Surprisingly the Stone hearted one reacted.
" She is what?! " The young Kings' eyes widened. Meanwhile, His cousin Lord Hiuh seems amused by Zess' expression despite of not showing it fully because of his blank expressions. Zess suddenly felt the change of aura of his older cousin. The Doll Princes' aura suddenly turned emotional.
=_=: Big brother, whats wrong?
^_^: You really do not know how my heart have skipped a lot of beats the moment we are unable to find you. This time was the most dangerous. You even went missing and plans to jump of the cliff.
=_=: Err.....Big brother your words sounds weird. I almost jumped on the cliff?
^_^: Even with my abilities. I am still human and can still feel panic. Aunt and Uncle passed a long time ago. They loved me as if i also was theirs, and you treat me as if I am your real brother and there is nothing more than I want to do than protect you and this kingdom. The hope that they could help me watch over you might be answered.
Lady Mary was able to save you just in time. If happened I was alone all this time, I'll never make it and might've lost you too. Please show her some kindness in respect of saving you.
=_=: I was saved by the woman? Why?! I know wasn't good at her at all.
Believe me Big Brother neither I also do not want that to happen. But the fact that It's getting worse on those types of time, I assume this type of thing or worse will happen again.
^_^: I know you are making such effort to distance yourself so that no harm will occur to your people but believe me, She is here for a reason. Lady Mary will be with you as while I will be away performing my duty, I will also find ways to lift your curse.
Anyways, She sure took care of you lots. Lady Mary never left your side when you are suffering out cold till you are in good health.
=_=: And so? that hero cannot be seen though.....
^_^: That is right she left. This is sad....
=_=: Ugh!
( acting sad to make Zess feel guilty )
The Prime Minister is known to be a great administrator and as the Kings' shadow, He is ought to display absolute command in dealing external affairs. But in this scenario He plans to not slip the opportunity in making fun of his dear cousin. And so his little fun scheme begins.
^_^: Conferences and site investigations are done so It seems I will be working here in the castle for a while yes?
=_=: ( Huh?! ) Oh .... yes absolutely, That's.....that is fantastic my Lord Brother!
^_^: Yes! I will be with you as of today and will look after you. Happy are you is that right?
( I am happy that Big brother Hiuh will stay at the castle now but how the heck will I be able to know where that is woman now? )
=_=: Oh! but....pay no mind on my health I will be fine It's just..well, (coughs*) want to be alone till night rest.
^_^: Do you want me to stay with you till you sleep?
=_=: I'm fine please look after the rest of the documents in my office just for today and just get back here by night.
^_^: Alright, I will go now, rest properly Zessi.
( Internally laughing )
( Door closes* )
As he leaves Zess' quarters and walks towards the office, the young Lord can't help but show a smile on his lips with his cousins reactions. The very first time in a while seeing him flustered over someone for years is amusing. He is very much aware of the fact that King Zess may be strict, aloof, a respected king but a terrible actor. Hiuh gently mumbles...
" I leave the things to you Zessi....outside "
A premonition like word came out in the Prime Ministers' lips as if he is looking forward of this day to happen.
Meanwhile.....while walking around the room after Lord Hiuh left, the surprised Zess kept thinking possible reasons of Marys' sudden disappearance.
That woman took care of me yet the nerve of her to leave her King unattended. Maybe.....
- She might've missed her home
-She might've finally have realized the difficulty of the job or.....
-She might've been so done on me.
I was suppose to be happy that I am finally alone working nonestop and could spend time the way I want yet...That nosy woman sure did made her presence solid.
Maybe.....
She might've find this castle suffocating!
I am such a weak Royal unable to fight this curse and did terrible things to that woman.
( sigh )
Now, for today....Ah
Zess is staring far away from the window looking at the the city in deep thoughts.
Several minutes past, He dresses on a standard civilian outfit and snuck out of the castle grounds guard less. He rides a horse going to the kingdom capital in disguise wearing a mana ring to conceal his abilities and changed his hair color to red.
When he finally arrived to the city, the King on disguise roams around searching for any traces or hints that leads to finding Mary. Zess knew that Mary is working at Damme Annes' however he forgot to look the exact place out of disinterest.
Damme Anne is a well known personality but he wondered if Mary is the same. He is an awkward person who lived his life protected in his castle that rarely goes out public venturing out in disguise. Asking civilians might be a hurdle for him to overcome.
He wandered the city streets for a long time till he felt hungry at noon. Unable to buy anything due to the royalty's poisoning protocols, Zess finally noticed a field with fresh apples and rushed to get one.
" Apples from the trees is impossible to be poisoned so this is safe "
When he finally have to take a bite. Children playing kites bumped on him. The apple was missing in his hands and nowhere to be found, It is quite rude for the owner of the trees to pick another piece. And so he hungrily rested under the trees in deep sigh.
Why did I even made my way out for her.....
He closed his eyes with his grumbling stomach unable to eat anything other than castle food.
"Dang why did i even go out without breakfast''
" And why are you sitting there with your stomach rumbling? Geez do I have to see u collapse out of hunger the second time "
-Zess' eyes widened when she saw the familiar woman and her familiar nagging.
=_=: Woman it's really you!!
>.<: Pffft....( laughs ) It's been a while Sir Red head.
wow you sure do sound someone familiar to me. Anyways I have steamed buns. It's on me please have some!
=_=: Did you make this?
>.<: Yes of course! I heard that this is a popular dish in the southeast region so I tried making one.
=_=: I am done, I appreciate the meal.
>.<: Haha.... you eat fast, done already? well you are a man after all. Anyways you are a soldier right?
=_=: ( In disguise ) Yes I am, and you ask?
^_^: Is the Castle feeding you well? or are you just a dunce forgetting your meals?
=_=: Excuse me?!! ( me...a Dunce!! ) are you not a bit forward complaining to the castle Lords like that?
^_^: What? am I?? I am sorry My good Sir but you have to take care of yourself too. You see I work in the castle for while now too and my master is a bit of a problem.
=_=: Well let me hear it
( oho.....now she complains l should find out out more )
>.<: Well my master is not exactly the problem, More like I am concerned of his welfare. At first He resist any care and meals before made by me too. He is very respected and hardworking but he lacks self love. I just hope that if he does not take care of his self well, I will gladly want to remind him that but .....
=_=: And....go on ....Continue
>.<: Well..I am co....concerned if I have full confidence on doing so since I do not want my master to hate me. Maybe he might think that I am annoying or that may think that i nagg at him.
=_=: ( Bullseye! ) You sure do annoy or nagg a lot but the more it's clear..the more you became genuine in my eyes.
>.<: Really?!! you can see through it right?!! Ahaha I wish my master can say that...Thank you my good Sir!
=_=: Well I am saying it ....IF I am in his shoes.
( Good thing I am in disguise )
>.<: Thank you I am not doubtful with my actions anymore! ( Stands up ) Well it is nice talking to you I shall head off now.
=_=: ( Holds hand* ) Where are you going? I heard you left the castle. Are you not going back?
>.<: Wait a minute.....I did not left It's just my day off you see
=_=: ( Dumbfounded ) Haaaaaah?!! So.. you are not leaving?
>.<: Yes!! My Lord was kind enough to give me a work off. Though I do not want to leave my sick master behind but he insists.
=_=: I....see
Facepalm*
( Oh my goodness....I am in awee with your antics Big Brother....you surely made a fool out of me! )
>.<: I should go now, I need to do some shopping and head back.
=_=: Wait! I should escort you! as thanks....for that white something that I ate. ( Thank i won't have debt on you )
>.<: Really? thank you!! let us go then.
=_=: Hey don't just grab me and sprint.
They spend the afternoon strolling and buying things. Mostly herbs and spices for instant recovery. They have talked a lot of things like festivals and places as they check one shop after another.
While Mary shops for the rest of the ingredients. She made The red haired guy aka King Zess wait and rest outside the shop near the fountain area, His face matching his tall and dignified figure even in disguise, keep lots of Ladies caught gazing in his way. Like a foreign prince out for a stroll.
Zess is very much aware of the stares and does not like the situation but if he goes inside a store, the more cramped and lesser the chance he can escape of the seemingly annoying eyes directed at his way. Some ladies suppose to approach him when a hand suddenly grabbed his way and ran out of the publics eyes.
>.<: " I sure do made you feel uncomfortable there. please bare with the running for a moment "
A similar vague memory Zess have on that moment is running with his life, but getting back to reality, He is running but with someone that is smiling and does not care even if her hair is messed up. As if he is trying to remember a distant memory yet unable to be fully recalled.
As he looked upon the sorroundings, people are cheering and smiling and looking back he saw a bunch of Ladies and gentlemen running behind them. Zess finally took the lead in running and grabbed Mary.
They head straight towards the direction where his horse is waiting in the park, As he whistles, The horse came rushing at his direction to his rescue and finally managed to escape from the fiasco.
At last they finally had their moment and crossed upon the spectacular beach side. It seems like a slow mo moment came across to the two of them they caught each others' stares and laugh the whole situation out.
The riding moment continued till sunset. It was a memorable moment. Mary thankfully waves a goodbye after a good time at the disguised Zess.
>.<: "It was a sudden meet up but I had a fun time, Till next time we meet again Sir Red"
Mary waves and bids a cheerful farewell as Zess in disguise with his horse, made their exit.
Back to the real deal in the castle at 6pm....
It's dinnertime. Zess managed to rush back at his room and quickly changes his clothes and removes the mana ring revealing his lovely golden hair and ocean blue eyes. While laying down, He immediately thought about the whole moment being a pointless mess. Yet the day turned suddenly interesting the later.
( Door knocks 3 times* )
^_^: Hey Zessi are you well? Mary and I bought you dinner.
>.<: Good evening your Highness I had a day off earlier. I apologize for not informing you ahead.
=_=: I couldn't care less you leaving a day or two as I was unconscious too though.
^_^: pfft though you reacted funnily earlier*
=_=: I do not!
>.<: Um.....right I was suppose to give you a South eastern treat but a stranger I met is hungry so I will make some again tomorrow.
But please enjoy this soup filled with herbs. I will make you healthy in no time.
^_^: Are those rare herbs I see? they are quite effective yet very expensive.
=_=: They are?
^_^: Yes they do! you are one luck master Zessi.
We are great ful for the care Mary. I should try this too.
"Zess grabs Hiuh's hand"
=_=: This is for me Brother, I was the one who is sick right? ( Slurps* )
Hmm ...Sounds promising not bitter at all for a medicine.
( Well that stranger with you earlier is your master though )
Smirks*
This Woman really is something.....
And the 3 of them enjoyed the night
*To be Continued*
Character Emojis Used:
=_=: King Zess
^_^: Prime Minister Hiuh
>.<: Mary