"Hyah, Max!" Rapunzel urged.
Eugene could barely keep up with her. On their way to the stable, they'd run into Stan and Pete. Both guards seemed confused when their princess pressed them for information about the whereabouts of their latest visitor, but luckily for them, they knew where to find him.
"You there, Hold!"
"Whoa," the startled coachman pulled the reins and the carriage stopped with screeching wheels on the border of Old Corona.
"Um?" The man looked helpless at Eugene, but before he could say anything the passenger door opened.
"What's going-" The minister's gaze fell on the lost princess. "On?" Her face flushed and out of breath as she sat on her high horse. "Your Highness?"
"Stop messing around! We've read your report."
The minister did not look impressed. "This better be good, I am on vacation."
He stepped out into the open and Eugene gasped in horror. The floral print on the linen shirt shimmered in the ever-glistening sun, while his wrinkled white legs either forced his eyes upward to the much-too-tight khaki shorts or downward. Oh God, Eugene wished nothing more than to be blind. Over old stubby knees, a layer of thick socks was pulled ending in sandals. He gagged. This was a declaration of war.
"Wait, what?" Rapunzel blinked. "Vacation? But I thought you hated Corona? Why would you spend your vacation here?"
"To put it in your words," the minister coughed, "the capital is one big snoozefest."
Eugene winced. He could have sworn he'd never said that out loud.
"Old Corona on the other hand is the highlight of my year. It's fresh and bold. With its countless scientific achievements. It's the most advanced village of all kingdoms," he gushed excitedly.
Rapunzel frowned. "Uhm, so you like it here?"
"Like? Are you kidding? I love it! The urban practicality mixed with the futuristic genius is breathtaking," he fangirled and continued, "My whole family loves it. There's something for everybody: the people are nice, my kids love playing in the countryside, and good old Sally's stew warms the coldest of hearts. Even my wife recently agreed to join us. She is a huge fan of the local beauty products."
"Ah, the facial moisturizer," Eugene confirmed at the same time Rapunzel blurred out, "Hair conditioner."
The minister nodded pleased. "We also get our yearly supply of laundry detergent here."
"What exactly are you the minister for?" Eugene asked suspiciously.
"Agriculture development and research."
"Huh, that actually explains a lot."
The royal couple looked at each other. Maybe not all was lost.
