[-IN THE ROYAL PARLIAMENT OF WEREWOLVES-]
Power struggle worsens between the other regions and the monarch of the Central Region is forced to heighten their security.
Werewolves argued about the growing threat of hunters and the instability with the other regions.
"We need a stronger line of defense around our borders! And train more warriors in case of any invasion attempt or attacks," one of the ministers suggested.
Many Alphas, members of the parliament agreed with the suggestion of the minister allied to Prince Kratos.
Only Alphas from selected and influential wolf packs can be a member of the parliament.
Since the faction of Queen Raenys dominate the parliament, they continued to insist on the issue of choosing the right heir from the candidates announced by their Alpha King.
"The issue on the heir to the throne must be cleared and decided on before we go to another agenda for us to tackle with," representative of Queen Raenys insisted.
Their Alpha King was not around to be involved in the argument and discussion in the hall of the royal parliament.
While Prince Kratos participated in the discussion as the Alpha of his own pack, Queen Raenys was waiting in her private chamber for any news about the parliament's decision.
Lorette entered the queen's private chamber.
"Your Majesty, the parliament has decided to prioritize the national security of our borders over choosing amongst the candidates for an official declaration of the heir to the throne," Lorette informed the queen of werewolves about the recent developments.
Their queen slammed the wine glass to the table, exhibiting her anger.
Prince Owen and Lorette became nervous at the display of displeasure and feared the worse. Because they knew how bad it may turn out once Queen Raenys gets upset.
"Kratos really proves to be a nuisance through and through!" Queen Raenys vented out her frustration.
She then looked at Prince Owen, her favorite son.
"What's the development on the task I have given you?" Queen Raenys asked Prince Owen.
"I have started my plans. Though, I must keep my distance so that Kratos would not be alarmed. He also employed some spies to watch my every move. So, I need someone to execute my plans while I remain around the royal palace. To keep him at bay as well," Prince Owen elaborated his plans.
This made Queen Raenys smirk in anticipation.
"Splendid! We cannot let that bastard have his way. Exploring his weaknesses is our only way to neutralize him," Queen Raenys' words to her son.
…
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[-IN THE HUNTERS ACADEMY-]
Finally, the first night of training for the newbies has arrived.
As Scarlett walked through the halls of the Hunters Academy, stares were focused on her.
Other trainees and hunters react to her presence as the only daughter of the Pride Family.
"Is that her? The newbie from the Pride Family?"
"She looks ordinary to me…"
"I heard she was ranked tenth (10th) in the selection process after the opening ceremony. Do you think she was given a handicap or special favor?"
Scarlett noticed the gossiping and the curious stares of those around her.
The reputation of the Pride Family around the Academy become known to Scarlett. Sir Dominguez explained to Scarlett on their way to the academy about the high reputation surrounding the Pride Family.
Even though it was not new to Scarlett, hearing it made things clearer for her.
Reading things beforehand and experiencing them, in reality, makes it totally different.
For the first time, she experienced special treatment around the academy due to her family background.
Staff members of the academy gave her better treatment compared to others who belonged to a normal family of hunters.
At the same time, Scarlett began to feel the pressure of the expectation from the instructors and veteran hunters.
'I must do good if all of them are expecting so much from me,' Scarlett thought to herself as she made her way to the training room.
Unexpectedly, someone from behind her took her attention.
"Missing the orientation doesn't give a good impression on you, Miss Pride!" Seth reiterated the delinquent actions of Scarlett.
She turned around to see Seth from Viscon Family.
"Seth was it?" Scarlett tried to recall the fifth ranking amongst newbies.
She warned him, "Just a little reminder for you and your cronies, mind your own business and we won't have any problem!"
The companions of Seth were in utter disbelief at how Scarlett was behaving around Seth. But the young man grinned hearing Scarlett's words.
"Can you believe her absurdity? The first night of training and she is already acting high and mighty?"
"She is ranked lower than you Seth. Will you just let her talk to you like that?"
Instead of getting angry and upset, it intrigued Seth further about Scarlett. Because in his entire life, no one has treated and challenged him the way Scarlett was doing.
"Let her be… she is entitled to say whatever she wants. After all, she belongs to the most respected and feared family of hunters. Would you want to harm or go against a member of Pride Family?" Seth pointed out to his escorts.
He added, "If you value your life or want to play it smart, we better get her favor instead…"
There was a hopeful and wishful look on Seth's eyes.
…
Meanwhile…
[-IN THE GREAT HALL OF THE HUNTERS COUNCIL-]
Higher Executives of the Hunters Association talks about the offer of Prince Kratos for cooperation towards peace.
"Can we really trust the monarch to cooperate with the Hunters Association? We hunt their kind and any supernatural beings that threaten the lives of humans," Elian implored the members of the council.
Richard Pride suddenly interjected the speech of Elian.
"What are you so afraid of, Elian? Didn't we push the vampires into extinction because of their bloodlust and the danger they brought to humankind?" Richard Pride reminded everyone about their own capabilities as hunters.
But Elian continued to oppose Richard Pride in his intention to work with the monarchs of werewolves.
"The werewolves are different from the vampires. Werewolves dominate and rule over the central region. How can we call ourselves an independent organization that is for humanity, if we will work along together with the same creatures that endanger those we protect?" Elian tried to convince the other members of the council.
Richard Pride chuckled hearing the concerns of Elian.
"No wonder you can never lead the entire Hunters Association if you think that small…" Richard Pride provoked Elian.
Causing tension within the great hall to rise.
They were mediated by other members to stop provoking each other.
He disclosed to everyone, "There is an invasion and attack headed towards the central region, we must work closely together with them. According to the intel I have gathered, the western and the northern region are preparing for a two-way invasion. And if this happens, other neighboring regions may also take their chance in expanding their territories."
It caused an uproar amongst the members of the council.
"We must work with the monarch for now, until we stabilize the threat from the west and north." Richard Pride's serious tone put everyone into serious contemplation.
…
<<<_TO BE CONTINUED_>>>
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