Chapter 293 - Honeymoon (Part 2)

Zander helped Odessa to board the carriage. He just sent a message to his mother that they would go out to see a doctor. Renaria and Baroness Munchefort were both busy in the kitchen of the manor. The Baroness would be returning soon, and Renaria was teaching her how to cook the dessert that the Baroness came to love.

Zander thought that Odessa was feeling competitive and only wanted to be the first patient to be checked. He could not think of any other reason. 

Odessa somewhat guessed what Zander was thinking. She could choose to let it slide, but she felt that he should understand something.

"Zander, I want to be the first one that the doctor would check to ease my worries of possible infection. I'm not sure if the patient before me has no communicable disease that the doctor might accidentally transfer to me. If I'm the first patient, I can feel more at ease."

"Oh. From now on, let us go early when you need to have a check-up. Better yet, I will get you the best doctor in Ishelon. I would like to recommend Zenzen's teacher, but I don't like him much."

Odessa cleared her throat when she realized that the doctor that Zander had in mind was a man.

"I prefer a female doctor."

Odessa knew that most female doctors, anywhere in Maecaea, would double as an obstetrician. Even she had some knowledge about the proper care of pregnant women. She wanted to make sure the exact term of her pregnancy so she could apply the proper care according to what she learned.

"Oh, okay. I guess a female doctor is indeed more suitable."

They reached the clinic after an hour. It was the first time that Odessa visited the Capital of Ishelon. It was buzzing and lively. Everyone seemed to be friendly and courteous – very different from the people of Tissuria.

Although there were poor people in Ishelon, Odessa could not distinguish the nobles from the ordinary citizens. Everyone was exchanging pleasantries and polite with one another.

Odessa realized that the people of Ishelon were not using modern pieces of machinery and equipment to help them finish their work. However, it did not seem to bother them. In fact, they were moving as efficiently as the ones using the modern pieces of machinery in Tissuria.

She did not see anyone that could be considered obese. In fact, everywhere she looked, the people were all fit and strong. She even saw a woman carrying two babies at the same time. She surmised that the woman was carrying twins.

Zander did not say anything and just watched Odessa's different expressions while looking outside the carriage window. He smiled when he saw that his wife was enjoying the ride. He had decided to take her out more and tour Ishelon. 

His father would be more than willing to man the post that would be left empty when he filed for a vacation leave. There was nothing much to do anyway. They just resolved the issue with Tissuria. In Zander's estimate, it would take months before another trouble like the last one would pop up. He had a sinking feeling that Prazia or another kingdom would cause trouble to Tissuria.

The carriage stopped, and Zander helped Odessa to get down. The clinic was yet to open, but Odessa did not mind waiting as long as she was the first one in line. Zander could not sit still when he saw the "closed" sign on the door of the clinic.

"Where's the doctor?" Zander asked the one guarding the door.

"Doctor Morticia will be here soon, Commander Zander. Something must have delayed her a bit."

"Are you sure?"

They suddenly heard a neighing horse and a middle-aged female doctor jumped down from the horse.

"Commander Zander, what brings you here?"

The doctor was a middle-aged woman who seemed to have a jovial personality. She looked like any other middle-aged woman, except her demeanor. She seemed a little playful for her age. Odessa thought that such demeanor must be considered as normal in Ishelon.

"Doctor Morticia, I'm here with my wife. She's your patient."

Zander introduced Odessa to the good doctor.

"Hello, Young Madam Commander. I have been Commander Zander's doctor since…" Doctor Morticia counted her fingers and smiled, "Forever. I have been his doctor ever since he was born. Please, come in."

All of them entered the clinic, and the doctor beckoned them to sit on the couch first. Doctor Morticia went to her office and retrieved her doctor's coat.

Zander cleared his throat and explained, "Doctor Morticia is a general practitioner. When mother was about to give birth to me, she was the only doctor available, and they had no other choice but rely on her."

"He did not let go of my finger when I delivered him. Ever since that day, I was the only one who was allowed to give him a thorough check-up. He was too clingy." Doctor Morticia interrupted as she walked to where the couple was sitting.

Zander glared at her and did not utter a single word about his childhood days again.

"Can you please start examining my wife now?"

Doctor Morticia smiled and led Odessa to her office. Zander followed them.

Odessa and Doctor Morticia took their seats. Doctor Morticia began asking Odessa about her current condition. 

"Hmm, I see. I will perform a pregnancy test now," she said after completing the initial examination.

Zander was startled when he heard what Doctor Morticia had said.

"P-Pregnancy test?" Zander looked at his wife, who nodded her head.

"I wanted to tell you earlier, but I want to make sure."

"So you already suspect that you are pregnant?" Doctor Morticia looked at Zander and teased him.

"Yes! To be more precise, I know that I'm pregnant, but I don't know how long I have been pregnant. Doctor Morticia, I too am a doctor of medicine."

Doctor Morticia clapped her hands, "That's wonderful! When was your last period? Do you have any idea how long you have been pregnant?"

"Hmm, I am delayed for over a month now. I may be a month and a half pregnant?"

"It is possible. Let us conduct the test now."

Zander was still processing everything that he heard and tried to recall the conversation between Doctor Morticia and Odessa.

The two women were already in another room to perform a pregnancy test when they heard Zander's voice, "I'M GOING TO BE A FATHER!"

* * * * *

Zenia just finished cooking everything. She made a total of four dishes, although two of them can be considered very simple. She just wanted Chief Elder to enjoy a variety of dishes. She was grateful for the beautiful marriage ritual and warm reception. The house that was given to them as a temporary residence was more than they bargained for.

The Lead Maid returned with the other maidservants after two hours. She felt a bit guilty for leaving all the work to Zenia. When they came near the house, they smelled something scrumptious. They drooled immediately.

Zenia sensed the presence of her guests and did not wait for them to knock on the door. She did not want to wake Vaughn up.

"Madam, we came back after finishing our chores in a hurry so we can help you out," the Lead Maid explained as soon as the door was opened.

"You're just on time. I finished cooking everything. I hope that Chief Elder would like them. Please come in."

The eyes of the guests almost popped out of their sockets when they saw the appetizing feast. The dishes looked gorgeous and delicious. The Madam outdid herself, and they were lost for words. They did not know that the dishes could be presented in such a beautiful way. The dishes looked even more delectable than they already were.

"Madam, you've finished cooking the dishes – so many!"

One of the maidservants exclaimed. They wondered how she did it. Just where in Maecaea did she come from? Their kingdom must be full of talented chefs.

"I hope Chief Elder will be satisfied with these dishes. I already prepared the boxes that you will carry with you. These dishes should be enough for everyone in the temple to share."

The eyes of the women sparkled with delight when they learned that they too could sample the new dishes. They could not wait to return and eat.

"Thank you, Madam. I'm sure that Chief Elder will be satisfied with these," the Lead Maid answered politely while thinking that Chief Elder should no longer make unreasonable requests.

The ladies went on their way happily. Zenia closed the door and was immediately hugged from behind. Zenia was startled because she did not detect Vaughn's presence earlier.

She smiled without looking back and said, "You're up! I did not detect your presence. You're getting good at this."

Vaughn kissed her nape and replied in his bedroom voice, "You were not by my side and immediately looked for you. When I was about to open the door, I heard voices. I wanted to kick them out right away, but I was able to control myself. Don't I deserve a reward?"

Zenia turned around and hooked her arms around his neck. She pulled his face closer to her and gave him a kiss on his lips. Vaughn was not satisfied, and he held the back of her head to support it in place as he deepened the kiss. He felt his manliness beginning to swell, and he was thinking whether to let something happen naturally or stop himself from advancing further.

He continued kissing his wife. The more he kissed her, the more he found it difficult to maintain his rationality, which was slowly slipping away from him.