isn't it?