Chapter 436 - Old Times' Sake

The next day, Adeline and Theodore were both getting ready to head towards the training camp that Theodore had set up in the army base. The base that they were going to was close to the Palace.

After returning to their room yesterday, Adeline and Theodore got busy with cuddling and kissing. And Adeline had yet to catch up on the things that she had missed in the past two days.

"Theo, you said that the wolves had joined the training, right? How is the response from the soldiers?" Adeline asked while Theodore was helping her wear the battle armor.

"They were a little skeptical to accept that their Prince was a werewolf. And even after seeing him in the wolf form, they were not quite convinced that the wolves would be of much help against the vampires. But their opinion changed by the end of the first day's training when they saw the strength and agility of the puppies."

Adeline was happy to hear that. "So now the two species have blended well together?"

"Yes, the soldiers are now hopeful. They are training hard." Theodore finished tightening the buckles on Adeline's armor.

And he continued speaking while making sure that Adeline was fully geared up. "And all of them are eager to get their chance to go against the werewolves. But I doubt that they can even take a single blow from the puppies, especially from Nigel."

"Hmm…" Adeline grabbed her normal sword and then said, "Okay, let's head there then."

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Adeline and Theodore walked around the camp where Adeline could see that the soldiers were divided into platoons consisting of 50 soldiers each. And the lieutenants were warming up their troops.

Theodore was briefing the routine to Adeline that he and the Generals had planned for the training. "So, for an hour, the lieutenants make their soldiers go through basic warm-up exercises. After that, each platoon will fight against another platoon like a mock battle."

"Side-by-side, the archers will train to use the crossbow that Raphael had ordered from the artisan he knew. And then–"

Adeline raised her brows and asked, "The crossbows are already delivered?"

Theodore nodded his head slightly. "For now, we only have 100 pieces. So the archers are taking turns to practice. The remaining pieces will be delivered soon."

Adeline's eyes were beaming to know that everyone was very serious, and she was glad to know that the training was going on smoothly.

Theodore again continued to brief her as they approached the raised platform from where they could have a much clearer view of the large base. "After the mock battle session, they will be allowed to rest or get healed if they were hurt. Then…"

Theodore glanced at a white tent that was at their far-right and informed, "Oh, I forgot to tell you, the Mystic Coven will be the guests of the Palace from now on."

Adeline raised her brows and followed Theodore's gaze to see a tent that was very different from the rest. "They are here as well?"

Theodore gave a nod. "I asked them to actively be present in the training arena so that the soldiers can be immediately healed. I don't want the wolves to go crazy if some soldiers get injured and they were to smell human blood."

"Furthermore, the witches would also be able to control the wolves if such accidents were to happen with the humans." Theodore was now glancing back at Adeline and he asked, "I hope that you are okay with it. I took the liberty to take decisions on your behalf."

Adeline gave a reassuring smile to Theodore. "Yes, of course, I am okay with it. It was very thoughtful of you to invite them here."

Adeline slightly tilted her head while looking at the man who had led the armies of demons, and she said, "Thank you for sharing my burden. And thank you for sharing your own experience to help us out."

Theodore lightly pinched Adeline's cheeks and shook his head. "You have to stop saying 'thank you' every time I do something for us. I am already your husband. It is my duty to help my wife."

And he instantly continued, "And after the mock battle amongst themselves, I put them through a battle simulation where they will have to get used to the speed of vampires. I'm not as good as Azriel with illusions but I'd say I am pretty decent."

Adeline was looking at Theodore with appreciative eyes. She was even doing a little clap subconsciously when she said, "Wow! They will be fighting illusions of vampires? I would also love to take part in that simulation."

"Of course." Theodore gave a sweet smile to Adeline.

They heard someone clearing their throat. Adeline turned around to see General Osmond standing behind her. "General!" Adeline gave a wide smile to him and gave a gentle nod.

Osmond gave a gentle bow to Adeline and asked, "I heard that you were not feeling well. Have you recovered now?"

Adeline happily nodded her head and said, "Yes. I have recovered fully."

Osmond wanted to chat with his dearest student for a bit but duty came first. He took a deep breath in and informed the Prince and the Princess, "It's time for the mock battle. I will announce them to begin."

Adeline gave him the permitting nod and the General faced the crowd and shouted at the top of his lungs, "The Princess is here to see all of your performance. Make sure to give your best. Begin!"

The moment Osmond gave the order, all the platoons charged at their opponents.

The training ground was filled with the loud roars and battle cries of thousands of soldiers. The sound of metals clanking and soldiers running made Adeline get an immediate adrenaline rush.

Adeline watched the battle with great enthusiasm and for a moment, she also felt like running down to the battle ground and joining the battle.

And as if someone heard her wish, Nigel, Rhea, and Fenris arrived.

"Hello, sister!" Nigel gave a challenging smile to Adeline and asked, "I heard that someone was now a changeling. Want to test your power against me? For old times' sake?"

Nigel didn't need to ask twice. Adeline gestured everyone to clear the area for the two of them and drew her sword, "For old times' sake."

General Osmond threw his sword to Nigel and he sat beside Theodore to watch the two of his former students duel. "Oh, how I miss the old times."

Nigel and Fenris also went and sat beside them. Fenris already knew what to expect but Rhea had never seen the two of them go against each other. So she was the most excited to witness their duel.

Adeline pointed her sword at Nigel and shouted, "I heard that your power increases when you are in your wolf form. Don't hesitate to turn if you think you can't handle me."

Nigel was happy to see that his sister's confidence was back. "I hope I don't need to turn.. I used to go toe-to-toe with you back when I was just a human, remember?" He instantly pushed himself from the ground and charged at Adeline.