Tangled By Fate

"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. "It's too late."

"What do you mean by it's too late?" Veronica's heart dropped. "Don't tell me he succeeded in summoning the God of Underworld?"

Catherine shook her head. "He didn't want to summon the God of the Underworld. He straightly called for the Demon Lord."

"D-Demon Lord?" Veronica gulped. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You don't read dark history books and so you have no idea. The Demon Lord is the King of Hell!" Catherine explained.

In her free time, she had been reading books so that she could forget about Veronica's death.

"Arthur went too far." Veronica's expression contorted. "At this point, to bring me back from death… If he was going to go that far, why did he cheat? This is so unfair."

Catherine spoke her mind. "That's why I'm telling you that there might be a reason behind his action."

Veronica became a bit agitated after hearing that. "I told you! I don't care what his reason is! If he loves me, he has to be loyal to me. If he can't do that, the only thing left is separation."

Catherine was startled by her rough voice. She realized that it wasn't time to push her theories to her. 

"Ver, I know you are mad but think this through. You guys got married so soon and hardly know each other. Try asking him what happened that night. If it really was him or another man – you need to know that. That's your right."

With a gentle and relaxed voice, she put her thoughts into words. The last thing she wanted was a conflict with her best friend. 

Veronica frowned. "You think I won't recognize who my husband is?"

'Oh, no! I'm making things worse.' Feeling nervous, Catherine quickly raised her hands. 

"No, I didn't mean that. All I want you not to regret. Don't you want to stop him from summoning the Dark Lord? When you do, just ask him why he did that. Clear up everything and break things up with him."

She cried inwardly and prayed, 'I'm sorry that I couldn't give you a proper solution. I hope you will calm down before you face him.'

When she heard about 'break up', Veronica gradually cooled down. Her stern expression turned normal.

Observing her reaction, Catherine sighed in relief. To ease up the atmosphere, she quickly added, "Why don't we have dinner? I'm starving. I'm sure you are hungry."

"I am." Veronica smiled. She was relieved that her friend tried to make her feel better. "Let's go."

Catherine met up with Vincent and told him about Veronica. He was surprised and then looked genuinely happy. 

Veronica came to see them and greeted him. "Thank you for taking care of my friend."

Vincent humbly replied, "Please, don't thank me. Just like you, I'm also her friend and it is my honor to help a friend like her. I wish she could be here often."

He kept a proper distance from Veronica and spoke formally. This was how he treated his guests.

'He doesn't like me that much. Is it because I thanked him or made Catherine sad over my fake death news?' Veronica pondered.

Before she could think too deeply about this, Catherine butted in. "Vincent, I'm sorry but I want to eat with my friend. Is that okay? I'll definitely wake up early and have breakfast with you. I promise."

When she pleaded with her innocent eyes, Vincent stared at her for a while. No matter how he felt, in the end, he gave in. "As you wish, my princess."

He took her right hand and planted a kiss on the back of her hand. He gave her a flirtish look before leaving.

Veronica stared at his back disappearing inside the kitchen and commented, "It's surprising that you two are still in touch."

"Why don't you like him?" Catherine asked her.

Veronica shrugged. "I hardly understand men. And this guy doesn't open up very much. I don't have much of an impression of him."

She didn't miss the chance to tease her friend. "But, look at you two. Giving each other stares and flirting when I'm present… Are you guys really friends?"

After being elbowed by her, Catherine's face flushed completely. "W-what are you saying? We are still friends. Nothing's going on. You overthink everything!"

"Really?" Veronica smugly stared at her.

"Yes, yes. Let's go outside. We will eat in the restaurant." Catherine pushed her out of the resort.

Their meals were served. The smoked fish with a spicy flavor in front of them was truly appetizing. While eating, Catherine told her that she was the one who caught fish.

Veronica was delighted. "Amazing! I miss the times when we caught fish in the temple pond. Sister Josephine would be so mad."

"Yes! Now we don't have to worry about stupid rules." Sensing that her friend was becoming gloomy as the topic, Catherine changed the subject, "Let's hear about your journey. Did you have an adventure just like you wanted?"

Veronica was thrilled as she told her about the abduction, the elvish realm, and what she learned from them.

"Are you kidding me? Elves! They are real! Like what on earth!" Catherine burst with excitement. "How come they did not find out who you are?"

Veronica replied, "I haven't told anyone I know that I'm married. Saint Ava told me not to fall in love."

Catherine slammed the table. "That's nonsense! How can you shower love on others if you can't fall in love? It's a good thing that you didn't listen to her."

"I think it is something forbidden so I do not want to disclose our marriage and get ourselves in trouble. If they find out I'm here, I don't know what will happen."

Catherine pointed a finger at her. "War. War will break out. I can guarantee it."

Veronica had goosebumps. "Don't say something so scary. Am I worth it?"

Catherine sneered. "Huh, because of you being the blessed child, people are going crazy, and you are doubting your worth? I'm sure your brain isn't worth much."

"Hey, now! I'm sorry. I made a mistake.. Acting humble like that makes me only a hypocrite. But still, I'm thinking, if I'm that worthy, why isn't anyone paying heed to my words?