The audience became quiet. They didn't think that novice fighters would end up scratching the beautiful face of Roxana.
"…" Even Roxana was silent. She touched her face and blood got stuck to her fingers. Then, her eyes focused on the sorry state of Veronica.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it." Veronica's dreadful expression was worth seeing.
Roxana covered her face and looked up. She declared, "The match is over. Veronica is the winner." After that, she left the premises.
The audience exchanged glances. They didn't share any comments. It was the first time for them to hear Roxana quit before she could knock out her opponent.
Roxana exited the ring. Veronica followed behind her. "I'm sorry!" She apologized again. She was nervous.
Roxana halted on her track. Later, she turned around and said, "Mrs, if you feel really guilty. I advise you not to do this sort of match again. It's you who invited me for a fight. Is your resolve that weak?"
Veronica was startled. "I didn't mean it that way."
Roxana explained, "For us, warriors, scars are our achievement and glory. We carry them with pride. If you want to fight someone to prove your worth and then attack them and later hurt them, that's how it was supposed to be. However, the moment you apologize, your action and conviction have no value. Your action becomes insincere."
Veronica became rigid. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way. I have no intention of taking back my words. I still want you as my trainer. The reason I apologized is because it was due to my selfishness that I left a scar on your face. Moreover, you held back while fighting against me. You can kill me, but you didn't."
Roxana felt like laughing. 'What an odd woman Arthur got married to,' she thought.
She stated, "Mrs, of course, I have the ability to kill you. but this isn't war; it's a game. This is where I defeat my opponent. Furthermore, I was aiming at your face and vital parts multiple times.
"If you didn't dodge them in time, you would be disfigured by now. And, I would never apologize or feel guilty about it. Because both of us are adults and we partook in this game knowing the consequences."
Veronica confessed, "I was at fault. I understand politeness isn't always important. Thank you for teaching me that."
Roxana smirked. She was satisfied with the response. At that time, her assistant came hurriedly with a white bandage. He wiped the blood and then patched her cheek and said, "Maybe we should find a healer."
"That's not necessary. A bit of turmeric paste would be enough."
"That will leave a scar. Here, let me help." Veronica came forward and touched her injured cheek. Her fingers slightly glowed. When the light deemed, she released her face. "I think you are okay now."
Roxana took off her bandage and touched her cheek. Her assistant gasped, "Milady, there is no wound left on your face. It's like magic!"
"It's a little magic I learned while traveling. I'm going to find my husband. See you later, Roxana." Veronica walked past her, leaving two dumbfounded people behind.
Arthur saw her from afar and strode toward her. In front of everyone, he embraced her body tightly. "Are you all right? You are hurt, aren't you? Do you need medicine? Or should we look for a healer? You cannot heal yourself, can you?" He then cupped her face and scanned her up and down.
Veronica's heart softened when she heard his worried tone. "It hurts a bit, but I'll be fine if you give me your magical ice pack. They work fantastic."
"Let's go to a resting chamber." Arthur grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the crowd. He took her in an empty room and used ice magic to create ice packs just like she wanted and placed them on her injured areas.
Veronica shivered. "I'll apply some ointment after I go back home."
"Yes, I'll order Merlin to make a few ointments for you."
"Don't pressure him too much. He already has loads to deal with. Let me study herbal books and we can make herbs together."
"Okay, whatever you want." Arthur's fingers brushed her hair away from her face. "Are you hurt elsewhere?"
"To tell you the truth, my whole body hurts right now. I should've exercised every day. Having a sparring partner isn't a bad idea." She paused and then mentioned what was bugging her for a while, "Why did you want to hire a trainer for me?"
Arthur touched her face and replied, "I noticed you brought your sword with you yesterday. I thought if I let you do whatever you want, you wouldn't hide things for me. I'm not your father but your husband. I don't have any say in whatever you want to do with your life. I realized that the more I oppose your action, the further we will go apart. I simply didn't want that."
"…You really think so?" Veronica was overwhelmed by his change of thoughts and actions.
"You don't have to trust me. I told you. Just watch my actions and evaluate them." Arthur furrowed his eyebrows. "But I don't like it when you get hurt and wounded. Maybe I should tell Roxana to go easy on you."
"No, you can't." Veronica laughed and pushed him. "If you do that, I will learn nothing."
"You really want to learn, don't you?" The corner of Arthur's lips lifted slightly. "Since you chose me as your life partner, I'll help you to teach you anything you want. I won't let you regret choosing me."
"I'm looking forward to it." Veronica showered him with a bright smile.
"I was wondering, did you ask Ironin to train you?" Arthur changed the subject.
Veronica was startled. "Did you just guess it, or did Ironin tell you that?"
"I guess it's true." Arthur breathed out. "I thought I was doing what was the best for you, but in the end, I only pushed you away. I'll make sure not to make the same mistake again."
"Will you?"