Chapter 74 - Can I Meet Big Brother Vaughn?

Zenia bid her family goodbye, and Zander promised to send the information that he would get from Gustof right away. Zenia was almost late on the agreed time to return to the Palace of the Crown Prince.

After Zenia had left, Zekiah changed his clothes and disguised himself before he went out to explore Tissuria. In his estimate, it would take a couple of weeks or more before Zenia could proceed to her plan. She still must go through numerous ceremonies. He was glad that she did not ask him to go in her stead.

The ride back to Vaughn's palace was smooth, Zenia had a hunch that her family, except Zekiah, would return to Ishelon soon. Zander and her father could not afford to stay longer in Tissuria.

Vaughn was starting to worry when the carriage that would bring Zenia back to him had not arrived yet. He was pacing back and forth in his study while looking at the door. Redivo noticed Vaughn's restlessness and could no longer stand it.

"Your Highness, there are shadow guards that always follow the Crown Princess. I'm sure she's safe and sound."

Vaughn glared at Redivo. His little devil was strong and decisive enough to take care of herself. He was worried that Zenia might suddenly let Zekiah pose as her during the duration of her family's stay in Tissuria. He was anxious to know if Zenia or Zekiah would be the one to return to the Palace of the Crown Prince.

"Young lady, you should not go in there. New servants are forbidden to step foot in the main residence of the Crown Prince." A maid stopped Zenia when she was about to get in the main door.

"Oh, is that so… I will follow you then. I arrived at daybreak and was sent by the Crown Princess to go with you to deliver a message to her family. I came from Ishelon to serve the Crown Princess so she won't be lonely." Zenia gave the maid a pitiful look.

"You're Crown Princess' personal maid? If that's the case, you may go in. The Crown Princess must be waiting for you. I am Leyna, you can look for me in the kitchen when you have nothing else to do." Leyna pushed Zenia inside and waved goodbye before retreating to the direction of the kitchen.

Harnen swooped down the moment the maid named Leyna disappeared from sight.

"Crown Princess, the Crown Prince is in his study."

"Hmm, you may go."

Zenia went to their bedchamber first to change. Someone already informed Vaughn that Zenia had arrived. Lunch was about to be served and Vaughn instructed the servants to prepare lunch for him and Zenia in the dining area. Zenia did not wear any face veil since she was inside the main residence.

After a few minutes, Zenia arrived at Vaughn's study. Everyone left the room as soon as they saw her. Just like that, all of Vaughn's worries and gloominess disappeared.

"Your Highness, the lunch is ready," one of the servants informed him.

He nodded and went to the hidden area in his study and changed his full mask into a half mask.

"How was your meeting?" Vaughn walked toward Zenia and held her hand.

He led her out of the study and to the dining area. Zenia was used to his affectionate actions and thought that he was only training himself to get used to it to fabricate a flawless act.

"Mother told me something about the Left Minister, and you probably never heard of it." Zenia chuckled as she recalled that juicy piece of information.

Vaughn smiled and knew that she was excited to tell him the details. Even though it was an important piece of information, he wanted to spend a nice meal with Zenia alone and without any discussion about the case.

Vaughn pulled out the chair so she could sit and told her, "Let's eat first. We will discuss it later."

Zenia nodded at him and smiled. Vaughn wished that they could always spend their days like this. But, he also knew that the people of Tissuria needed him. He was torn between serving his people and following his heart's desire.

"By the way, Your Highness, why don't I see your retainer named Vaughn? I've been meaning to ask you and just couldn't find the proper time to do so."

Vaughn paused and quickly thought of a way to answer Zenia.

"You mentioned Old Moreb before, I sent him to investigate."

It was true that he began investigating Old Moreb's action and some of the people around him who had suspicious movements. This could never be considered as lying.

"Can I meet him? He promised that he will help me find some plants."

"You can take Harnen with you."

Zenia looked at the Crown Prince who was eating more gracefully than her.

'Why is his action seems familiar?' She immediately dispersed the thought out of her head.

She had seen so many people eat like that. Most people in Tissuria seemed prim and proper all the time. It looked like they were always walking on a tight rope. The people of Ishelon were carefree, and Zenia preferred that kind of life.

"I am more comfortable with Big Brother Vau…"

Zenia stopped when she remembered that she had not told anything to the Crown Prince regarding how she first met Big Brother Vaughn.

"Your Highness, you still don't know this but Big Brother Vaughn and I already met when I was still a little girl. It's during the banquet that King Jarod held for his only son."

Zenia narrated the event once more, including the things that Zander told her. Vaughn's grip on his utensils tightened as he recalled that day. He tried his best not to bit on his lip.

"So that's how it is. I will send a message to him. When do you want to meet him?"

Zenia thought for a while and calculated the best time to start exploring.

"Do we have to attend some gatherings as husband and wife?"

"If there are invitations, it is best to attend them to show courtesy. It is also one of the best ways to gather information."

"Hmm… How long does it take to go through it all?"

"Probably between two and three months. They still need to prepare for everything and will discuss their schedules. It is Tissuria's custom to only have one banquet at a time if the one arranging it belongs to a noble family."

"I understand. Let me talk to Big Brother Vaughn a day after tomorrow."

"I can arrange for him to meet with you tomorrow."

"I plan to rest all day tomorrow. These past few days have been too exhausting for me. I need a day's rest to recover my usual energy."

"Okay then."

They continued their meal with occasional talks about Zenia's life in Ishelon. Vaughn already gave an order not to disturb him when he was with Zenia, no matter how urgent it might be.

Redivo stood outside the dining room and patiently waited for Vaughn. He had urgent news, but it could wait. After all, a dead man couldn't return to life even after he told Vaughn about it.