404: LOOKING FOR SOMETHING THAT'S NOT HERS

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING THAT'S NOT HERS

"Speaking of having children, something is bugging me," Veronica commented.

"What's bugging you?" Ovior casually asked while checking the contents of the papers.

'It's about Betty. We thought she was with fake Arthur. But Cathy said that she was with another man. Then Betty must have lied."

"Yes, that's how I see it. I think others also thought that way too after Catherine said she saw Betty with another man. Only you believed it was fake Arthur even after Catherine declared it wasn't."

"Is that so? I'm so dumb. Why didn't I think she was lying all along?" Veronica slapped her forehead. "But is she desperate enough to sleep with another man and then claim it's Arthur's child?"

"You have no idea what crazy women are capable of. She isn't the only woman who did it. We faced things like that often when he was single. It's nothing now. Anyway, since you are here to work then work. Don't bother me unless it's important."

"…All right." Veronica didn't bother him anymore.

-----

Catherine got better two days later. She started to work with Ovior. 

It was another usual day. She was checking last month's budget. 

That's when someone opened the door and entered the room.

"Second Master, you asked for me?"

Catherine flinched and then raised her head.

It was Sebastian. 

Ovior took off his spectacles and replied, "Oh, yes, I have some tasks for you. Veronica isn't going anywhere this afternoon, is she?"

Sebastian replied, "No, she doesn't have any plans on going out for a while."

"Excellent." Ovior handed him a paper and instructed, "Go to this place and spy on the owner of this shop. I believe he is selling some cursed objects in disguise of selling expensive magic tools. If you find evidence, capture him with it and drag him here."

"I will." 

After Sebastian left, Catherine couldn't concentrate on her work. She stood up and headed outside.

"I'll be out for a minute," saying that she was gone.

'I hope she isn't chasing after Sebastian. She is already engaged. Why do people keep looking at something that's out of their hands?' Ovior wondered.

"Sebastian!" Catherine called out from behind. She ran into the corridor and caught him. "I've been looking for you everywhere."

"Why?" Sebastian asked without looking back.

Catherine took a deep breath and started, "A month ago, you asked me out. I need to tell you my reply…"

"That's not necessary. I already know the answer. Congratulations on your engagement. I wish you happiness." Sebastian's voice was soft. 

Then, he pulled his arm away from her grasp and headed to the magic elevator.

Behind him, Catherine stared at him back. Her eyes were brimming with tears.

----

The next day, Darius went to Ovior's room.

"Ovior, didn't you want to know… holy crap! What is this?!"

His words only expressed how freaked out he was.

A chicken was staring at him intensely before walking away.

"!!!" Darius's jaw dropped on the floor. His eyes were as big as an orange. "What… what is this?! Am I in the right room?"

He frantically looked around and made sure he was in the right room. 

Catherine smiled at him. "Welcome, Darius. Ovior is out for a while. He'll come back soon. Why don't you wait a bit?"

"I would love to wait but what is this? Why is there a chicken here?!" Darius couldn't come out of shock.

"I bought it yesterday. Is that a problem?" Ovior just came inside and answered his friend's question.

"You bought it and left it here? Why not give it to the kitchen? I'm sure the chef can make an amazing dish out of it." Darius licked his lips.

Ovior walked toward his desk while stating, "She is not for your stomach, Darius. I adopted her. I'll raise her and her future generations."

"You are kidding me!" Darius couldn't believe him.

"Since when did I ever joke with anyone?"

At Ovior's question, Darius became quiet. He gave another strange look at the chicken before putting down the papers on Ovior's desk.

"This is what you wanted to know about that guild. I think you should strike when the iron is hot…"

While he was putting down the papers, something moved on the table.

"OMG!"

Darius jumped in shock. He looked at the desk properly and saw a baby turtle walking in the direction of Ovior.

Ovior smiled softly at it and stroked its back with his index finger.

"Tu…turtle!" Darius stuttered.

"Darius, you are being overdramatic," Ovior commented in a cold voice.

Darius exclaimed, "This is a freaking turtle, Ovior! Why are you being so calm?!"

"And why are you shouting?" Ovior scoffed. "And this is not freaky. The person who is acting freakish is you."

"What else do I have to see today?" Darius looked around suspiciously. "Don't tell me this one is adopted by you too."

"It is," Ovior confirmed.

"Unbelievable! What am I going to see tomorrow? An elephant?"

"Maybe that won't be a mad idea. We can always make room for one."

"…" Darius was left speechless.

He gave his report to Ovior and came out of the office. He met Zinnia in the corridor. 

"What's up with you? Why do you look like you have seen a ghost?" she asked him.

"Seeing a ghost?" Darius let out a humorless laugh. "Just wait a few days. This tower will turn into a zoo."

"Isn't this already a zoo? It's a zoo of useless wizards."

"I'm talking about an animal zoo."0

"Huh?!" 

Darius didn't wait to explain it to her. He wanted to go to his harem. 

That pair of chicken and turtle in the Magic Tower freaked him out.

The next day, Ovior brought an elephant.

Darius: "…"

Zinnia: "…"

Ironin: "…"

Veronica stared at Ovior. "Are you sure you want to keep it in the tower and not in the forest?"

"She can go to the forest if she wants. But her real home will be the tower," Ovior stated.

"Are you sure it wants to call this tower its home?" Catherine wondered.

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