Tangled By Fate

Chapter 81 - AN ASSISTANT

"If you find anything after reading her diary, please do tell me. I want to help you in discovering the truth." Veronica wanted to dig deeper into the pond. Although she found nothing but dirt, she wished to keep digging. Since she couldn't do much, she asked for Felix's help.

If Felix really had any feelings for Sister Ruth, he would want to be sure if Sister Ruth really died because of the sin they had committed. She quietly waited for his answer.

Felix questioned her, "Why do you think she didn't die just for what we had done? Didn't she mention it in the diary that she did?"

'So, he is clever enough to find a hole in my words. It looks like I found the right person to assist me,' Veronica thought. She answered him, "As a true believer and follower of Goddess Juvena, I believe that committing suicide isn't the right choice. If I felt guilty for the sin I have committed, I would have devoted myself to help mankind. Ending my life would just add another sin."

She looked at him in the eyes and continued, "Sister Ruth was seemingly a wise person. Maybe she was going half insane but the love she felt for the children and us was what a mother would feel. Her love for us was greater than the love she felt for herself. She always put us before anything. She would not choose this path. That's what I believe from the bottom of my heart. That's the very reason I need your assistance. So please, lend me a hand."

Felix stared at her for a moment before standing up. "I have underestimated her kindness and your conviction. I'm truly narrow-sighted to think her resolve would be so weak. My head is clear now."

He paused before adding, "Miss Veronica, once again let me thank you. Without you, I would have died without telling anyone about my pain and Joana's diary would have been lost. Because of you, I have a chance to get to the truth. I'll try to find whatever I can."

Veronica suddenly remembered something and said, "I forgot to mention something to you. When I went to retrieve the diary, some people sneaked into Sister Ruth's room like me. One of them was called Lord Alexander. He was said to be Sister Ruth's cousin. He didn't seem to be a good person. I think he is a ve…ry bad person."

"Lord Alexander…" Felix muttered the name with furrowed eyebrows.

Veronica told him, "You said Sister Ruth had a rich family. She was from an aristocratic family. They wanted her back. I think her death might be related to it."

"Thank you for the information, Miss Veronica. I will keep in touch." Felix gave her a nod and then went outside.

After he left, Veronica let out a deep breath. "Ahh… buying a book of a detective series came in handy," she couldn't help but praise herself for the right choice she made.

It was the day she went to town to buy some necessary things. She couldn't meet Arthur and randomly walked into the town. She stopped in front of a bookstore and decided to look inside the store. She was amazed to see the varieties of books there.

She found a detective series and bought it before leaving. She read the book during the journey and whenever she had free time in the desert. After reading each story, she was enlightened by new knowledge. That's what she thought.

She was in a good mood when she heard familiar footsteps. She recognized the footsteps almost instantly. 'Arthur is coming. What should I do?' she started to panic.

------------

Arthur walked toward the direction and halted in his place when he saw Felix getting out of his and Veronica's tent. His eyes sharpened. He waited until Felix left and then followed him quietly.

Felix directly went to the waterfall area and sat on a huge stone. He opened his mouth and said, "I knew you would follow me here, Master."

Arthur came out from the darkness and leaned against a tree. "I think you have something to explain."

Felix lowered his head. "I'm sorry."

"That's not what I wanted to hear," Arthur's tone was cold. "You faked your death. Why were the mercenaries after you?"

Felix chuckled. "So, I was able to fool Sebastian and his men. They still have a long way to go."

"He is only sixteen. He lacks experience. Well?" Arthur probed him to tell the truth.

Felix commented, "You did realize I faked my death and disappeared to investigate on my own. You are as sharp as ever, Master."

Arthur softened his tone, "I'm sorry for your loss, Felix. I didn't think your love for that woman was so deep." Felix was his long-term employee. They grew up together and became master and servant. To him, Felix was more than just a servant who followed him around. He blamed himself for not understanding Felix's pain.

"Back then, I wanted to bring Joana with me when I didn't hear any news of her for two weeks. I was worried something happened to her. As if my instinct was accurate. She killed herself. If I went to meet her just a few minutes before, without wasting my time in the bar…" Felix didn't finish his words and let out a regretful sigh. Then, he continued, "Master, those mercenaries were sent to kill me by Lord Alexander."

Arthur crossed his arms and asked, "The same Alexander who is the cousin of Joana?"

Felix answered, "Yes, I guess he was furious after Joana killed herself or maybe he was furious that I took (slept with) her. I'm still not sure what the reason was but he hated me for sure. He wanted me to suffer a lot before my death. But, I exchanged myself with a local thief. They weren't able to hurt me."

"But they almost ended up killing Veronica," Arthur mumbled as he was a bit annoyed. "So, what are you doing here now with the Synetian soldiers?"