Chapter 214 - SOMEONE IS NOT HAPPY

Veronica was relieved to know that he finally agreed. "All right, when will we start?"

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Darius was losing his wits. He bickered, "I can't believe this is happening. I thought we would be able to relax a bit after going through so much trouble.

"Now we have to leave tomorrow. And, not only that, but we also have to stay in the cold Alss for who knows how long. We can't even use magic to stay warm."

Darius, Merlin, Zinnia, and Ironin were in the lodging room, eating evening snacks and drinks.

Darius was having a fun time with his teammates until Arthur barged into the room and ordered, "We are leaving tomorrow. Merlin, you stay here.

"The other three will stay in the mountains with me and guard Veronica as long as she needs it."

Zinnia smirked upon hearing complaints from Darius. "That's why I always told you not to get yourself swayed by magic and luxury too much. But you won't listen to me."

Ironin: "…"

He played with his bow and arrows and listened to his friend's bickering.

Darius spatted, "Look at Merlin. How lucky he is! He is going to stay here and have warm tea every day."

Merlin helplessly defended himself, "That's because I'll only burden you all if I tagged along. I cannot stand excessive cold and you know it."

Darius grunted. "Yes, yes, yes, go have fun with all the ladies while I get frozen in the cold."

Merlin understood, "So, that's what was bugging you. You wanted to spend more time with the ladies in the restaurant. Have you forgotten that the restaurant was demolished and got a new owner?"

Darius proudly stated, "So what? The girls already gave me the address of their new working place. They said they would treat me anytime I go there."

Zinnia: "…"

Merlin: "…"

Ironin shut his eyes and silently shook his head.

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Catherine chatted, "I can't believe you are going to the mountains and leaving me here. I miss snow. Tybu is a warm place."

Veronica replied, "It can't be helped. The fewer the people, the better."

They were currently in Veronica and Arthur's bedroom. Veronica already packed her bag.

She didn't take too many things. She was going to wear winter clothes. She would only take one night garment and a light dress to wear all the time.

As for body soap or any necessities, she didn't need them. The temple's garden would provide her everything she needed.

Catherine played with her golden locks before bashfully asking, "By the way, did you perhaps meet Vincent before coming back?"

"Huh? Oh! Yes, we met, and guess what. He wrote a letter for you and packed us lunch."

Veronica took the packet of food and the letter before handing them both to Catherine.

She added, "I'm not sure how you guys become close enough to exchange letters. I was rather surprised when he gave me the letter."

Catherine's face turned red. She lowered her eyes and covered her lips with the envelope.

She bashfully confessed, "The truth is… I kind of like him."

Veronica understood where this was going. "Oh, yes, he is your type of man."

Catherine hesitantly asked, "Do you think we are too fast? We just met and became acquaintances in the evening, and friends the next day. I'm a bit worried."

Veronica tapped her chin with a slender finger, thinking. "Well, there is nothing wrong with getting to know a person before understanding if he's the one you want to spend your life with.

"If you ask me, I think most men in Tybu are too forward. You guys are just friends. But when it was Arthur… sigh… he was more physical before we had a proper relationship."

Catherine mumbled, "Maybe, we are too reserved."

Veronica nodded in agreement. "Yes, we preserve our purity till we get married. I heard Tybu women are not like that. They are a lot independent and forward with men."

Catherine had no idea about culture since she was always occupied with accounting while her friend studied the culture and history of Tybu.

She remarked, "It's so wonderful when you think about one's culture and norms that can be so different from others."

Veronica couldn't agree more. "It's truly amazing when I think about it. That's why every culture is fascinating in its own way. We should respect it."

"We should."

"Now, show me. What did he write in the letter?" Veronica mischievously urged her.

"I won't show you." Catherine quickly hid the letter.

"Come on! It's not the first time you got a LOVE letter. We always read them together," Veronica teasingly said.

"But this time is different! He is the guy I like!" Catherine shouted.

Veronica had her reasons ready.

"Even so, you guys aren't going out yet. There is nothing wrong with reading a pen friend's letter. I promise I won't inquire when you guys start going out."

Catherine stared at her friend for a couple of seconds and then gave in.

"Haa! Fine, but this is the last time. I'm too embarrassed to show you the future letters."

"Okay!" Veronica beamed.

Catherine opened the envelope and unfolded the letter.

Vincent had clear, beautiful handwriting, just like his face. His gentle strokes reminded her of his character.

His letter was simple –

Dear Catherine,

I hope you reached home safely.

I never thought having a friend would make me think of you day and night. The best part is, I don't feel lonely anymore.

Because I know you are here, in my heart.

Do you think about me too? Or did you forget me already? When will you come again?

Am I being too impatient? Please forgive me then. This is the first time I'm writing a letter. So, I'm not sure what to write.

When I think about you, my heart is in a mess. All thoughts jumble up. I don't know what to write.

I think I wrote too much. Hope to see you soon. Take care of yourself properly.

Your friend, 

Vincent. 

'What a dimwit! He would have just written more. I don't mind what he writes to me.' Catherine was inwardly dissatisfied. But her heart was beating fast.

'Am I truly in love?'