Chapter 12: The Arrival of Sir Aldrich
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
I found a soft patch of grass not far from where my parents were seated and laid down to relax. Around me, people were engaged in cheerful conversations. Some of my peers were laughing at silly jokes, creating an atmosphere of carefree joy. To anyone observing, it was an ordinary scene, yet I found myself overwhelmed with emotion.
I felt on the verge of tears–not from sadness, but from a deep sense of relief. For the first time in what felt like forever, I wasn’t consumed by inner turmoil. The heavy burden I’d been carrying seemed to lighten. I didn’t feel like I was dragging anyone down anymore. Lying there in the fresh air, within sight of the palace, I allowed myself to enjoy the moment.
Still, my thoughts strayed to my parents and Rhode. I wondered if they would be sad if they knew I’d considered disappearing without a trace. My impulsiveness often got the better of me, but I regretted not leaving a note or some kind of reassurance.
“I want to complete my training and return to them with a new mindset,” I thought, closing my eyes for a moment. “I want to face everyone in the pack again, including Benard, with renewed strength.”
His rejection had stung, but my time away had given me clarity. It wasn’t his rejection alone that had pushed me over the edge–it was his taunting words, which had shaken my fragile confidence and driven me to act impulsively. That impulsiveness had caused pain for
everyone.
This time, things would be different. I was determined to become stronger–physically, mentally, and emotionally. I would return as someone no one could dismiss or look down. upon. I imagined confronting Benard when I was a hundred times stronger than him. How would he react then? Would he dare to judge my worth based on my origins?
During my time among
the pack, I had learned an important truth: all beings are equal. Anyone who intentionally harmed another would face consequences, regardless of their background. That realization fueled my resolve to grow beyond my past self.
I glanced toward the bench where my parents were seated. They were still lost in their world, whispering sweet nothings to each other. Their shameless affection made me smile. Perhaps. this was what the adult world looked like–where romance thrived even in the most
unexpected moments.
Just then, a figure appeared in my line of sight. He moved with a grace that was impossible to ignore. His physique was striking, each muscle seemingly sculpted to perfection. His silver- gray eyes sparkled in the sunlight, matching the sheen of his hair. There was something almost otherworldly about him.
To my surprise, he walked straight toward me. I sat up instinctively, feeling a mixture of
- Chapter 12: The Arrival of Sir Aldrich
curiosity and unease.
“Beautiful lady,” he said, his voice smooth and confident, “would you do me the honor of going on a date with me?”
2/1
I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. His boldness was unexpected, and his approach struck me as both charming and absurd. Who asked someone out so directly, especially without introduction?
any
“You have an interesting sense of humor, sir,” I replied, covering my mouth to hide my
amusement.
His smile deepened, and there was a mischievous glint in his eyes. He reached behind him and produced a single bright red rose, as if performing a magic trick. It was such a clichéd gesture that it made the whole situation even funnier.
“If y
you want to impress someone,” I said, accepting the flower, “one rose won’t be enough.”
He chuckled, a mysterious expression crossing his face. “Ah, but surprises are best revealed little by little, don’t you think?”
There was something in his tone that caught me off guard. He wasn’t just some rash playboy. Beneath his playful exterior, there was an air of mystery I couldn’t quite place.
“Who are you?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
He didn’t answer right away, but his smile didn’t falter. Before he could reply, my parents approached us. Their demeanor had shifted entirely. Gone were the playful smiles and relaxed body language. They now exuded an aura of authority and formality.
“Welcome, Sir Aldrich,” my father said, extending a hand. His face was serious, his tone measured.
So, this was no ordinary stranger. Sir Aldrich. The name
Commanded respect, but I
couldn’t reconcile the playful man I’d just spoken to with the dignified figure my parents now addressed.
“Thank you for your invitation,” Sir Aldrich replied, bowing slightly. His earlier lightheartedness was gone, replaced by a demeanor that matched my parents‘ seriousness.
My mother introduced me, using my public name as agreed. “This is Lady Thelma.”
To keep my identity hidden for now was a precautionary measure we had all agreed upon. Until I was strong enough to protect myself, it was safer this way.
Sír Aldrich turned to me, bowing elegantly. His transformation from a cheeky flirt to a composed gentleman was almost comical.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Thelma,” he said.
My
father addressed me next, his tone sterner than usual. “Lady Thelma, Sir Aldrich is one of
Chopper 12 The Arval of Se Altrich
the most talented generals I’ve had the privilege of working with.”
I blinked
in surprise. A general? The realization sent a jolt through me.
“In the coming weeks,” my father continued, “he will be responsible for your training and evaluation. You’ll learn from him not only the physical skills you need but also the kind of knowledge that no book can teach.”
I studied Sir Aldrich, who now stood calmly beside my parents. The confidence and authority. it also. he exuded made it clear he was no ordinary instructor. While his identity intrigued me, made me uneasy.
Would I be able to keep up with him? Would I meet his expectations?
As much as I worried about the challenges ahead, I knew one thing for certain: this was an opportunity I couldn’t afford to waste. If I wanted to become stronger, Sir Aldrich might just be the teacher I needed.
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