SYZYGY:The raise of the Monarch

Chapter XI

The training lasted longer than Eva expected, but it wasn't even close to being difficult for her. The only thing that was unbearable was the men openly fantasizing about her, making sure she could hear every word they said.

"What a catch we've got here." 

"I never thought I'd meet such a beauty, especially not in the training grounds!"

 "Damn, I couldn't focus on a thing the General said earlier because she's too distracting." 

"Same here. I'll make her make it up to me." 

"Shut up, she's mine."

 "No, she's mine!"

They began mock-arguing with the worst intentions in mind, while Eva was silently making plans to protect herself from their potential danger. Suddenly, Vernon appeared beside her, scratching his head and yawning, his usual polite demeanor quickly slipping away.

"You're awake?" she asked.

 "I wasn't sleeping." 

"Then what were you doing? Lying down with your eyes closed?" 

"Maybe my eyes were closed, but my mind wasn't resting. Anyway, are you done with playtime?"

 "Well, you could definitely call it playtime—boring as hell."

Vernon didn't reply; he simply scanned her from head to toe. It looked like she hadn't broken a sweat, confirming she was strong, though the training hadn't been that tough. He recalled how he had once struck her head, leaving only a light scratch that had nearly healed. Beyond her physical strength, she was smart and composed, never revealing even a hint of her true personality to anyone. Ever since she had asked him about buying a dress, she hadn't brought it up again.

'I need her alive as long as possible. I'll make a great soldier out of her, send her to destroy her country, and then I can get rid of her,' Vernon thought.

His eyes shifted to her shabby, worn-out clothes.

 "I'm going to the nearby market. Come along if you need to buy anything."

Eva blinked twice before scoffing, "Are you mocking me?"

Vernon kept walking. "I'm going to give you money."

"I don't want your money."

'This fiery woman,' Vernon thought as he clicked his tongue. He stopped, turned to face her, and pulled a pouch of money from his pocket.

"It's an apology for being a jerk that day. Take it, or I'll throw it to those idiots over there. Your choice." He tossed a few coins to the ground, drawing the attention of some nearby men.

But Eva didn't budge. She just kept glaring at him, making him smirk. 

"Put that ego of yours aside for a moment—it won't feed you."

She still didn't respond.

'What's wrong with her? She wasn't mad at me this morning when I brought her breakfast,' Vernon thought, raising an eyebrow. He sighed and moved closer.

"Alright, I won't say or do anything that'll upset you. Just come along so you'll know the way for when you have your own money."

Eva lowered her gaze, looking at her tattered clothes. It was a pitiful sight, and she couldn't help but feel sorry for herself. She glanced at the men behind her, then remembered the terrifying Tsar who was still after her. Vernon, standing in front of her, was her only safe option. She nodded and quietly said, "I'll go with you."