Chapter 81 - Training and Punishment

Considering Zander's strength, it was indeed easy for him to declare war against Tissuria and put all the ministers and the entire Royal Family behind bars. That way, even the Left Minister wouldn't be able to do anything. War was something that Zander would not want to happen, except if he had no other choice.

Somehow, Vaughn understood Zander's reasons for taking a long route to resolving the crisis of both kingdoms. He also became aware that they would not be able to match the military strength of Ishelon. The whole of Tissuria always believed that they could defeat Ishelon if war broke off. The Left Minister may have thought that the elite soldiers in his private army were way better than the military men of Ishelon – he was wrong. 

The whole Kingdom of Tissuria thought that the only reason that Ishelon paid no interest in waging war was that they were terrified at Tissuria's powerful soldiers. On the contrary, most people in Ishelon would rather spend their time discovering innovative ways to improve their lives. 

Tissuria relied so much on their advanced technology, while Ishelon preferred the traditional way of doing things. Tissuria was wealthier than Ishelon, but the people of Ishelon were healthier. The doctors of Ishelon were the best in the whole of Maecaea, but no one knew that – not even the people of Ishelon. The medicines, which the pharmacists in Ishelon concocted, could fetch a high price when sold in the black market .

Zenia sighed and knew that Vaughn was still a naïve prince who had yet to see the world. He may have gone to a few places, but it was not enough for him to understand the whole picture. The other kingdoms in Maecaea were still at war. They were just fortunate that none of the kingdoms had interest in creating discord with Ishelon or Tissuria.

"Your Highness, what is the farthest region you had gone to?" Zenia tried to sound as calm as she could.

Vaughn gave her a puzzled look. He had never traveled out of the island. The farthest he had gone to was Ishelon and that was years ago. He could not tell that to Zenia.

"It's Venetia." Vaughn tried his best to sound calm even though his heart was beating so fast.

Of all the other kingdoms, except Ishelon, he heard a lot of things about Venetia. He was confident that he would be able to pull it off. Zenia felt that there was something wrong with his answer, but she decided to let it slide.

"The other kingdoms beyond Venetia are still at war. They are just so far away from us that we are not affected. However, some of them kept sending a request for help from my father. We agreed not to be pulled in to their war. I hope I will never hear you mention about going to war again."

Vaughn remained calm even though it sounded like he was being reprimanded. He could let it slide since it was his lovely wife who said those things to him.

"I understand everything, my wife. I promise that I will never mention it again." He reached out his hand and tucked away Zenia's hair behind her ear.

Zenia looked at the Crown Prince and there it was again – the familiar feeling. She had a hunch but decided not to delve into it for the meantime. She could still extend some patience. She would wait until she could not anymore.

"About the training course, why don't I draw a plan for you and see if you find it useful. I suggest implementing it right away. I think you should also join your men during training. You need it." Zenia flashed a mischievous smile that sent shivers down Vaughn's spine.

Redivo and Harnen heard what Zenia had said and they began to sweat profusely. The Crown Princess was obviously trying to punish their Crown Prince, and they were unlucky to join him.

"Of course, my wife." 

Redivo wouldn't believe it if he had not heard it himself. Their Crown Prince suddenly turned into a meek lamb in the presence of their Crown Princess. 

Zenia turned around and walked away. She did not wait for Vaughn to accompany her. She had so many things going inside her head, and she knew that she should make her priorities clear. The modification of the training course should be first and all the other things could wait.

With that in mind, Zenia sat down to work as soon as she entered their bedchamber. She knew that Vaughn and his men should still need to discuss something. She should improve the physique and speed of the men in Vaughn's side. She had no idea about the strength and power of the men in the Left Minister's private army. All she could do was try her best to enhance the abilities of Vaughn's men.

She drafted the basic training first and would gradually increase the difficulties. She had no doubt about their speed, but she also knew that they could go faster. Perhaps, the technique she was using to gain speed could be the same with the technique that the shadow guards were currently employing.

The military men of Ishelon may have brute strength, but they lacked speed. Zenia also knew that no fighter could have the best of both worlds. Since she couldn't compare to Ishelon's military men, she tried to increase her speed to compensate for her meager strength.

She was busy with drafting her plans that she did not hear the maids calling for her to eat. She was emitting a menacing aura that terrified the maids. None of them dared call her for the second time. They kept waiting at the side hoping Zenia would spare them a glance.

Vaughn decided to eat his meal in his study. He thought that Zenia may need to have some time alone after what happened earlier. He also knew that she may not want any form of disturbance. 

When Zenia still continued with what she was doing, someone notified Vaughn that the Crown Princess had not yet eaten her meal. Vaughn frowned and saw that the one who called him was trembling. He was wondering if the little devil did something to them.

He stood up and trod the path to their bedchamber. He saw the servants standing by Zenia's side carrying trays of food. They saw Vaughn and was about to greet him when he stopped them. He saw that Zenia was totally focused on what she was doing. He also felt the menacing aura coming from her. Now he knew the reason for the servants' reaction.

"Heat up the food and come back." He ordered the servants and stood by Zenia who did not seem to notice his presence.

Vaughn smiled. He discovered another side of Zenia. In the future, he would just keep his mouth shut whenever she was seriously working on something.