Chapter 145 - The Good Doctor Odessa

Zenia felt like someone was cursing her ever since they left the palace. In the end, she got nothing from the Head Pharmacist but a promise that he would do his best. Zenia was beginning to doubt the ability of the Head Pharmacist.

She knew that her teacher was good, but she did not think that he was one of the best. When the fire incident happened, the affected flesh was totally damaged. The doctors who looked at it told her family that it would take time before the wound could be completely healed. They also warned them that it would leave an unsightly scar.

It was during that time when Doctor Zhung came to Ishelon and decided to stay there. He was able to concoct the elixir that healed it completely from the inside but not able to do something about the scar on Zenia's back. 

He was the one who recommended the doctor who meticulously sewed the artificial skin to cover the scar on Zenia's back. The work was seamless that no one would notice the stitches. It was not painful, but it was making Zenia ill-at-ease at certain times.

Every two years, Zenia had to return to the doctor to adjust the artificial skin. But, they lost contact with the doctor. The time when the artificial skin must be replaced had long been overdue. It was beginning to peel off.

The deafening silence inside the carriage was suffocating Vaughn, but he could not complain. He did not regret his decision of not allowing Zenia to complete the task for his teacher even though she could get something beneficial in return. He realized that Tissuria was inferior to Ishelon in the medical field and military even though they were using modern technology.

They could do most things more efficiently and speedily, but they paled in comparison with the people of Ishelon in terms of medical knowledge as well as health and physique. Were they relying too much on modern technology that they refused to move their body more than just lifting a finger?

"When did Father-in-law stop accepting invitations from other kingdoms? The other kingdoms may only have turned to us for help when Ishelon decided to refuse an invitation from any kingdom. I don't think most of them will consider coming to us and offer things if Ishelon keeps accepting invites."

"Father stopped receiving them five or six years ago. He and Mother had decided that it would be best not to get ourselves involved in their disputes. As I said before, war is an ugly thing that I never wish to see again for the rest of my life. King Jarod declared that Ishelon will never take part in any affairs of the other kingdoms."

"Well, it's true that Tissuria's popularity has risen because Ishelon stopped participating in the affairs of the other kingdoms."

"If our people are not involved with your kingdom's current predicament, we would never have this marriage alliance."

"That's why I ask for your hand in marriage if I have to go through this." Vaughn lifted his mask and kissed Zenia's hand.

"You really are a rogue right from the start. You only wanted to marry me, and I'm guessing you are afraid of being rejected."

Vaughn smiled at her and said, "With that big ape always around you and that sly fox of a younger brother, how can I proceed without failing? Your mother may immediately agree to the marriage once she had seen my good intention, but I'm afraid that the men in your family wouldn't let you go. Father-in-law can be easily subdued by mother-in-law, but how about your brothers?"

Zenia gave off a slight chuckle, "I can't deny that."

Vaughn's heart was put at ease just like that. It's a good thing that he had chosen to be honest when talking with his wife. He would never lie to her again. He held her hand and enjoyed the ride.

* * * * *

The royal doctor examined Verone and couldn't help but frown. She looked at Verone, who avoided her eyes.

"Young Madam, I have a very busy schedule and don't want to waste the money being paid to me by the Royal Family. If you want to be sick, that works fine with me too. I can give you something that can improve your mental health."

The royal doctor was none other Odessa Munchefort, the Baroness' niece. She was already informed by her aunt and knew that Verone was a scheming woman. Verone was famous in Tissuria after all. Although she had not met Zenia, she could tell that the Crown Princess was one sensible lady. Her aunt had always been a good judge of character.

Verone gritted her teeth and did not utter a single word in protest. If the Baroness was the tigress, Odessa was a young tigress that inherited the Baroness' fierce personality.

After Odessa had written the prescription, Verone's maid tried to snatch it from her hand. Odessa held it above her head. She stood five foot nine, an inch taller than Zenia. The maid tried to reach for it, but Verone glared at her. The young maid stopped.

"This prescription should be handed to the palace maid. You wouldn't be able to get the needed elixirs from the Royal Apothecary by yourselves. Let the Crown Princess handle it."

Odessa handed the prescription to Rosalie who tucked it inside her pocket.

"Thank you for the trouble, doctor," Verone managed to say even though she was very unwilling.

"It's nothing. Make sure to drink it on time." She turned her head to Rosalie and added, "Tell the Crown Princess and Prince that they need to stay away from the Young Madam while she's on medication. She also must not leave this room for the time being."

The maids that came with Verone turned pale when they heard the instruction of the doctor. They did not want to contract the disease that their mistress had. 

"Doctor, don't you think you are too much? We both know that I'm not really sick." There was fury in Verone's voice.

Odessa smirked. "Young Madam, you may only be acting when you told them that you are sick, but it turns out you really are. You are not a doctor so you wouldn't understand anything even if I tell you. All you need to do is finish the medication that I have given you, and you will be as good as new."

"I will tell all the things that you did to me to the King when we visit him tomorrow for my scheduled greeting as the Second Wife."

"I told you that you need to stay in this room for a while. I'm, afraid that your scheduled greeting should be moved. I will make a report about this and tell the King that you are not fit to get out of your room."

Verone could only clench her fist as she watched Odessa and Rosalie leave the room.

Rosalie walked Odessa to her carriage. She knew that Verone was only acting, but Odessa gave her a prescription.

"Doctor, do we really need to let her take this medication?"

"Yes, what are you worried about?"

"But, she's not sick."

"You're wrong. She is sick. There's something wrong with her head. She needs a supplement that can boost her brainpower so she could think before she acts. Stupidity is a communicable disease and the medication can only make her slightly intelligent. If you associate yourself with such people for a long time, your intelligence will deteriorate. My advice to you is to stay away from her too."

"Why detain her in her room?"

"That should give her enough time to reflect a little and give temporary peace within the palace."

Rosalie finally understood that the good doctor had seen through Verone's scheme, and she just gave them a huge favor by detaining Verone to her room under the pretense of being sick.

"Thank you, doctor."

"It's nothing. She wanted to be sick, I just grant her that. She is really sick anyway. Please tell the Crown Princess that I might ask for an audience soon. My Aunt, Baroness Muncherfort, talks highly of her."

"I will tell the Crown Princess, doctor."

* * * * *

"Is it still far?" Zekiah was getting more and more impatient.

"We are near! When we turn to that corner, we can see the palace." Ruvin was getting more annoyed with Zekiah.

"ZEKIAH ANISEN!" Someone shouted from behind, and Ruvin turned pale.

He looked at Zekiah and asked, "You're an Anisen?"