Chapter 119 - Parting is such a Sweet Sorrow

"Let's go, Mother told me to accompany you to buy things." Zander suddenly barged in while Vaughn was changing his shirt.

He wanted to punch the big ape, but he knew that he should exercise patience. Besides, he was still thinking of ways to make his brother-in-law to like him. They went drinking for a couple of times but those were still not enough to make Zander wholeheartedly accept him as Zenia's husband.

Sparks began to fly between them.

"I can go together with Zenzen, brother-in-law. You don't need to bother."

"I insist, and this is Mother's arrangement."

"I will tell Mother that Zenzen can accompany me."

"No can do, MY LITTLE ZENZEN is already busy with her training."

"I'm sure that MY WIFE will gladly accompany me, and will gladly abandon her training for a bit."

"MY LITTLE ZENZEN must not be disturbed when she's training."

"MY WIFE must've been training for quite some time now and needs to rest. Taking a stroll can be good."

"Why are the two of you still here? Go on and buy things already," Renaria stopped them with her commanding tone.

Vaughn and Zander looked at each other and said in unison, "Yes Mother, we will go now."

"Son-in-law, wear this," Renaria handed Vaughn a shirt, pair of pants, and a faux mustache.

"Is this for a disguise Mother?"

"Yes, Zenzen said that you must wear it. She got up earlier and said that she's still too sleepy and went back to bed. She did not want to disturb you when she saw that you were still fast asleep."

Vaughn looked at Zander who just whistled. Renaria shook her head and went on her way.

Zander showed Vaughn around town. He had been a good host even though he was not interested in accompanying Vaughn. His mother explicitly told him to make sure that Vaughn would be able to buy all the things that he would need for the training. Zander showed him the shops where high-quality goods could be found.

Although they bickered earlier, Zander was courteous while showing Vaughn around. Vaughn never thought that Ishelon had lots of things to offer, especially the different kinds of elixirs and potions for different types of ailments.

They took their lunch in one of Zenia's favorite restaurants. Zander showed Vaughn some of the places that Zenia used to visit and the activities that she usually participated in. Renaria told Zander to let Vaughn see the places and things that Zenia used to visit and do. Vaughn knew that his mother-in-law wanted him to understand his wife more.

* * * * *

The appointed first day of Vaughn's training finally arrived. Zenia helped him prepare. He would be staying in the military camp during his training period. He should get up early and train together with the military men of Ishelon. Ovid told him that he should familiarize himself with his new environment within the first two days.

Zenia checked the things that he should bring along. A day before, Zander accompanied Vaughn to town and helped him buy the things that he would need, including pieces of clothes and other personal stuff. Zenia made him wear a disguise just to make sure.

"Remember, you are there to train. You need to act like everyone else. During your training renounce the title of Crown Prince of Tissuria. Just go with the identity that father has prepared for you."

"I know," he spoke gently while looking at Zenia who was busy packing his things.

"The training might be too much for you, tell Father if you feel any discomfort. The soldiers of Ishelon are already used to the training that Father and Big Brother will give."

"I know."

"You need to stay focused and try to learn everything."

"I know."

"You have a good foundation, but you need to strengthen some areas. The training that you usually do in Tissuria is something that pales in comparison with what we do in Ishelon."

"I know."

Vaughn smiled as he continued to watch Zenia taking care of things for him. Just a few days back, she complained to her mother about cheating. Now, she kept reminding him about the things he should and should not do during training. Vaughn felt warm inside.

Zenia handed him his bag when she finished. Vaughn had a silly smile on his lips when he accepted the bag.

"What?"

"What what?"

"You're smiling silly, is there something funny that I should know?" Zenia was getting annoyed.

'What's with this guy? I already helped him pack, does he find it funny? I will not help him again!'

"I'm just happy that we finally made up."

Vaughn dropped the bag and hugged Zenia tightly.

"W-Who says you can hug me?" Zenia protested as she tried to break free from Vaughn's embrace.

"Please let me hug you this way. We will be separated for a long time once more. I will do my best so that I can defeat you fair and square during our rematch."

Zenia no longer struggled, "Why do I feel like you said something unpleasant?"

"Yes, my line could be considered unromantic, but it carries my sincerity. I want to defeat you so I can take you home with me and not let you stay here for a few weeks. Being away from you for just a day is torture."

"I will give it my all, you know. There's something I need to finish here."

"I know, I know."

They stayed that way for quite a while. Vaughn never wanted to be separated from Zenia, but he knew that he would learn a lot from the training as well. He had a hunch that his mother-in-law wanted him to get stronger so he could protect his wife. Zenia was strong, but they could not be complacent. They still had no idea how strong their enemies were. They knew that there were other groups aside from the Left Minister and Ninth Prince.

A maid knocked on the door, "Young Miss, it's time for the Young Master to leave. The Master is waiting for him."

Vaughn reluctantly let go of Zenia. He did not want to make his father-in-law wait for him. He stopped Zenia from sending him off. He was afraid that he might not be able to let go.

He whispered in his wife's ear, "Wait for me, I will surely defeat you after my training."

He kissed her on her cheek and turned to pick up his bag before he walked away in hurried strides.

"I will be waiting," Zenia whispered and smiled faintly.