Chapter 202 - JOURNEY AFTER JOURNEY

"…They even killed innocent people in my kingdom, under my nose."

Arthur tried to reason with him but the old man was hard to crack.

He replied, "That makes you an incompetent master of the so-called Magic Tower."

Arthur was losing his patience. He became silent to control his temper.

Felix let out a deep breath. He knew this was going to happen.

"Do you know anything about ancient libraries in this continent?" Felix asked.

Since he couldn't ask him straightforwardly, he decided to take a sidetrack.

The leader of the desert tribe pondered. "Ancient libraries? Hahaha! You want to search for documents about elves in the ancient libraries. You don't think you can fool me, do you? 

"Listen, the only reason I'm not ready to tell you about the elves is that you have no reason to have any contact with them. I won't tell you a thing. This is not your destiny."

"Do those innocent lives mean nothing to you?" Arthur's expression turned somber.

The leader of the desert tribe lectured, "It's not me who should think about them. It's you. They were your people and you failed to protect them. You are too incompetent. Whom can you blame? I have nothing to do with them. 

"Why should I care for some lives that I don't know and risk the lives of everyone on this continent? Arthur, being a leader isn't the easiest thing. Sometimes, you need to sacrifice fifty lives in order to protect five hundred lives."

Arthur took a deep breath and said, "Fine, don't tell us about elves. Just tell us if you know any ancient libraries."

The leader of the desert tribe described, "The most ancient library is situated in Utahill. The library that our ancestors guarded before the Great War. But most scrolls have been destroyed or taken away. 

"I think the Senior Priests took in inside the ancient temple. It was the first temple where Goddess Juvena prayed. Afterward, men built the Holy Temple."

"The first temple should be in the capital city of Utahill," Arthur concluded.

The leader of the desert tribe shrugged. "I don't know where it could be. All these years I've read the scrolls, they never mentioned anything about the first temple's position. I don't have time to chit-chat with you two. I have tons of work waiting for me. I'm heading out."

After he went out of the room, Felix mumbled, "He ran away." He turned to look at Arthur and asked, "What do you want to do now? Go back to the tower or Utahill with me?"

Arthur pondered and then replied, "Let's go to Utahill. In my library, we can find some scrolls mentioning the first temple. If we find any information regarding the first temple, its structure or name, that will be sufficient."

"I'd like that," Felix had no reason to disagree.

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Four days later in Tybu –

"Cathy, I should really head back to the Imperial Library. We still haven't found anything that could lead us to those people." Veronica tried to reason with her friend who was pulling her to the mountains.

In the mountains, there were resorts for aristocrats and high officials. They would go there to relieve stress.

Catherine pulled her friend's arm as she walked forward. "You mean murderers. I get it that you have tons of work to do. But Ver, you were stuck in that library for four days with Merlin. You need to freshen up a little."

They stopped at the peak of the mountain and she smiled broadly. "Isn't this place awesome?"

Veronica was panting softly. It had been a while since she went hiking. "Why are we in the middle of nowhere?"

Catherine put her arms on her waist and said, "Ver, why else would we leave the city and come out in the middle of freaking nowhere? Nothing kindles the flames of passion like sitting by the fireplace on a cold, moonlit night in the country.

Sebastian was lying on a tree branch. In the morning, he was in the training room but saw Catherine going outside the Magic Tower from the window. Worrying about her safety, he followed her all the way here.

When he heard her reason to come here, he was very much annoyed.

He thought, 'I feel sorry for the sucker who falls for that man trap.'

Veronica gave in. "Fine, I understand. How long will we stay here?"

Catherine shared her plan, "Since Arthur is nowhere, we can spend the night here. We will go back tomorrow. I'll drop you in the Imperial Library and leave."

She pointed at the resort and said, "See the building? It belongs to Ovior. He told me to bring you here to relax. We just have to enjoy tonight."

"I have to thank him later." Veronica stepped forward.

As they knocked on the door, the door was opened and a man with a flashy outfit opened the door.

Veronica and Catherine closed their eyes as the flashy light brightened up.

The guy had a red rose in his mouth and he bowed respectfully. "Something is weighing heavily on your tender heart."

Veronica: "…"

Catherine: "…"

Sebastian stood in the tree branch and pondered, 'Did he lose his mind? Who is he flirting with?'

The man took the rose from his mouth and offered it to Catherine. "Mademoiselle, this is an honor to have your presence in this humble place." Saying that he gently held her hand and kissed the back of her hand.

Catherine instantly melted. "Oh my, in my eyes, this place is more luxurious than our outfits." 

"!!!" Sebastian's jaw dropped. He could not believe what he was seeing.

The man retorted softly, "That can't be. You jest, Miss…"

"The name is Catherine," she introduced herself.

"Such a festive name, Miss Catherine. I'm sure your personality is as joyous as your name."

'Huh? 'Catherine' is a joyous name? Why did I not know that?' Sebastian confusedly scratched his head.

The man looked at Veronica and asked, "And who is this lady with you, Miss Catherine?"