Chapter 84 - Following Zenia’s Training Course and Request

Vaughn and Redivo kept themselves busy with building the new training ground. Vaughn did not want to ask Zenia about the lithe movement technique and told Redivo to assign someone to find a master who could teach it to them. He was excited to see what the obstacle training course would actually look like. He wanted to know how much they could improve. The Left Minister would be in for a big surprise.

"Your Highness, we received a report that the Left Minister has asked for an audience from the King in a week or two."

"He's already out of the hospital?"

"He is now in his estate to recuperate."

"What about Damien?"

"He is still in his palace and refused to see anyone. He ordered a search party to find the woman named Elida."

Vaughn sneered. Zenia had already arranged for Elida's funeral and even requested him to grant her a title of a noble lady to carry out the funeral befitting her title. It was only a mere title with no use so he did not hesitate to grant Zenia's request. 

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Tissuria owned a burial ground for the people whom they considered loyal to them when they were still alive. Those who were buried in that burial ground were given a lavish funeral to honor their contribution to the Palace of the Crown Prince. No matter how intensive Damien's search could go, he would never ever recover Elida's dead body.

* * * * *

Damien had another bout of drinking spree when he learned that Elida's body had not been recovered yet. His hope to take over Vaughn's position was slowly crumbling down, and he was already losing his mind.

"Someone come!" He roared but the despair in the tone of his voice can be clearly recognized.

"My prince, what is your command?"

"Post Elida's face all over Tissuria and let the people know that a hundred gold pieces will be given to anyone who can bring her to Luna Inn, dead or alive."

"M-my prince?" The shadow guard knew that it was a dangerous move.

"Do I really need to repeat myself?" Damien glowered at the shadow guard.

"I am going now, my prince."

The heroza insect… Damien gambled with Elida when he made her ingest the last heroza insect that he had. He would still give her a random cadaver that was supposed to be her lover, but he did not have any intention to splurge the heroza insect from her body. 

Damien was not able to cultivate the insect. The heroza insects did not mate often and most of them never did it at all. Damien sacrificed a number of people when he fed each of them with heroza insect. Once he knew that the insect had its fill inside the host, he usually took them out and got them to mate. He tried various options and nearly gave up.

He was holding the last heroza insect ready to crush it when he noticed that its body looked like a… worm. He took a closer look and an idea popped in his head. Could it regenerate by itself? He had no idea where the insect came from, but the witch doctor who told him about its  special abilities  may have known how to raise it. He just did not pay much attention to the man due to his shabby appearance and thought that he just wanted some money.

He searched everywhere for that man but did not see him again. Damien assumed that the man may have already died somewhere. In his estimate, the heroza insect in Elida's body may take a while to devour her. He must find her before the insect had a chance to escape if it did not die in the process.

* * * * *

Zenia and the Baroness talked about the different types of gathering first to give her an idea of the things that she should expect, including the possible reactions of the other guests. The Baroness also discussed the types of dress that should go with each type of banquet. They were just starting but Zenia already felt dizzy with all the things that she must memorize. They were yet to discuss the proper etiquette.

Vaughn was so busy monitoring and supervising the work in progress. It was almost past lunchtime when his steward reminded him of the time. He was also informed that Zenia had not yet taken her lunch. The Baroness was making her memorize something before she could take her lunch.

Vaughn smirked deviously. His old nanny was still the same as before. She must have seen how much Zenia loved to eat and used food to make her obey. Vaughn did not know that the Baroness and his wife were so engrossed in their conversation that neither of them noticed the time. The servants were too afraid to knock on the door because they knew that the Baroness was someone who put value in time. There was a reason why she would delay lunch.

"Oh, look at the time. It's already lunch." The Baroness stood up and walked to the door to unlock it.

The maids who were waiting by the door were startled. They saw Zenia reading something, and her face seemed distorted. They had a hunch that the Crown Princess was already hungry. They could only secretly shot the Baroness with an aggrieved look.

Some of the maids were against the method of teaching that the Baroness usually employed. They heard that the Crown Prince went through hell while learning things from her. But, the Crown Prince was a man and the Crown Princess was a beautiful lady. In their opinion, the Baroness should treat Zenia a bit milder than the way she treated the Crown Prince.

In just a few days, Zenia had won the hearts of the servants in the main residence of the Crown Prince. Everyone wanted to serve her and stay by her side. She did not demand much from them and they could do whatever they want. They dared not abuse the freedom that the Crown Princess bestowed to them. 

Vaughn was informed about it, and he just let his wife do whatever she had decided to do in the main residence. It was already her property from the start. Naturally, she was the owner of everything in it. She had the full authority to decide what to do.

"Prepare the lunch of the Crown Princess." The Baroness instructed the maids.

"And teacher's too! Bring her lunch here." Zenia shouted from the room.

The Baroness shook her head and let it slide for now. She knew that Zenia was just being courteous and must have wanted her company. Otherwise, why would she give instructions to the servants to bring in their lunch?

All the maids smiled when they heard Zenia's instruction. It did not feel like their Crown Princess suffered from the hands of the strict teacher. 

Vaughn wanted to eat lunch together with Zenia, but he knew that his old nanny would not allow him. It had been Tissuria's custom that the members of the Royal Family should eat alone when they were in their own residences. Vaughn was not sure who drafted such a rule, but they were all compelled to obey.

He knew that he was breaking the rule by always eating together with Zenia, but he wanted to spend his free time with her. Mealtime was free time for Vaughn. But, he could not let his old nanny see him eat his meal with Zenia. 

"Prepare my lunch, I will take it in the garden." 

"Yes, Your Highness."

If he chose to visit Zenia during their meal, he would see that his old nanny was happily chatting with Zenia over lunch.