Tangled By Fate

"Even if there is power like that, we shouldn't use it as we please. Just for the betterment of everyone."

Arthur smiled faintly and replied, "As you wish…"

They were chatting when a communication device rang a bell. It was Arthur's device. Someone summoned Arthur.

Using his magic, Arthur brought the device close to him. The device opened and Felix's face popped up.

"I'm back from my mission. Did I… disturb your private time?" he asked.

Veronica shook her head and replied before her husband could say anything rude, "No, you didn't. How was your mission?"

Felix answered, "It was successful. I've eliminated all the fake Arthurs."

"Did Zinnia send you a list?" Arthur inquired.

"The one with how many fake Arthurs out there?" Felix frowned. "Yes, but she was too late. I've already found the majority of them. The list made it easier to find the rest. My team took care of them."

"This problem has finally come to an end." Veronica sighed in relief. "Should we hold a party?"

"We have yet to go on a honeymoon. Shall we enjoy it there?" Arthur gave her a meaningful look.

'Is he really saying that in front of Felix?' "Veronica forced a smile and tried to change the subject by saying, "Let's make a deal. If I can win the competition, we will go on a honeymoon."

Arthur's expression changed. "I believe you need to start training now."

"…" Veronica was speechless.

It was almost evening. The sun was setting soon. She was dead tired after two days' vacation. How could she have the energy to train?'

Felix cleared his throat to seek attention from the couple.

"I'll be staying in the tower for a month. If anything comes up, be sure to tell me. Have a good evening."

And then, the communication device turned off.

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For the competition, Veronica practiced every day. She even sparred with Felix.

When she wanted to fight with Darius, Felix and Ironin gave her another task.

"Why don't you people let me fight him?" Veronica was displeased.

"We don't want you to break your bones before the competition, that's why," Felix replied. "How about this? During the competition, you go all out and break as many bones as you want. You will be able to miss your honeymoon."

"Don't even joke about that!" Unable to control her expression, Veronica ended up glaring at him.

"Talking about the honeymoon," Sebastian mentioned, "do women like grand weddings and grand honeymoon? I mean this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Women must fancy a grand wedding and honeymoon."

His duty was to protect Veronica. Since she spent most of her time in the training ground, he ended up staying there as well.

At his question, Veronica stopped what she was doing.

"That actually depends on what kind of woman you are talking about," she responded. "You see, not all women are materialistic. Some women care about love and affection more than anything else. Even if their husbands can't give them a fancy life, as long as they are happy and in peace, nothing else matters."

Sebastian nodded as if he understood her. Then, he asked, "What if that woman's lover is rich and owns a fancy hotel? Will she be interested in a guy who is less than her lover?"

Veronica raised an eyebrow. "Why would a woman have both a rich lover and a poor lover? If she is out of her mind, she might do something risky like that to ruin her relationship with her rich lover."

Sebastian elaborated, "I mean if the woman isn't engaged yet and a guy comes to propose to her even though she has a rich lover, would she say 'yes'?"

"If you are talking about Cathy–"

"It's not about her," Sebastian insisted.

Veronica respected his wish. "…If you are talking about someone similar to Cathy, she will follow her heart. If she gets proposed to by another man, she will try using her brain to find out with whom she is close and satisfied. She will choose the person with whom she will be happiest."

"So, the guy has a chance to propose to her," Sebastian concluded.

"The guy most certainly has the chance. I mean, even I would have a little crush on a handsome guy who rescues me in danger." Veronica winked at him.

"It's not about me or anything," Sebastian quickly stated. "Just a friend's problem."

"Sure! Tell your friend that it's now or never. If he doesn't have the courage to do it now, he will regret it forever."

"But what if he is scared of being rejected?"

"At least there is a chance to be accepted and live happily ever after. It might be a 50-50 chance, it's worth trying. At the very least, your friend won't have regrets."

"No regrets…" Sebastian mumbled. "I'll tell him that. Thank you for your advice."

"Anytime."

After he left, Darius said, "I'll bet five hundred gold coins that he won't propose to Catherine."

"I'll bet against you," Veronica immediately responded. "I want to know what Cathy will say. I hope she chooses the right person."

"Who can be better at treating women than Sebastian?" Darius rooted for his friend's subordinate. "He is loyal. He doesn't even get hard seeing naked women. I only saw him getting hard on Catherine."

"You can keep those details to yourself. I'm not interested." Veronica brushed him off. She glanced at Ironin and asked, "Ironin, what do you think of Sebastian and Catherine?"

Ironin stopped practicing and looked at her. "I think nothing," his reply was short.

"How can that be?" Veronica was surprised. "Don't you want them to be happy?"

"As long as they don't bother me," Ironin replied.

Veronica shook her head.

Meanwhile, Sebastian headed to Ovior's office. He knew Catherine was working there.

The more he got closer to the office, the more nervous he became. His stomach was hurting. His heart was racing. He felt like he was going to puke.

He stopped in the middle of the corridor and thought, 'Maybe today isn't the day. I'll ask her tomorrow.'

Just when he decided, Catherine called out from behind, "Sebastian, what are you doing standing here? Is everything all right?"

Sebastian's entire body froze. Slowly, he turned around and saw Catherine with a pile of papers.

"You don't look well. Is everything all right?" Catherine stepped closer.

At that moment, Sebastian recalled what Veronica said, "It's now or never."

He opened his mouth and said, "Catherine, what do you think of dating me?"

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Little Theater:

Felix came to Arthur's office. Others were there as well.

Darius: [looking at Felix] What brings you here?

Felix: Can't I be here? I brought news. You heard about Flow07, right?

Ovior: [frowning after hearing the weird name] Flow07 who?

Zinnia: Oh, I know. She is an author. She was writing a story about us, wasn't she?

Felix: Yes, it was a competition. She thought our stories would earn her some bucks. Looks like her book that was mentioned won a nomination.

Ironin: Not bad. But I hoped she would do better.

Ovior: She should have done a lot better considering she wrote our story.

Catherine: But isn't she always sickly? She has to do her work too. It's not like she is a full-time author.

Veronica: Does she need help? I can always heal her if she is sick.

Arthur: You don't have to tire yourself for a loser. Save your energy for the night.

Veronica: Huh? Why for the night… oh you!

Felix: I think she did great, considering irregular updates. I've heard 79000+ authors joined the competition. To be picked up among them, don't you think she did a great job?

Veronica: It wasn't just great. It was amazing! I knew she could do this.

Ovior: The only reason she was nominated was because of us. If she worked even harder, she could have done much better.

Flow07 from Mars: Well, why don't you do all my work for me. I think I can concentrate better. Do you know how long it has been since I didn't go on a vacation? I'm stuck in the same city for two years and dare not to go out if it's not necessary. Even so, I get sick every month. Do you think I'm deliberately causing this? I'm losing my mind here and you come with all the complaints. Next time you do that, I'll beat you up.

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ANNOUNCEMENT:

Thank you so much all of you, guys. I couldn't have come this far without you. Despite my irregular update, you guys stick with me. Because of your love and support Tangled by Fate won a nomination in WSA 2021.

This year, I'll focus on finishing TBF and MWG:99.

I'm trying to be a full-time author for the time being but I don't know how to write full time. Can you guys help me out?

I also have so many plans for this year as I have to move quite some places and I wish for your constant support and prayer. s

Thank you all of you.

Love you ~