Tangled By Fate

"The report says Felix created the fake death of the blessed child."

"Fake death?!" Veronica touched her chest. "But I'm alive and healthy."

Catherine caught on quickly, "Did someone else die in order to cover for Ver?"

"Who died?" Veronica was shocked.

"No one particularly died. Felix used a magic spell on a dead body and left it in the woods. The animals ate the body and made it unrecognizable. Later, it was found by people. Lord Alexander came and investigated it. The Head Priest seemed to recognize the body and declared that it was the blessed child who grew up in the temple."

Veronica was confused. "The Head Priest?"

Arthur added, "The King and Lord Alexander didn't seem to believe him. So, they also brought a nun named Sister Josephine to testify. The body was already hideous at that point. It was rotting too. That nun fainted the moment she saw the dead body. After waking up, she confirmed that it was the blessed child."

"Sister Josephine…" Veronica felt warmth in her heart.

Catherine inquired, "Was there any mention of Ver's name?"

Arthur told them, "There is. In fact, the temple was quiet about the name but the healers she knew told the King your name and how you look. However, they knew her as Ver. They don't know her full name."

Ovior commented, "It's wonderful that the temple is being quiet about Mistress Veronica. They seem to support her."

"Quite the opposite," Catherine stated. "They don't want the troublemaker to go back and destroy the remaining peace. It must be the order of the Head Priest."

"Troublemaker?" Ovior gave a quick glance to Veronica and then nodded. "I can guess why."

"Hey, now!" Veronica said indignantly. "I'm the most lovable girl in the world."

"Yes, you are," Arthur dotingly went along with her.

"Oh please, I'll vomit." Catherine looked away rolling her eyes.

Veronica glared at her and then remarked, "Since they already know I'm dead, doesn't that mean I'm free?"

"We are not so sure about that. Ovior is right. No one knows if they will capture you after they find you," Arthur told her. 

"But I need some answers," Veronica said. "I must go to the temple."

"You can disguise yourself and go there. However, inside the holy city, you cannot use magic. There is a high chance that your disguise won't last for too long. You can't even use teleportation magic to leave that place if you face danger. That's what I'm concerned about the most," Arthur explained. 

"I agree," Ovior added. "The risk is too high. And just because Utahill stopped looking for you, doesn't mean that Riverhill and Synetia will. Lord Alexander is still suspicious too. We cannot let them know that you are alive."

Arthur stated, "Furthermore, they might even look for you desperately. They would want to believe that you are still alive. That's why you have to be more cautious around your surroundings. You will be safe here. Just wait patiently for a couple of months. After everyone stops looking for you, you can go to Utahill and look for the answers you seek."

He patted her back and assured her, "Everything will be alright. Just have a little patience."

"So, we have some time left. After that, Ver will be free from danger." Catherine asked, "What happened to the trial?"

Ovior said, "This time, Mistress Veronica was able to save Sebastian by luck. I don't think she can impose her power to save people like this anymore. If this continues, everyone will think that she favors certain people. It'll create a mess."

Veronica looked guilty. "It was my fault. I didn't favor him. But I promise it won't happen again. I'll do everything I can to be a proper Mistress from now on."

"There is no proper definition of being a proper Mistress."  Ovior commented. "Just cause less trouble. This is the best way to prevent further chaos."

"You are being too hard on her." Arthur frowned.

Ovior rubbed his temple, feeling a headache. "I'm trying to prevent further problematic situations. Yesterday I left her in your care. However, she didn't seem to learn anything. From today onwards I will teach her lessons. Since I already told you about the report, you may go."

Arthur defended Veronica, "My wife is tired. She needs to go to bed and rest."

"I don't need rest," Veronica objected. "I want to learn how to be a Mistress." 

"See? At least she is dutiful, unlike her husband." Ovior glared at the master of the Magic Tower. "Now off you go and finish your work. Your honeymoon trip is around the corner."

"Honeymoon trip?" Veronica looked puzzled. She didn't seem to quite understand what he meant. 

Ovior explained, "Yes, due to work pressure, we delayed your honeymoon trip. A month later, you will go to an island with your husband and stay there for a week. After marriage, every couple deserves to go on their honeymoon. Till then, please learn your lessons well. The Mistress of the Magic Tower should know proper etiquette."

He added, "You need to know how to behave in front of others and who support our Master. You also need to know the people who don't support us. You have to be cautious around them. Or else, you'll be in another danger and someone else has to be punished instead of you. The last thing we need is an ignorant Mistress."

"I understand," Veronica nodded.

'He is scarier than Arthur,' she thought pensively.

Arthur reluctantly went out and Ovior began the lessons.

Veronica's first lesson was – how to handle the enemies.

Ovior lectured her, "The people who don't support magic and Master of the Magic Tower due to his commoner status, they are enemies. You have to deal with them with strategy. If this is something, no matter how painful it is for your ears, you only have to smile gently in response."

"Why do I have to smile?" Veronica couldn't understand. "I can kick some butts."

Ovior answered, "That's because no matter how much they hate him or magic, they can't do anything to him. They don't have the power to do so. That's why they will do their best to attack you with their mouth."

"Aren't they afraid of Arthur?" she asked him.