Tangled By Fate

"You are truly the blessed child. However, you are the first to have this kind of power. The blessed children before you could never control nature. Do you know why?"

At his prompt question, Veronica cocked her head.

"Isn't it because others only stayed inside the walls and prayed for the rest of their lives? How can they be as useful as me?

"Let me tell you, you all want blessed children to be obedient because they have immense powers that can rule the world. Nevertheless, you don't want something like that to happen. Do you know why?

"It's because you want to rule the world yourself. That's why you want to capture the blessed children to use them for your own agenda. 

"You keep the blessed children inside the walls like a criminal in the prison and let them only heal people at your mercy. Humans, elves – they are all the same.

"They are selfish, power greedy, jealous, and disgusting. Isn't that why you killed those innocent children who couldn't kill a fly let alone expose you?"

Urulas was speechless. It was the third time he met her, and it felt like he kept knowing a new side of hers every time. 

At first, she was as innocent as a dove. The second time, she was like destructive waves that could wreck the whole elvish village. Third, she was as wise as the oracles of ancient times.

He couldn't help but stare at her in awe. He even forgot to eat.

Veronica didn't care about his dumb expression. She concentrated on finishing her meal.

For the past few months, she had lots of time to think this through. She was used, betrayed, imprisoned, got abducted, treated like a slave, almost got killed.

She had a realization of how scary the world was. 

The world was like quicksand. If she let her guard down, she would drown in the ocean of sand and could never get up.

Even so, she didn't want to give up on her dream. She still wanted to explore the world knowing it still had a good side. 

She understood the fact that her naiveness and single-minded kindness would only make her fall in danger again and again. She would become a burden no matter where she went.

Therefore, she decided to let go of her stupidity. She would rather be more careful and not fall for tricks. She would be kind, but not silly kind. She would be gentle but only when it was needed.

For now, she was displeased. She wasn't happy with the punishment of Urulas and his men. 

She wrecked her brain all day to come up with what to do with them and what should be her next move.

When Urulas mentioned her power, she recalled yesterday's event. At that time, she was too angry to think about it. 

But, now she was surprised thinking she had that kind of power. She had no idea why nature didn't help her when she was injured.

Urulas came back to senses and stated, "Listen, you are the blessed child and right now you are in the elvish realm. Here, nature is close to our hearts, especially yours.

"That's why you should control your emotions a bit. Who knows what havoc it will cause if your emotions are out of control."

"You don't have to worry about that. I've decided to leave this place. I'm going to the human realm," Veronica disclosed her plan.

"What?" Urulas was at a loss for words.

She didn't pay attention to his reaction. "You and your criminal men are coming with me. You will teach me how to fight, how to survive in the wilderness, how to hunt animals. I want to learn how the world works."

Urulas choked. "But… but you can do it here in the elvish realm. You will be safe here too."

Veronica shrugged. "What's the point of staying here? This isn't my home. If I stay here, I'll turn into a caged bird. The human realm is vast. People who know me are very few in number. I can live there without worry."

She paused before adding, "Moreover, if I don't fall in danger, how will I learn to survive?"

"…" Urulas didn't persuade her further. 

Later, Veronica was done packing and was ready to leave when Dastan came to meet her.

He directly asked her, "I heard you are leaving. What about going to the imperial village?"

Veronica bluntly answered, "Oh, not going there. I'm not interested in reading books."

Dastan's expression didn't look well. "You asked for a favor and I gave it to you. Now you are backing from your words."

"How can that be?" Veronica was confused. "The favor was about you gaining my trust. Congratulations. You have earned it." She patted his back. 

Dastan was flabbergasted. He was unable to get a word out. 

Everything was going according to his plan. He was planning to trick his younger brother for a long time and then he met Veronica. 

Upon listening to her story, he smirked inwardly thinking this was his chance. However, after Urulas met Veronica, nothing went according to his plan.

Not only did it happen, but he also discovered that his brother became a bit closer to Veronica and became her escort. 

By this time of the day, he was sure that  his father already knew about it. Even so, he didn't oppose his youngest son's action because he was pleased with the outcome.

The blessed child needed guidance. In the guise of punishment, the elves would become her guardians and teachers. She would still have a connection with them even if she didn't stay in the elvish realm. 

Dastan clenched his fists. He couldn't accept that. He had come this far only to give away the trophy to his brother – he would rather die than accept that.

He grabbed her arm forcefully and gave her an anxious look.

"Will you think twice before you take action? How about this? In exchange for Urulas, I will be your teacher.. I'll teach you how to fight and everything. What do you think?"