Tangled By Fate

Chapter 443: THE PRESENT

The Royal Family was sparkling in the ballroom. Their gleaming appearance was outstanding.

All three of them wore clothes with the color of red and golden – the color of the royal family.

Veronica was breathless when she saw them shining in the crowd.

‘It’s a good thing I’ve worn something similar to them. If my appearance was any dimmer than theirs, the Magic Tower would become a laughingstock. I have to thank Zinnia for that,’ she thought.

She realized that as the Mistress of the Magic Tower, she represented the tower. Whatever she would do, it would reflect on the tower.

The moment she agreed to stay with Arthur as the Mistress of the Magic Tower, her life was sealed with the tower.

That’s why she had to hold her head high and act on behalf of the tower. Her personal feelings were unnecessary when she dealt with foes.

.....

If she had a foe, it was the enemy of the tower. If she had a friend, it would be the friend of the tower.

That kind of life she would have to live from now on.

The Queen sized up Veronica.

‘So, this is the woman that imbecile is crazy for. I have to admit she got something to seduce men,’ she thought.

Afterward, she stated, “The rumors didn’t do any justice to you, Mistress Silverstar. You are more beautiful than I thought.”

“You are jesting, Your Majesty. No one can outmatch your beauty,” Veronica replied humbly.

The Queen narrowed her sharp eyes. “You have your ways with words, don’t you Mistress Silverstar? I hope you don’t mind me asking what gift you have brought for me today.”

“Not at all.” Veronica looked at Ovior and gave him a signal.

Ovior used his power to bring a huge gift to the middle of the ballroom. The gift was tightly wrapped with glittering clothes.

The gift appeared out of nowhere. People gasped in surprise and then clapped for the surprise magic show.

‘Tsk, who do they think they are? Do they think I’m showing them some magic show like an entertainer? How stupid!’ Ovior growled in his mind.

Then, he politely said, “Your Majesty, please come forward. The moment you touch the gift, the wrapped cloth will disappear.”

The Queen was also surprised; not because of the sudden appearance of the gift but seeing the size.

Up until now, Arthur sent some senior magicians to send her gifts like jewels and ornaments.

There was never a big gift like this before.

She walked forward and touched the gift. The wrapped cloth disappeared just like Ovior said.

The gift was revealed. It was a mirror with a gold frame.

“Care to explain to me how valuable it is, Assistant Master of the Magic Tower?” the Queen inquired.

“Of course, Your Majesty,” Ovior said. “The frame was crafted by an ancient ruler of a kingdom.

“The ruler gave this gift to the third generation of the Master of the Magic Tower. The older the item is, the higher the price is.

“This mirror isn’t just a mirror to see one’s face. The owner of the mirror can ask the mirror to show certain people.”

“Is that so?” the Queen was stunned. “What a thoughtful gift! Did you prepare it by yourself?”

Ovior answered, “I’m sorry to disappoint you. It was the Master of the Magic Tower who prepared the gift. I’m just the sender.”

The Queen said, “I didn’t know the Master of the Magic Tower was so thoughtful. So, who can I see in the mirror?”

Ovior replied, “The Master told me that the owner can ask the mirror to show the faces of the people they loved.”

The smile from the Queen’s mouth disappeared. Her eyes gradually turned cold.

“Any person I love?” she muttered.

Ovior replied, “Yes, like your family or friends, the people you love and care about. If you ask the mirror, the magic mirror will show you their faces.”

“What an excellent gift! I’ve never seen such an extraordinary gift,” the King quite liked the present.

“It is indeed quite remarkable!” the Crown Prince said. “Thank you, Mistress and Assistant Master for a thoughtful gift. Please send our regards to the Master of the Magic Tower.”

“We will,” Veronica bowed. She couldn’t help but notice the Queen’s clenched fists.

‘Did Arthur get her sore spot? Why did he send a gift like that? Is he trying to piss her off more than she already is?’ she wondered.

For the Queen who already lost the only family member who was dear to her, the gift was totally useless to her.

Moreover, the gift would keep reminding her that she lost her beloved son and the one who sent the gift was the killer of her son.

By sending a gift like that, it was like Arthur was deliberately pouring oil into the fire.

While thinking about Arthur’s move, Veronica took a pastry from the table and began to eat it.

Just then, Lady Laila came to her with a pale face.

“Mistress Veronica, I’m sorry that you had to face Lady De la Pole like that,” she apologized.

Veronica said, “You don’t have to worry about it.”

Lady Laila fidgeted as she requested, “Please... forgive her if you can. She is an important lady in the society.”

Veronica paused and quietly glanced at Lady Laila.

She wondered, ‘What is with her? At that time, she deliberately exposed Duke De la Pole’s daughter and now she is asking forgiveness on her behalf? I thought she was helping me but it’s like she has another motive. But what is it?’

“Why do I have to forgive her?” she finally asked. “It’s not like she wants to be forgiven.”

“That’s not true! I’m sure she wants to be forgiven!” Lady Laila persisted.

“If she wants to be forgiven, she should ask for forgiveness. Since she didn’t want it, she didn’t ask for it.” Veronica finished her pastry and put down the plate.

“Mistress Veronica...”

“Lady Laila, don’t you think you are being too nosy? Why are you bothering me for someone else’s business? It has nothing to do with you.”

Veronica was irritated by her behavior. But she didn’t know their history and she had no desire to find out about it.

If Lady Laila truly cared for Lady De la Pole, she shouldn’t have disclosed her identity in the first place.

She walked away without giving Lady Laila a chance to say anything anymore. Ovior simply followed her.

“What trouble did you cause now?” Ovior asked even though he knew everything. He just didn’t want her to find out that he was keeping an eye on her this entire time.

“There is a lady who tried to insult me...” Veronica told him everything.

In the end, she remarked, “It’s like she deliberately let me know about Lady De la Pole and is now trying to be a good lady by asking for forgiveness on her behalf.”

“Maybe she is just doing this to make you look bad,” Ovior said. “A merciless Mistress of the Magic Tower. She could be trying to ruin your reputation.”

“I don’t care if they call me merciless.” Veronica shrugged.

“Really? You don’t care?” Ovior was amused. “I thought you wanted to be the kindest Mistress in history. After all, ruthlessness doesn’t suit a na?ve girl like you.”

“Are you done mocking me?” Veronica glared at him. “It’s not that I’m going to change my personality.

“Arthur doesn’t care about his reputation. So, I don’t think I should give it too much thought. People tend to spread bad rumors when they are jealous.”

Ovior observed her. “It’s surprising that you are acting so mature tonight.”

“Isn’t it because I have a good teacher?”

“I’m happy to be praised,” Ovior expressionlessly replied. “Anyway, what will you do with the Duke’s Family? You already said that you would send regards to him. Everyone heard it.

“If you don’t do anything, they will think you don’t have enough authority. They will simply look down on you.”

When Ovior pointed that out, Veronica fell into deep thought.

After some time, she looked at him. “Can I leave it to you? I can’t figure out what to do with them. It should be a ruthless punishment but I don’t know what to do with someone who didn’t do anything harmful.”

Ovior asked, “How’s he harmless? His daughter deliberately approached you and insulted you.”

Veronica stated, “That’s his daughter who did it, not the Duke. I don’t like unfair judgment.”

Ovior sighed. “It doesn’t matter. Anyway, if you want to punish them, just ask your husband. I’m too busy to bother with women’s quarrel.”

“Hey...”

“Mistress Veronica...”

Their conversation was interrupted by another woman.

Veronica turned around and saw Lady Arisa and Lady Rebecca.

“Ladies, is there something I can help you with?” Veronica asked them. She didn’t look amused but she didn’t look stern either.

.....

They nervously exchanged glances when they noticed that Veronica wasn’t smiling like before.

Lady Rebecca started, “Mistress Veronica, it’s about Lady De la Pole...”