Chapter 307 - Issues in the shadows

Lyn thought she was being stealthy about sneaking back in. How hard could it be? Everybody should be fast asleep right now. Before she left, there was a little party, and everybody got drunk. So, when she saw Rhys leaning on the doorframe of the back entrance, Lyn froze.3 'Busted.' Lyn thought. While she knew that he of all people would be the hardest to trick. Rhys was very drunk too.

She tried to be casual as she walked over, but naturally, that calmness was a facade. Lyn felt her face became sweaty in seconds. Rhys grabbed hold of her hand, and she froze. Calm down, take a deep breath.

"I'm sorry for sneaking out."

First, an apology, then everything else can come next.

"But, I didn't have much of a choice."

This was true, with the way Shioka forcibly dragged her out. She didn't have much of a choice.

"Shioka told me to come with him. But I said I'd come back because I'm worried about you."

Next, flatter him.

Rhys didn't say a word, and for a moment, Lyn was worried that it was all for nothing. But, he suddenly scooped her up in his arms. 'Now that she thinks about it, he never mentioned it.' About knowing each other in the past. His words and actions when they first met each other, were beyond confusing. But now Lyn understood them better.

"I'll be upfront here. Did you know that Princess Lethia is also making the same gift for Kazuya's birthday?"

Ah?

"I heard earlier. ...Maybe it's a coincidence. Or maybe that person told her. After all, she was the one who taught me how to make one in the first place.."

"What coincidence? I'm sure she did it on purpose."

Ehhh? He's getting angry? How rare.

"Princess Lyn, my instincts tell me that woman is not that simple. By using the trust Kazuya, she far more complicated than all of us. Haven't you noticed? Since these incidences started, she's always been the first to help Princess Lethia out. During the suspect incidence, for instance. She's the one who pointed out many things that had been overlooked. I think she wants Princess Lethia to be with Kazuya, more."

Now that Rhys mentioned it, she can't deny that. The woman Rhys mentioned is somebody they ran into on their way back to the Snow Kingdom. Madam Lucia, coincidentally she is friends with her sister.

"Princess - no Lyn, you have to be careful around that woman. This might be one of the hardest battles you have to face."

"I understand, Rhys."

She understands. But there's already so much hatred surrounding her. So many ugly and dark feelings. If possible, she wants the situation with her sister to resolve itself in due time. However, some so many people are worried about her and giving her advice. There are so many people supporting her, so she can't keep being wishy-washy on this matter.

Still, Lyn didn't like fighting with her sister. She didn't understand why they had to fight. While they never saw eye to eye before, Lyn still wanted to improve their relationship. She doesn't hate her sister.

Her thoughts broke off when Rhys hits her head.

"Don't worry! I'll support you. Don't forget, I've known you for as long as your man has."

Her cheeks turned red in embarrassment. That guy !! He told Rhys didn't he? But that's not the point here.

"Hey, hey, where did you learn such crude language? Are you done talking?! I was actually touched for a moment."

"I just learned it. It feels really cool to say this kind of stuff every once in a while. I can never say this stuff in front of noble ladies."

"But that doesn't mean you can say it in front of me either. Mou. . ." Lyn sighed.

Rhys gaze met hers, and the two of them burst into laughter. "It does feel like it's been a while since I last laughed out loud like this."

"Really? Guess my comedic skills are coming in handy."

"What's with those comedian skills? Aha."

When she is with Rhys, she can speak so naturally. He knows how to comfort her. They know how to make her feel comfortable and at ease.

Eventually, they arrived at the room, and Rhys settled her down on the bed. She noticed the tray of food comprising some warm soup and bread and blinked. "Ah?"

"Eat. You have to take your medicine."

"Thank you…"

Lyn paused in the middle of her meal.

"Say, Rhys? Have you...been in contact with Arthur?"

She hasn't thought about Arthur in so long. With everything going on, her head has been occupied. But, it's not like she forgot him or stopped worrying.

Rhys sighed, "I'm surprised. This is the first time you're mentioning this. About the past."

"I...had a dream lately, about what happened back then."

"I see."

"Do you..know?"

Rhys took his time to respond, but when he did, he nodded. "A few months back, he came to see me in the Sound Kingdom. It surprised me, and I thought he was an imposter because it looked like an old man came to visit. Sure six years have gone by, but a person can't age that quickly. It was then I realized how much he had been neglecting himself. I told him to fix himself up first and made sure he ate during his stay. His health seemed fine before he set off again. But that guy is neglecting himself. That says everything doesn't it?"

Indeed, it did if he is neglecting his health to the point that his appearance is like that.. Lyn clenched her fist, "How come he hasn't found it yet and the truth.."

"That case wasn't simple, to begin with. I'd like to say it was a simple case, but it wasn't. The person who framed him is dead now. Because of that, it's harder to get the clues we need to prove his innocence. He's been on the run for so many years. Naturally, he would be worn down. So don't worry too much."

"But," Lyn mumbled. "Isn't there anything she can do?" Unlike before she's in a better position to make demands. Maybe she can help him?

"You can ask the Snow Kingdom King for help."

"Ah?"

"In terms of the connections you've made. Isn't that a good one to utilize?"

The Snow Kingdom King -- Lyn recalled his words to her before she left. Indeed, he did tell her it would be okay for her to ask him for anything. "Is it okay to ask?" Considering her awkward relationship with his knights. Lyn didn't want to look like she was using them.

Rhys sighed, "Who is more important right now?"

"Arthur."

"Right, so write the King a letter. I'll send it over tomorrow."

Lyn nodded and took out some paper from the draw nearby. "Rhys, um, you don't mind me searching for Arthur?"

"I'd be lying if I said it didn't bother me completely. Because it really bugs me, I know how much you liked him …"

At that comment, Lyn became frantic. "What do you mean?"

Rhys eyes twitched in annoyance. "Don't act nervous about it now. Isn't it already a thing of the past?"

"It is but…"

A deep sigh escaped his lips, "It does bother me. But I also want to meet with him."