Candle and the Crown Prince

The route from Wolfsborg's rear courtyard to the Hall of Wolves passed over a suspended corridor bridge.

On the snow-covered bridge, a group of young werewolves chattered excitedly about the mysterious "Mr. Lothar," who had arrived riding a dragon.

"I remember Elemer always mentioning that name. He seemed to be the clansman who, back then, single-handedly perished together with an entire Yaksi Purge Squad."

"How come we have no impression of such an important figure at all?"

"Who knows? Maybe the family hid the news because of pressure from Yaksi."

"I heard the Texans' weapons were delivered by him on dragonback. Supposedly, he cleared out an entire English arsenal, and he and his dragon even took down half of the English floating airships!"

"Really?!"

"Look, who's that?"

"Nina!"

Just as they were animatedly discussing "Mr. Lothar," the fair-skinned and beautiful Wolf Girl's ears twitched, and she let out an excited squeal as she pounced forward.

But Cherinina merely shifted slightly to the side and dodged her. Having missed her leap, the Wolf Girl pouted aggrievedly. "It's been so long. What's wrong with a hug?"

Cherinina pressed her lips together, then could not help smiling as she opened her arms.

"Long time no see, Lina."

The Wolf Girl contentedly nuzzled into Nina's embrace. "That familiar scent, it's wonderful. But after all these years, how come you haven't grown up at all?"

The others crowded around as well, all talking at once. "Nina, you've taken such good care of yourself. You look almost exactly the same as before, while all of us have gotten older."

"We brought you lots of candy this time. They're all new Christmas treats from that candy shop across from Sunset Bar, the one you liked best. I heard they were handmade by a dedicated dessert master."

"Why