There are two stories here. They mix NWZ with the novella "The Count of Monte Christo". I really like the idea of Diego coming back unrecognized. He has to take on different disguises with different identities and has to play even more roles. Then I asked myself some questions and thought about it. There are comments about this in the chapters.

But I didn't want to just copy this idea from the other two authors. I also didn't want to put Diego in jail for several years.

That's why I deviated a bit here, so it's less "Monte Christo". Diego is also very wealthy in my story, without his father knowing, but not because of any treasure he has found.

Don Alejandro and Viktoria stayed behind in Los Angeles, as in the original. Felipe, however, begins his story in Madrid. So, Don Alejandro has yet to meet him.

Explanation:

This is a fanfiction story written solely for the enjoyment of myself and other Zorro fans. It is provided by me for free and there is no profit motive behind it.

I have no rights to NWZ. Exceptions are the characters I invented for this story.

Madrid, Spain

"And Diego, how was your training session with our esteemed fencing teacher?" Ramon asked with a grin.

Instead of a direct answer, the young Vega pointed to the new weapon in his sash.

"One of your swords? What about it?" his friend asked curiously.

"It belonged to Edmond. He gave it to me."

Just like that?"

Diego shrugged. "I beat him today. Apparently, he once swore to give his weapon to the one who could beat him. That must have been me."

"You beat him in your training duel, and he gave you, his sword? Just like that? I know you're an excellent fencer, but he gave you the weapon just because you were better than him once?"

"Not exactly," the young man admitted sheepishly.

"But what?"

"Three times. I beat him three times. One after the other. So, he didn't make it easy for me."

"You beat the great Sir Edmond Kendall three times." Ramon shook his head in bewilderment. "That's incredible. I would accuse anyone else of lying, but not you. I know you're an honest man. I didn't know you were that good."

Diego groaned. "Please don't tell anyone else. Otherwise, I won't be able to concentrate on my studies. If word gets around, everyone will want to duel with me, and the ladies will chase me even more."

"After your breakup with Zafira, that was to be expected. You're a good match, even if you don't realize it. A successful student who is not only intelligent but can also fight. On top of that, you have a generous patron who supports you in every way. What more could you want?"

"Maybe a woman who loves me for me and not for what I represent?"

Ramon probably didn't say anything back. Diego had confided to him some time ago that he had been secretly in love with a certain senorita named Victoria before he left for Madrid. But as long as his friend didn't want to talk about it, he wouldn't press him.

Instead, he patted the young Vega on the shoulder. " Maybe you shouldn't wear your new sword so openly if you want to keep your victory a secret. But don't worry, I won't tell the others about your latest fencing skills. But you'll buy me a glass of wine in the new tavern. Acordado?"

English is not my native language and I find it very difficult to translate. So, I write the text in my native language and have the AI translate it into English. I then read it through and make corrections where necessary.

I hope the result is reasonably readable.