Tangled By Fate

"Aren't they afraid of Arthur?" she asked him. "If they are, they shouldn't try attacking me."

"They are afraid of him, but they are not afraid of you because you don't have any power to kill them or punish them. They will only attack you with their words when Arthur isn't around," Ovior patiently told her. 

Veronica smugly uttered, "I can always tell Arthur to punish them or kill them."

Ovior: "…" He was speechless by her rebellious attitude.

It was as though she was a teenager, not the wife of the Master of the Magic Tower.

While working, Catherine bit down her lower lip to control her laughter.

She thought, 'I'm sure he didn't expect her to be so straightforward. There is no way she will suffer and stay quiet.'

Veronica noticed his unusual expression and asked him, "Is there a problem?"

Ovior cleared his throat and responded, "No, let's go to the next part. It's about how to address someone depending on their status. After the Royal Family, the Master of the Magic Tower has the highest status. As his wife, you have the same –"

"I have a question," she interrupted him.

He took a deep breath and cued her, "…Go on."

Veronica mentioned, "I thought Arthur has the highest authority and he is the most powerful person in the world. Then, why is his status lower than the Royal Family?"

He nodded in agreement. "Good question. Arthur is indeed the most powerful man in the world and compared to him, the Royal Family is nothing. However, there had been an agreement between the Royal Family and the Magic Tower during the Great War. Since the Royal Family takes care of the wellbeing of the people, they get the highest position."

"So, that's how it is. Then, other than Tybu, in other places, Arthur has the highest status," she concluded.

"Most certainly." Ovior seemed pleased that she could use her brain properly.

At that time, Veronica had a sudden realization.

She said, "I feel like I suddenly turned into a VIP."

He went along with her, "That you are. Now, let's go back to your lesson. You always have to-"

"I have another question."

She interrupted him once again.

Ovior gave her a hard glare. Blue veins popped out in his temple.

"…Now you are being rude. Don't interrupt someone who talks."

Veronica gave him a toothy grin, feeling slightly apologetic. "I'm sorry for my discourtesy but I will forget if I don't ask now."

"Carry on."

"I thought there was something wrong with what you said about Utahill," she shared her opinion.

"What's wrong with that?" he questioned her.

She pointed out, "You said in the Holy City, one cannot use magic. However, Felix used magic to change one's hair and eye color. How did he do that?"

"He found that dead body outside the Holy City of course," he answered her nonchalantly.

She probed further, "Did he write it in his report?"

He explained, "In the report, he briefly described the situation. There was no detailed information. Mistress Veronica, you don't have to think about it. Leave everything to Felix."

"I'm more interested in Lord Alexander," she pestered. "I believe he is somehow connected with Sister Ruth's suicide. I must do something."

Ovior quickly shut her off by saying, "This is a personal matter of Felix. He will handle it. Why don't you focus on your business? Let's continue your second lesson. Where were we?"

---------

Hours later, Veronica dragged her tired body to Arthur's office. His place was always quiet, unlike Ovior's office where the high-ranking magicians often went in and out.

She plopped on the couch and rolled around.

Arthur was reading some magical scrolls that were created by magicians. After seeing her worn-out expression, he asked, "Tired already?"

She nodded her head. "Hmm… Ovior is a strict teacher. He didn't let me go until I finished my fifth lesson."

Arthur's thin lips were holding laughter. "It's only the fifth lesson. Why are you tired already?"

She reported, "I've been tired since morning!"

Arthur smirked. "Really? You were very energetic the night before."

"Umm…" Veronica's face flushed at his teasing remark.

He stood up from his chair and came to her. Afterward, he securely embraced her in his arms and pecked on her head.

"You have worked hard, princess," he said. "Shall I give you some reward?"

The word 'reward' sparked her interest.

She instantly asked him, "What will you give me?"

Arthur took out a box from his pocket and handed it over.

"What's this?" she curiously asked him.

It was a purple wooden box in a square shape.

She opened it and found a bronze holder holding a blue gem.

She liked the unknown gift. "It's pretty!"

"It is called a communication device," Arthur explained. "You can contact anyone as long as you have a communication device."

Veronica's eyes sparkled like a child who got a birthday present.

She checked it top to bottom and said, "Oh wow! Can I communicate with you even if you are in another country?"

"Yes, certainly," he replied.

"No matter how far it is?" she inquired.

He replied with a smile, "No matter how far it is."

"This is the best!" Veronica instantly cheered up.

All her fatigue washed away.

"I can't believe I have my own communication device!" She was grinning from ear to ear.

She suddenly remembered something and said, "I heard they were expensive. The best kind of communication device is so costly that even a king can become a beggar after buying it. But how did you get your hands on it?"

Arthur shared his knowledge, "Most magical artifacts are invented and created here. What do you think this huge tower is for? I'm the one who made your communication device."

"You made this! You are a genius!" Veronica was overwhelmed. "Merlin told me it was hard to make a communication device. That's why it's rare and expensive."

Arthur saw her squirming in happiness.

The effort and joy he put into making this device were worth it – that's what he felt from the bottom of his heart.

"Are you happy?"