Chapter 308 - [Bonus ]AT MAGICIAN'S PLACE

There was an invisible magic circle in front of the iron gate. It recognized the carriage from the Magic Tower and opened the door automatically. The carriage entered the area. There was a fountain in front of his mansion. The mansion was surrounded by a red rose garden.

Veronica stared at the gorgeous mansion breathlessly. "Does Merlin love red roses? I had no idea. How does he manage the huge garden?"

She wasn't wrong. Merlin hardly showed any interest in red roses when she was in the tower.

Ironin stated, "He has five gardeners to take care of them."

"…" Veronica couldn't utter a single word. She already realized how much Merlin cared about his garden.

The front door was opened, and an old man bowed to the guests. "I apologize for the delay in welcoming you, Sir Ironin and Miss. We weren't expecting guests."

"We apologize for our sudden visit," Veronica slightly bowed. "I'm Veronica. I'm here to meet Merlin. Is he at home?"

"Yes, Miss Veronica. I'm the butler of this house. It's an honor to meet an acquaintance of Master Merlin. Please come inside. I'll call for him." The old man took them inside. 

They were taken to a cozy living room. The wood pieces were burning in the fireplace. Soon, the maids brought tea and snacks. 

Merlin came not long after. He looked like he didn't believe at first that Veronica came to meet him here. "I've heard Veronica came to my place. I'm honored to have your presence at my house. I hope you are comfortable."

Veronica bashfully smiled. "Enough with the formalities. Sit down, please. I'm sorry I came without prior notice."

Merlin hurriedly said, "Oh, please don't be bothered by it. Come here whenever you want. I don't mind at all. How can I help you?"

"I'm here to ask you about how to get a pass to go to the Royal Library. We went there once, remember?" Veronica reminded him.

"Yes, I remember. All right, I'll ask the librarian to make a pass for you right away. Is there any specific information you are looking for or just random time passing?"

"I want to know more about the science that louses invented."

Merlin was startled. "Arthur told you about that?" Looking at her unwavering eyes, he mumbled, "I see. You don't have to go to the library for that. I have quite a collection in my study. Let's go there."

They went to Merlin's study room. It was a huge library. It just exhibited his love and affection for books and knowledge. Merlin had a few books on the table. He gave them to Veronica.

"Were you studying Science?" Veronica asked him.

Merlin stated, "Yes, I want to have a connection with the king of Louses. The best way to do it is to learn about their method."

Veronica couldn't argue. Louses had too much hidden information. Without knowing about a kingdom, one couldn't interact with the people of that kingdom. She opened one of the books and tried to read it.

Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence. The scientific methodology includes the following: Objective observation: Measurement and data (possibly although not necessarily using mathematics as a tool) Evidence… 

Science, any system of knowledge that is concerned with the physical world and its phenomena and that entails unbiased observations and systematic experimentation. In general, science involves a pursuit of knowledge covering general truths or the operations of fundamental laws.

Veronica closed the book wordlessly. Her face was expressionless.

"What's wrong?" Ironin asked her.

Veronica rubbed her temple in frustration.  "For some reason, I don't understand what's written there. The language must be too advanced for me."

"For people like us, Science is indeed advanced. If we don't see with our very own eyes, we won't understand what this is. If I get a positive reply from the king, I'll go there and see for myself. I also want to know how some knives can change faces," Merlin expressed thoughtfully.

Late at night, Veronica went to the assigned guest room with her exhausted. She tried to read all the science related books and history of Louses. She couldn't keep her eyes open anymore. Later, Merlin arranged a room for Ironin and Veronica. 

The maids washed her body with warm water. She only relaxed in the bathtub. After she was done, she went to the bed. After that, she remembered nothing.

Arthur was restlessly waiting for her in the tower. He called Ironin when he couldn't get connected to his wife. "Where is Nica?"

Ironin bluntly answered, "She drowned herself with books at Merlin's place."

"Why is she there?" Arthur was visibly surprised. 

"It's about Louses."

"Sigh! Why does she have to poke her nose there? I've already let Merlin handle it. I'm coming to get her."

"Okay, I'll inform her."

By the time Arthur teleported to Merlin's place, Veronica had already passed out in bed. She was soundly asleep.

Arthur could only cover her body with the comforter. After that, he went outside the room. He asked Merlin, "Did she eat anything before sleeping?"

Merlin replied truthfully, "She had dinner in the evening. Later, she had a glass of warm milk and cookies for supper."

"How long does she plan on staying here?"

"She wants to know the king's reply. Till then, she wants to study here."

"I see. I'll stay here for the time being," Arthur decided. He didn't care whether he imposed on his friend or not. His wife was here, so he would be here.

"As you wish." Merlin was used to Arthur's behavior. He didn't seem to mind. "Do you want to stay in the same room, or should I arrange another room?"

Arthur frowned and said, "Don't ask the obvious." Then, he went back to Veronica's room. He walked toward the bed and laid down beside her.

"Are you trying to run away from me? I'm not letting you do that.. You owe me a kiss," he whispered in her ear and pecked on her cheek.