Insults From The Other

The next day, Hosh was taking a walk to see the condition of the Zenith clan palace. He realized that the palace had a very large area and was closely adjoined by a river. At the front is the main building which consists of the king's throne as well as several large halls for important events. Behind it is a kitchen and several rooms for servants. Where the main building will be empty at night.

The concubine's house was divided on the right side separated by a garden. Serially numbered according to the concubine that the king proposed to first. Likewise the children of each concubine also lived there. The king, of course, having a room in each concubine's house that is no less magnificent.

The palace's backyard, right next to the river, was the practice area. A large field used for fighting, equestrian, and even sports training. Hosh was there where unluckily he saw Emilio who was having a duel with Lionel. Using a wooden stick they attack and beat each other.

Dexterity training, although not a necessity, but basically this ability must be owned by the successors of the clan. Sometimes Hosh felt envious of healthy men who were strong and could train as much as they wanted. In contrast to him who is sick and weak. Hosh was getting ready to leave until a voice called his name.

“Hosh!” he called.

Hosh naturally turned his head. Where Emil and Lion started moving closer.

"That's your name right?" asked Emil with his well-muscled body.

"You have to watch your words from now on. He will marry the princess tomorrow,” said Lion in a mocking tone.

“Yes yes I know. Even if you look at it from any angle, I still can't believe it. Me and Lion here are enemies just so you know. We both really want Wilona to become the successor to the throne in the Zenith clan. But now that you're around, we can't help being friends, to get rid of you. I can't understand why the king allowed Princess Wilona to marry a sick man like you."

“You know. He's just lucky. Go to the forest and just happen to be able to save Wilona. Then pretended to want to cancel the wedding with Wilona. Even though I was very sure in his heart, he was cheering because the king asked him to stay and marry the princess. What a cunning man!”

"Oh really? You're using your illness to make the king take pity on you? You are really very sad. Or could it be… that old couple inside is also your way of making the king melt even more?” Emil narrowed his eyes.

"There's nothing I want to talk to you about." Hosh turned around and intended to leave immediately.

"Hey! How insolent you are! How could you leave when both of us are talking to you.” Emil tried to prevent.

“You should be more careful, Emil. He might complain about you to the king.”

That words invited Emil and Lion's laughter in turn. Hosh could even see from the corner of his eye how some of the soldiers as well as the servants who were there were also secretly holding back laughter. It was clear, they just wanted to embarrass Hosh in front of everyone.

"I was just taking a walk and I have to go now."

Hosh tried to walk back home, but instead Emil pushed him away with a wooden stick in his hand.

"Hey Hosh! Just that? You don't want to try dueling with us?”

Emil again pushed the man's back with the wooden stick in his hand. This time it was louder and made him fall.

Hosh, who was already so angry, got up on his own after picking up the two fallen sticks. It's useless. Hitting Emil or Lion will only embarrass him more. If one of them hit back, he would fall and get hurt. Hosh also didn't have the ability to compete with his current condition.

“You just feel like you lost to me. I, who have this disease and disability, can actually enter the Gray Forest safely and get Princess Wilona out safely. You are just jealous, because compared to you who are handsome and strong and also have important positions, it was me who was asked by the king to marry his daughter.”

Hosh had taken a few steps before stopping again.

"And the most important thing you should know. You can insult me, but don't bring my grandparents into this!”

Hosh was walking again hobbling with two steps in his hands. Where Emil was actually ready to go forward and hit the man from behind, but Lion quickly held him back. With a shake of his head, Lion motioned not to hit this time. Inside, Lion smiled because he had planned something bigger than this.

Hosh who was still followed by the maids went to his guest room. Along the way, all kinds of thoughts started to assail him. His condition was so easily carried up and down even though he had only been in the palace for two days. Almost arriving at his room, the maid's voice suddenly broke his reverie.

"Are you all right, Sir?" asked the servant suddenly.

"I? Ah… I'm fine. What's your name?" Hosh asked now turning to look at the waiter.

“Introduce my name is Shenna, Sir. Sorry I haven't introduced myself before. I… am also still a new servant here and my job is to assist Master,” she said, looking down in embarrassment.

“I see. I'm frankly not used to accompaniment like this. Especially if you keep calling me sir. I hope... you can be normal in the future. Although I'm sure that in this condition… it will be hard to get used to it.” Hosh sounded desperate again.

"Sir, for this one, I will still call you sir because you are indeed my master here. But… as for the matter of getting used to it… I'll try to do it.” Shenna looked down again.

"Okay then Shenna. You can go back to your place. I can go into my own room."

"Yes sir. Hm… you better rest. Tomorrow is a big day for Mr. Mister and Princess Wilona's wedding day."

"Yes I remember it and if I may I would like to disappear at this time. I don't want to marry anyone, not even Princess Wilona." Hosh was already holding the doorknob.

“Sir, I totally understand everything feels so fast and hard to control, but isn't fate always like that? The problem is you can't go against the grain. The longer you will get tired and maybe will drown in it. Then the best way to handle it is you just need to go with the flow. You might find out eventually.”

Hosh digested Shenna's words when he was in his own room.

"Destiny? Is it my fate? Sick for 12 years and then married because of a contest with a princess?”