Chapter 115 - I Challenge You to a Duel (Part 1)

Redivo had no other choice but to receive Verone in the Palace of the Crown Prince when she decided to come already. They were given two weeks to arrange the place where Verone should stay while waiting for Vaughn's return. Redivo tried to hide everything from the old man and even instructed his men to stop the news from spreading. He did not want to alarm Vaughn and Zenia. They wouldn't be able to do anything to it anyway. No one was excused from facing a death sentence for defying a Royal Decree, including the members of the Royal Family.

"Humph, what is that foolish King thinking? Why does this Left Minister so eager to plant a spy in the harem?" The old man was currently eating his meal in his old quarters, which Redivo turned into a temporary office.

"Master, I think they want more than that." Redivo knew that the old man would not stop unless he was satisfied.

"What more do they want?"

"I think they are hoping that Ms. Verone will get pregnant with the Crown Prince's heir."

The old man coughed so hard when he heard Redivo's opinion. Redivo patted the old man's back to help him breathe with ease.

"Hosh posh! My great-grandson already has a wife that he loves very much, why will he touch and let another woman bear him an heir?"

"Master, remember that we are the only ones in Tissuria who know the true appearance of the Crown Princess. They must have thought that His Highness will never touch his wife because she's ugly."

"Is that Verone woman beautiful?"

"Many say she is the most beautiful in Tissuria."

"Humph, my great-granddaughter-in-law is the most beautiful I've seen in the whole Maecaea."

"Master, when did you travel the entire continent?"

The old man looked at Redivo and glared at him.

"I said I traveled it already so you only need to believe what I say to you."

Redivo shook his head, "Master, what should we do now?"

"What else, but cause a delay. Don't let that Verone woman set foot in the palace until my great-granddaughter-in-law returns. Who knows what despicable things she plans to do the moment she sets foot in the palace."

"I understand, master."

* * * * *

Ever since Zenia returned from the military camp, she purposely avoided Vaughn. He would still bring her food to her room, but it was often empty. He could not find her within the residence.

Vaughn continued to help around, especially when his mother-in-law would ask him. Whenever Ovid was in the manor, he would assist Ovid on something. He would sometimes drink with Zander who was slowly accepting him as a member of the family.

Being together with other people, helping out, and doing family activities were something new to Vaughn. He would be lying if he said that he could easily adjust to the situations that he was not used to. He always had servants and guards surrounding him ever since he was born. He did not need to lift a finger to do things.

Although the Anisens had servants, they still helped out in the house. Renaria was the one cooking their food, shopping for ingredients, and supervising their household. Ovid and Zander would sometimes check the things that needed to be fixed and they would attend to it immediately if they could handle it. He had no idea about the contributions of Zenia and Zekiah in the manor. They were probably the two people who would do nothing.

The Anisens may be wealthy, but they treated everyone in their household as a family, including the servants and guards. Vaughn liked the warm atmosphere of the entire manor. If Zenia would suggest they live there, he might agree immediately.

Vaughn and his in-laws would sometimes gather in the garden to chat, and they would sometimes laugh together. It would almost always irritate Zenia. She refused to join them because Vaughn was there. They looked like they were having fun, and her mother did not bother inviting her.

'It's not like I'm going anyway.'

When Zenia could no longer take it, she had decided to challenge Vaughn to a duel. She nearly kicked herself for forgetting one of Ishelon's custom in settling disputes – having a duel.

Zenia marched to the garden and threw her glove on the table in front of Vaughn.

"Vaughn Pernell of Tissuria, I challenge you to a duel."

Everyone was shocked when they heard Zenia's declaration.

"That's a great idea! Why didn't we think of that before?" Renaria was ecstatic, and it brought confusion to Vaughn.

'Does mother-in-law want me dead?' Vaughn shuddered at the thought.

"Yes! Let's schedule the duel and put an end to all of this." It was Ovid who voiced out the same opinion and tone.

Vaughn was starting to fear for his dear life. He forgot that the Anisens were not gentle at all. They could attack mercilessly and flawlessly. Why did he forget all of it? Was it because he had been enjoying their warm and gentle company for a while now? Looks could truly be deceiving.

"Yes, a duel is also the perfect time for Zenzen to display her improved skills," Zander said his piece as if the duel was not a big deal.

Vaughn wanted to faint from their comments, but he was afraid that they might dismember his body. His face was drained of colors when he thought about the dreadful things that the entire household might do to him. Renaria and Ovid saw Vaughn's reaction and had a good guess of what he was thinking.

"Vaughn, we have a custom here in Ishelon of challenging someone to a duel to end the dispute. Although it is a duel, no one will die. It is more of a display of swordsmanship and power. After the duel, the defeated party should grant the wish of the winner as compensation. The parties should put things behind them and go on with their lives like they used to," Ovid explained as best as he could.

Renaria added, "However, this is the first time that a duel will be used to settle the dispute between husband and wife. It is uncommon for women of Ishelon to wield a sword and this is the reason why a duel is not the best choice for settling disputes between husband and wife."

Vaughn and Zenia blushed when they heard Renaria mentioned husband and wife .

"Since both parties can wield a sword, I think we can use the duel to finally settle things between you two." Zander looked at Zenia and Vaughn.

"If that's the case, then I accept this challenge." Vaughn finally agreed.

"When do you plan to set the duel?" Zander asked his younger sister.

"We can do this now."

"Is it okay if you have the duel now?" Renaria was the one who asked Vaughn.

"I am fine with it mother-in-law."

"Let's do it now! I want to see the new technique that Zenzen has developed." The excitement in Zander's tone was undeniable.

Zenia looked at her Big Brother, "How did you know that I developed a new technique?"

"Because I know you, that's why."

"Go ahead you two and prepare yourselves. Let's do the duel in the training hall." Ovid suggested and Renaria could clearly see the excitement in her husband's eyes.

"Uhm, let's do it outside in the open field. If Big Brother wanted to see my new technique, it's best to show it outside our residence."

Zander's eyes sparkled even more.

"Before anything else, you need to state the wishes that you want the other party to fulfill."

Vaughn took a deep breath and stated his wish as he blushed a bit, "I wish my wife would forgive me and start anew as husband and wife."  

Zenia glared at Vaughn. "I wish to remain in the Anisen Manor and file for divorce."

Everyone looked at Zenia and silence enveloped the entire manor.