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The next day, Zoey arrived with her son, Cedric Prince. She offered Travis three hundred silver coins annually. Travis, though fond of money, knew he wasn't worth that much and refused. He insisted on sixty silver coins a year, despite Zoey's insistence. Zoey appealed to Carissa for help.
Carissa smiled. "Sixty silver coins it is, then. Whether it's sixty or three hundred, the teaching will be the same. This way, he won't feel burdened."
Zoey expressed her gratitude. She readily spent money on Cedric's education and skill development, provided it was affordable. Travis considered even five silver coins a month generous; many commoners earned less in a year. He was only providing guidance, not formal lessons, as Cedric was a teenager, making significant martial arts progress unlikely.
Cedric, however, was diligent and well-behaved, a testament to Zoey's parenting. He was polite, perceptive, and addressed Travis as "Sage Mullen," showing the respect due a mentor, not the arrogance of a noble's son. On his first day, Cedric focused on basic physical conditioning. He had some prior martial arts experience, but it lacked structure. He understood the difficulty and worked diligently, never complaining despite the challenging training. Carissa watched, sipping coffee, noting his slender build and scholarly appearance, yet also his quiet determination, mirroring his mother.
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Carissa wondered why Zoey subjected her son to such hardship. She knew of Oliver's situation at the Southern Frontier and his involvement with Celeste; Timothy and others, under Hector and now Rafael, were there and still corresponded. Regardless of Celeste, Zoey's position as wife and Cedric's standing were unaffected, unless Oliver intended to replace Zoey. Even then, sending a promising scholar to learn martial arts seemed illogical.
"He's not suited for martial arts," Rafael remarked, watching Cedric train.
"I agree. I don't understand Madam Zoey's decision," Carissa admitted.
Rafael speculated, "Women often have intuition, especially about those they know well. Madam Zoey is sharp, particularly after Eleanor's failed plot. She knows the mastermind remains. Rebellions require soldiers; Marshal Prince commands soldiers. I believe she's preparing for the worst."
The worst-case scenario involved children being harmed. Carissa felt sympathy for Zoey—clever, compassionate, yet lacking a suitable partner. Oliver likely wasn't plotting a rebellion—he lacked the power to command the Hell Monarch or Sinclair armies. However, strategic moves could still cause significant damage.
"What do you think of Marshal Prince?" Carissa asked.
Rafael replied, "He's not evil, but far from good. He's clever at times, but his greed for power and love for women are dangerous flaws. His sense of duty is easily superseded by personal gain or a beautiful woman."
Carissa sighed. "It must be hard for Madam Zoey."
"It is," Rafael agreed, adding, "Especially with her youngest sister-in-law's return and the ensuing divorce talk."
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Carissa, having heard the news but dismissed it, showed little interest.
"I see. Let's not concern ourselves with others' business," she stated.