Chapter 3: Training begins
The queen had been angry for the last 2 months. She was still seething every time the training was mentioned. She wanted to pull the twins out, but the king wouldn't have it. Instead she decided that this woman would be perfect to saddle Seiran with. She was horrible and he would have the worst time with her. So the queen pushed for King Seishun to send a marriage proposal. King Seishun was all for the union, so she didn't have to do much persuading; Seiran would be the problem.
Seiran, though, was indeed interested, only he knew he couldn't show it. When his father would bring it up, he would try to avoid the topic in his usual manner. "Seiran, I'm telling you, this woman would be a wonderful match. She reminds me of your mother. She may be very tough on the outside, but she is very compassionate. She runs shelters and counseling services for battered woman and victims of sexual assault. You can't do that without compassion.", King Seishun pleaded.
"Father, I have told you on numerous occasions that I am not interested in remarrying. You have already decided though that you will continue to pester me, so have it your way, send the proposal.", Seiran replied.
"You won't regret this. Just get to know her. I'm sure you two will hit it off.", King Seishun responded full of conviction.
The queen was so excited. She would finally get rid of this eyesore. She had to play her cards right and kiss up to this girl for the sake of her sons rising to power. All of the anger she had for the past couple months finally subsided with this thought. Seiran and his brothers, along with 5 more soldiers would leave the next day for the training camp. King Seishun sent over the marriage proposal to Erica's brother Richard for him to peruse.
When Richard received the proposal he just shook his head and thought, 'this again? how many times does she have to reject them for them to get it?' Nevertheless, he gave the info packet to Erica. Erica look at the packet and when she saw the picture, she was stuck. It was him, the one son she thought had any promise. She smiled, then handed the file to Richard. "Set the meeting."
Richard was stunned, but quickly collected himself and got to work. Erica had never accepted a proposal from anyone. He knew she would have to sooner or later because her mourning period was over (not that she was actually in mourning ever). She was the reason she was a widow. She caught her husband with another woman and beheaded them both right then and there. She had their bodies burned along with the mattress and bedframe he had stained with their lovemaking. They only allowed a period of 10 years to mourn before she had to choose another husband and those 10 years were up this year. Every eligible prince, general, senator from all around were vying for her hand.
Seiran and his crew arrived at the compound late at night. They were met by Richard at the gate and walked into the main living quarters. They were greated by the other trainees that had also arrived, many who were here to try to win a chance at Erica's hand. Unknown to Seiran, his proposal was the only one accepted. He would be granted a marriage interview with the famous general.
The trainees were given bed assignments. Each had their own room which was comfortable and soundproof to allow for the best resting conditions. There were 8 men and 7 women in this batch of trainees. Some of the men wondered how this many women made it in as students. Was there a bias that allowed for this? Surely there were better men who should be allowed to attend.
Seiran found his room, then went to inquire about food since the trip was very long and all that was available was airplane food. He was practically starving and was hoping to at least get a snack of some kind. He went into the dining hall to find there was a full meal laid out for the trainees. There was every kind of food you could imagine. It all looked so delicious, but Seiran knew his stomach would protest most of it. He took out his indigestion meds so he would be ready.
A woman came down the stairs with more food. She was short and chubby, wearing leggings and a long shirt. He could still make out her hips and the shape of her butt and breast underneath. His body reacted in a way it hadn't ever reacted before and he had ro immediately go ro his room so he wouldn't be embarrassed. He had only glanced at her and he had this kind of reaction. Maybe he should give up on the general. Once he was able to calm himself again, Seiran went back into the dining hall. The woman wad still there, conversing with people here and there. Asking people what type of food they liked and smiling showing the cutest dimples. His body reacted again, but he was able to control his breathing and settle down. He had to be able to withstand her presence or it would be bad.
The women noticed he wasn't eating and walked over. She bent down near his ear so he could hear her better due to the loudness of the environment. Feeling her breath on his ear made his hair stand on end. Hearing her soft melodic voice and slight southern drawl made his who body relax. She reiterated herself and outt brought him back to attention. "Seiran, Seiran correct?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Are you having a hard time choosing what to eat? I swear you won't die from my cooking. It's quite good if I must say so myself", Erica stated.
"Slowly choosing my damage. It all looks great, I just have a hard time digesting meat", Seiran sighed.
"Hmmm. How about an alternative then? ", she questioned.
"No thanks. I have to stick to a specific diet ro maintain my health"
"How are you maintaining health if it makes you sick?", she eyed inquisitively.
He was stuck, he had no answer for that. He always simply regarded what the doctors said back home. He had never been given alternatives. Erica stuck up a finger indicating he should wait a moment. She brought over a plate of chicken patties. "Here, try this. This should do well on your stomach. Plus it's spicy so it gives it a little extra something."
Seiran made himself a couple sandwiches with two of the patties. When he started eating he noted how good they tasted, but also noted the texture. Was this really chicken? He had to find out what he was eating. He also didn't have any stomach issues like normal. He waved Erica over. "This is delicious, but I can tell it's not chicken by the texture. What is it?"
"It's made from wheat gluten. There is protein in them as well which makes them a great substitute for meat. There are burgers, chicken nuggets, and other meat substitutes as well if you wanted to continue on your regimen."
"Thank you, that would be great.", he said as she walked away. He still hadn't asked her name, but she got away from him too quickly. He continued eating and watching her every move. He was going to find out about her if it killed him. He glanced up and noticed Richard looking at him. Had he seen him eyeing her? Would he make a big deal out of it and make him leave for insulting his sister by looking at another woman? He sure hoped not. He glanced up again, but Richard was back smiling and talking with his wife next to him. Seiran was uneasy for the rest of the night wondering if Richard would make a big deal out of the look. He couldn't be sent away now, he had only just met her. He needed to find out her name, but he didn't want to make it obvious. He asked a couple of the other guys, but they didn't know either.
Afterwards they cleaned up and prepared to the next day. He would have his marriage meeting with Erica in the morning. He was intrigued by her eyes and demeanor, but now he had been entranced by this mystery woman. As he was heading to bed, he passed Richard to get to his room. He bid goodnight and started to walk by. Richard simply said in a low voice, "Be careful with your eyes." and walked away. Seiran was stunned. He had been warned and would not make the same mistake again. He couldn't be sent away so soon, not after just meeting her. He went into his room and turned the light off, getting into the bed. He had the hardest time though, tossing and turning, but he eventually calmed and went into a deep sleep.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone