Alistair exited Harriet's room perplexed, not knowing why he is now experiencing a mate connection between them; he has never felt a mate connection between them before, although they have been married for two years. Alistair is unsure whether to trust the connection he is experiencing right now, whether it is fate or a mistake. But he opted not to think about it because they were dealing with another serious matter.
Their scouts have informed them that they have detected some vampire activity in the forest surrounding their kingdom. If the vampires have already approached their kingdom in this manner, it indicates that a witch has already abandoned everything she once stood for. Additionally, if the vampires now have their own witch, it indicates that their kingdom will be discovered sooner rather than later.
Right now, Alistair prays that the witch won't be a strong one because if she is, all the spells they have used to defend their kingdom would be broken, their tenuous peace will be shattered, and they will have to launch another full-scale conflict. Furthermore, if the vampires are already pursuing them in this manner, it indicates that they have moved past the loss they suffered two millennia ago.
In order to eliminate the vampires before they could learn anything about their nation, Alistair gathered six werewolves who had trained with him since they were young. The scout informed Alistair that there were just four vampires, so Alistair was confident they could handle them. Alister asked his beta, Arthur, who is also his best friend, if they were ready.
"Yes, Alpha, they are ready and waiting for you to lead them," Arthur responded to Alistair. Alistair nodded his head and quickly joined the other werewolves. Alistair had a flashback of what happened with Harriet before they left, and he quickly pushed it out of his mind, saying he'd find out what that link was about when he got back.
...... Harriet discovered what kinds of lessons were being discussed in the left hall. All of the noble wolves are required to attend this lecture. The former Harriet has always detested this aspect as well and has always viewed taking those classes as a kind of punishment. Since she wasn't a wolf, she has begged to be excluded from the training, but no one has ever paid attention.
Harriet recalls that the lessons at the hall use a holistic approach that combines both physical and mental growth. Physical training focuses on fighting methods such as striking mastery, defense, and movement. The noble wolves learn how to use their power, agility, and endurance, improving their ability to handle real-world combat situations or competitions.The mental portion entails teaching them about the history of werewolves, vampires, witches, and humans. They learn about each race's strengths and weaknesses.
Because she still failed the tests, this lesson further solidified the previous Harriet's status as a fool. At least she has a reason for failing the physical test—she can claim that werewolves are stronger than her—but she has no justification for failing the cerebral one. Additionally, since she is a regular person, another procedure was developed for her; thus, her explanation for failing the physical exam is not very credible.
Although she is unsure if she will pass the physical exams, the current Harriet believes she won't have any issues taking the mental exam. At least she will give it her all and avoid failing as horribly as the previous Harriet did. When Harriet arrived at the hall, she saw that she was already running late. Without disturbing their teacher, Miss Hilda, she hurried to her futon in silence. She discovered that the teacher was already going over the weaknesses of each race repeatedly and teaching them how to handle a conflict with one of them.
"Vampires," the instructor explained, "are extremely swift and strong, but they are vulnerable to sunlight and silver. Werewolves, on the other hand, have brute strength and increased senses, but they lose control at the full moon. Witches use tremendous magic, but it requires intense concentration and preparation. And, of course, there are humans—ordinary yet resourceful, much underestimated."
Then, to the shock of the class, Harriet held up her hand. People turned to face her as though a ghost had appeared among them. The instructor stopped and arched her brows in astonishment. "Yes...?" Harriet could see why the people in the hallway were taken aback because the previous Harriet had always seemed uninterested and was either sleeping or bored during her classes. Naturally, they would stare at her as if she were a ghost. "Why do supernatural races always underestimate humans?"
Despite her surprise, Lady Hilda responded, saying that the explanation is simple because humans are the weakest of all races, dying easily and not as strong as the others. Although Harriet has a different point of view, she did not express it; yet, Harriet understands that humans are not weak; they are tough, they know how to endure, and they know how to survive in harsh conditions.
She did not express her views because she was aware that humans are constantly underestimated by all other races, and one example is how humans seeking protection in this kingdom live vastly different lives than wolves. There was even a boundary between the two races. So this thought has been implanted in their minds, and her expressing her position will not alter their perspective. Harriet vowed to make it her life's purpose to ensure that humanity are never underestimated in this realm again.