Tangled By Fate

"…He doesn't see me as an adult. I guess I gave them enough reasons to see me and treat me as a child. But I'm willing to change myself. So, I've decided.

"I won't act like a child anymore and think the world is a fun place. I treated this world too lightly. It's one of the most aged existence in the history of creation. From now on, I will treat the earth and the lives of living beings on earth more seriously."

At this point, Catherine cut in saying, "All right, all right, I understand that you are all fired up. It's good that you have become wiser. But please don't change your personality. I love my friend the way she is."

Veronica squeezed her hands. "I know. I won't change my personality but my attitude toward people. I'll treat you like a princess."

Catherine looked away. "Hmph! I don't want that. Treat me like a queen."

"Yes, your majesty." Veronica bowed.

The girls giggled and Catherine pulled her hands. "All right, tell me who else betrayed you., I swear I'll take revenge."

Veronica found her funny. "Can you really take revenge?'

"Why not? Just name it!" Catherine was so sure she could do it. "I'll beat them up."

"Okay, my queen. Please take revenge on Saint Ava and Arthur."

"…Eehh?" Catherine choked.

They were two powerful people. One of them, she never saw in her life and another one, she could never pick a hair of him. How could she beat them up?

But there was something more concerning.

"So, the Saint sold you out to our king but what's the deal of Arthur? What do you mean by 'he betrayed you'?"

Veronica felt a pang in her heart. She took a deep breath and told him the whole story. 

"What? What?" Catherine's eyes nearly popped out from the sockets. "Arthur slept with women!! You mean just like before he met you? Are you kidding? What about mistakes?  It can be illusion magic or something. Did you see that with your very own eyes?"

While working with the Magic Tower, she had learned about magic spells. She knew when certain spells could work.

Veronica let out a long sigh. "You know, you can't use magic inside the Holy City. Moreover, I saw the scene with my very own eyes. I cannot forget it no matter how many times I see it. So, I wanted to run away. I didn't want to face him. 

"Who knew I would get abducted. When I fell from the cliff, I truly wished to die. I thought I would finally be free."

Catherine understood how heartbroken her friend was. However, the accusation was hard to accept. She had seen Arthur for a few months, and she could tell how much he cared for his wife.

She hesitated before saying, "Ver, I know. I believe what you saw was correct. But after your death, Arthur has gone mad." 

"Who cares if he goes mad? I don't care. If he was that worried, why did he cheat? Did she think I would let him off just because I love him? That won't happen. Cheating is forbidden as long as someone is in a legal relationship. What he did was wrong. He needs to face the consequences."

Veronica's voice was firm. She wouldn't let him go without a fight no matter what.

Catherine shook her head. "You don't understand. He killed all the bad criminals and assassins who attacked him and some bad nobles. He used their souls to practice Dark Arts. I tried to contact the devil in exchange for your soul. They are even looking for a body as a host."

Veronica's eyes widened in shock. She knew about God of the Underworld, but she learned something new. 

She covered her mouth. "Dark Arts? That's forbidden."

The Dark Arts, also known as Dark Magic, was a term that referred to any type of magic that was mainly used to cause harm to, exert control over, or even kill the victim. Most people who practiced what was known as The Dark Arts were evil, but not all. 

The Dark Arts commonly referred to spells and actions that could be used to harm others, ranging from the powerful Unforgivable Curses to brewing harmful or poisonous potions and breeding dark creatures. These acts were often illegal or at least heavily discouraged in the wizarding world. Practitioners were referred to as Dark Wizards or Witches.

She learned about many rules and laws, and she knew Dark Arts wouldn't do any good to the human world. 

In ancient times, the Dark Arts were popular among local people, and they hired magicians and witches who performed that magic. Only highly educated magicians and witches could perform the spells since it was done with the ancient language. 

Many people died and the world was filled with unholy items and places. Newborns started to suffer. A curse came down from heaven. 

And then, the Great War washed away all the sins. After that, the leaders and Kings of all kingdoms concluded that ancient language and Dark Arts would be forbidden. 

First, they burned all the books written in the ancient language. They kept very few books in the Holy City and the Magic Tower. 

Then, they created a secret team of highly professional soldiers to hunt down remaining Dart Arts magicians and witches.

Many magicians and witches died. Some fled. Some hid.

In the rules of Magic Tower, magicians couldn't dare to study the ancient language. Even the Head of the Magic Tower couldn't do it.

'Now that Arthur disobeyed the ancient law and opened the forbidden door, how many magicians will follow his path? How many of them are waiting for someone powerful to do something horrible? Now that they got the chance, will they leave this good opportunity?'

Veronica frowned as she thought of that.

"Cathy, I don't think I have time for romance. We have to prevent him from going any further. We must not let others know what he had done."

Catherine was depressed.