Chapter 300 - Deeper than It Seems (Part 1)

After having their dinner, Vaughn continued writing his observations and analysis as well as the list of countermeasures that they should take. Zenia accompanied him and even gave some suggestions. There were times when Vaughn would not even look at her in the eyes. Zenia felt the gravity of the situation. It was not something that they could simply solve in a matter of days.

She couldn't blame Vaughn who had experienced the power struggle first-hand. She had no idea what he was thinking when he was writing down his notes. She could see some encircled parts. Perhaps, those were the areas that must be prioritized or need further study.

The things that were written on those papers were far more complicated than the strategies that she planned or the weapons that she designed. She had no idea what he had been busy with whenever he was cooped up in his study. 

It was the first time that she had seen Vaughn working seriously. She had always thought that the Crown Prince's work was not as difficult as plotting a battle strategy. She was wrong – Vaughn's work was more difficult than she thought.

"I will go get something for you to eat for later," Zenia informed Vaughn without waiting for his reply.

Vaughn was still too absorbed in his work and did not notice that Zenia went out of their room. She went to the kitchen and prepared a mug of hot cocoa. She noticed that Vaughn did not eat much during dinner.

She saw some bread and ham in the food ration that Chief Elder told the Lead Maid to deliver. She also picked some lettuce leaves and prepared a dressing. She prepared a simple meat sandwich for Vaughn. She smiled with satisfaction.

Vaughn was still busy with his work, and Zenia put the hot cocoa and sandwich beside him. He did not notice it when Zenia delivered his food. She shook her head and hit the sack. It was already time for bed.

Vaughn was too absorbed in his work and only stopped when his eyes became tired. After a few minutes, his stomach grumbled. He looked for Zenia and saw her sleeping already. He didn't want to disturb her and decided to go back to his work when he noticed the cocoa and sandwiches.

He smiled and picked up the mug of cocoa, which was still warm. He could feel Zenia's love and warmth in every sip of cocoa that he took. He picked up the sandwich and savored the succulent taste. He was quite surprised that the two sandwiches and a mug of cocoa could fill him up. 

His hunger vanished just like that. He went back to work and tried to finish it as fast as he could. He gained renewed energy, and the simple meal kept him warm. He smiled and glad that he did not let go of Zenia. He wouldn't be able to find someone like her even if it would take thousands of years.

* * * * *

Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!

Zenia opened her eyes when she heard the birds near their bedroom window. It was the first time that she heard the chirping of birds. She thought that the only sounds that she would hear were the clashing waves and the noise that dolphins make.

Vaughn was hugging her so tightly. She caressed his face and traced his eyebrows. He was frowning.

"Are you dreaming something unpleasant?" Zenia whispered.

Vaughn remained sleeping, but he did not let go of Zenia. She removed Vaughn's arm gently. She was getting better at it. She went to the desk and discovered that Vaughn had sealed his work in a big envelope. She did not want to look at it. She was afraid of messing it up.

She took out a piece of paper and started writing the contract that she discussed with Doctor Lizbeth. 

'It looks like I'm going home much earlier than expected.'

Zenia imagined the doctor's face beaming with happiness. Doctor Lizbeth could get the supplies earlier than what they agreed upon. She finished the contract and made two copies. It was simple and straightforward. The penalty for breaching the contract would be at the discretion of the offended party.

She smiled and put the contract neatly on the table. No one would be able to resist the conditions that she put in the agreement. No matter how Doctor Lizbeth would look at it, she would benefit a lot.

She went to the kitchen and prepared something for Chief Elder. She also prepared their breakfast and planned to wake Vaughn after she finished her preparations. She promised Doctor Lizbeth to be there early.

* * * * *

"Manager, we found out the reason why those men from Prazia were collecting their metals back. It appears that those metals contained a bit of magic, and they need it to build a huge ship."

"What kind of ship? A battleship?"

"No, no. A ship that can take them out to the sea. They are planning for a long voyage. At least two hundred people will board that ship and there should be foods and drinks that can sustain them during their journey."

"Where are they going?"

"That… I'm so sorry, Manager. I did not find out. According to one of my sources, those two were blabbering about other continents when we all know that there's only Maecaea."

"Hmm, if this is all we can uncover, so be it. I hope that the Gentleman who commissioned us won't be disappointed with the meager, seemingly useless information."

In Doctor Lizbeth's clinic, one of her assistants came in to inform her that they should replenish their supplies soon.

"Doctor, the last batch of Mortelium is also not good. We need to find a supplier that can give us a genuine plant."

"Don't worry about it. I already talked to someone. She should be here soon."

The assistant was dumbfounded, "You found someone? That quick? Is that person trustworthy"

Doctor Lizbeth was quite annoyed at the reaction of her assistant.

"She looks honest, and she's someone with a word of honor. I bet she has a military background. She looks like a female soldier."

"How do you know? For all we know, she might not come to deliver you the contract."

Doctor Lizbeth glared at her assistant, "I just know, okay! She will deliver the contract."

* * * * *

"Vaughn, wake up. I don't want to be late."

"Hmm, just a bit more."

Vaughn pulled Zenia into his arms and hugged her tightly. He kissed her forehead and pulled her head closer to his chest.

Zenia tapped his chest, "Quit it already. We have to eat and then go."

Vaughn chuckled a bit and let go of his wife. Zenia went to look for the clothes they would wear. After preparing the clothes, she pulled Vaughn's arm.

"Come on! Let's eat. I'm starving."

Vaughn finally got up and joined her for breakfast. It was still so early in the morning and Chief Elder was still in Lala Land dreaming of the scrumptious dishes that Zenia prepared.

They were about to look for a carriage to rent when Zosimo saw them.

"Madam!" Zosimo called and Zenia recognized his voice.

"It's you! How come you're here?"

"Madam, I told you to call for me when you need a means of transport. It's a good thing that my good friend spotted you yesterday and learned that you will see Doctor Lizbeth this morning."

Zenia was dumbfounded. She could not believe just how fast certain information or rumor would spread in Shadora. 

'These people must be natural spies. Why don't they use their talent for that?'

"Is there anything that any of you wouldn't know?"

"Ah, we're just lovers of gossips and interesting information. We don't dig what we're not supposed to," Zosimo flashed his perfect pearly whites.

"Do you know everything that's happening in Shadora? Do you know the recent visitors and where they come from?"

Vaughn was curious regarding the extent of Zosimo's knowledge about Shadora's visitors.

"Sir, I know that some people from Prazia came here, but I do not know their business of being here. I also know that they boarded a ship to Prazia this morning."

Vaughn and Zenia looked at each other. It was best to finish what they needed to do and go visit Chief Elder.

"Zosimo, take us to Doctor Lizbeth right now."

Zenia boarded the carriage together with Vaughn. Zosimo did not ask anything anymore and kept blabbering about the beautiful tourist spots in Shadora. They arrived at Doctor Lizbeth's clinic in twenty minutes. 

Doctor Lizbeth was still discussing something with her assistant when Vaughn and Zenia barged in.

"Madam, you're here!" Doctor Lizbeth looked at her assistant smugly.

"I hope we're not interrupting." Zenia smiled.

"No, no. This is my assistant," Doctor Lizbeth had no intention to introduce her assistant to Zenia, "Did you bring the contract?"

Zenia retrieved the contract from the inner pocket of Vaughn's coat and handed it to Doctor Lizbeth.

"Please read and let me know if you want to add or change something."

Doctor Lizbeth sat down and began reading the contract. She gave the Madam in front of her a surprised look when she saw the signature: Zenia Anisen.

It was customary for women with a strong family background to use their maiden name even though they got married. Vaughn wanted his wife to retain her identity even after marrying him, although he was hoping that she would change her mind.

Doctor Lizbeth knew who Zenia Anisen was. She had always been a fan of military women with a strong background. She knew the recent events that happened in Zenia's life. Fortunately, she finally met the person in the flesh.