Chapter 534 - Interlude

The sensation of Rhys gentle kiss from the other day had yet to leave her thoughts. Why did he kiss her like that? Is there something wrong with him? It was difficult to focus on anything. Currently, she was in the middle of her lessons. Quite some time has passed since she last had to do her Princess duties or any work-related. For a while, after they revealed her identity she did a lot of work with Allen and went around as his fiance. But that work was only to show everybody who she was, to demonstrate the power of the second Princess. It was a waste of time and Lyn did not learn anything from it.

While lessons like this have no meaning either, at least it is better than having to put up a fake smile and please such people.

"Lyn, Princess Lyn are you listening?"

An awkward burst of laughter escaped her lips. "Uh...sorry, could you repeat that?"

Pupilliam deeply sighed. "Please get a hold of yourself, soon you'll be entering the academy."

That's right it was something recently mentioned by her mother the other day. Her mother who kept isolating herself summoned her in private and discussed it.

"Is the Knights academy that strict?" Lyn asked.

Since morning Pupillam has been teaching her even more than usual.

A troubled look appeared on her face. "It's more like it's a very carefree place."

"Then..."

"But Princess Lyn you're a Princess you're different from the other nobles. You've been taught differently from them."

"Is that so?" Lyn repeated. "Even though what I have learned is restricted, it's still different?"

Pupillam slowly nodded. "Indeed your education is still far above the others. To begin with, the only knowledge omitted was tales from the battlefield."

So that's how it was. Then she wondered why it felt lacking to her. Why did she desire more? What an unusual feeling. Even though she had more than the average person, it all felt very strange. 

Her thoughts broke off when she heard a knock on the door. "General?"

"Princess Lyn, apologies but today.." Adrien trailed off. 

Lyn followed his gaze and spotted the man beside him. 

"Ah."

"I will show him the ropes but then again there isn't much to show."

"I don't need an escort anymore." Lyn pointed out. The only reason why it was necessary before was because her sister was actively sending people after her. But now that everybody knows who she is, it's not possible.

Her sister's actions lately have proved it. Right now her sister can't do anything. 

"Indeed I understand where you are coming from but other forces will emerge."

That's true, there are many who are dissatisfied with this situation. The emergence of another Princess. "The fanatics are becoming uneasy, aren't they? I received the reports from the last meeting. They are giving my mother a hard time."

Adrien sighed. "Correct. The Queen's behavior locking herself away isn't helping the situation either."

"I see." Lyn nodded. "But isn't the lieutenant busy?"

She doesn't want to trouble him.

"It would be my honor to guard you," Teo said.

Lyn exhaled deeply when he said those words. If he says it like that it will be hard to refuse. Besides she might hurt his pride if she says no. She stole a glance at him but could not read his expression. He always wears such an indifferent look on his face. The only other expression she sees is anger.

She supposes it is better for her other guard to be Lieutenant Teo. While she is familiar with the new knights in the castle because of Kazuya, those people won't be assigned to guard her like this. Since she is a Princess they would choose somebody from the royal knights. Their interaction in the past has been brief, but he is the only one she is actually familiar with.

Another person to follow her around huh? Despite the vague explanation from the General Lyn understood already. Her sister's sudden engagement to a King from another country, Kings John's forces that still linger in town, and Kazuya returning to the Sound Kingdom to report the situation. Depending on Kazuya's report, will they have to go to war?

.......

The stone Kingdom soldiers that had occupied the town were silent and some reports say that half withdrew from the town. This was why when she asked to go out it was approved of easily or so she would like. Her gaze fell on the lieutenant who was with her. Initially, Pupillam was supposed to come along too but the General suggested that only the lieutenant come along so he could get used to things.

Lyn wore her usual hooded cloak. People may know who she is now but unless they approach her up close then they won't see. Lyn shifted her hood so it would go lower. Crowded places still made her feel slightly uncomfortable.

"Princess," Teo called out.

"Yes?"

"Is that not Sir Rhys?"

Lyn blinked when she heard that name. But Rhys had business to attend to right? Why would he be in town? Maybe he is patrolling? Lyn followed the direction Teo pointed at and her eyes widened. Rhys was not alone but he was with a woman with lilac-colored hair.

She immediately recognized who it was. It was the girl Rhys was seeing in the red light district, but unlike before there was a different atmosphere around her. The girl gave off an elegant aura and she did not have as much makeup on her face or wore that strange headgear. 

"Will you be fine here? Do you know how to get back?"

"I do."

"Also your new workplace I already explained why you didn't start immediately and there are no problems. If you need anything send me a message." 

It seemed to her that Rhys was impatient the way he said all that information in one go.

"I shall be fine, you're impatient to return to the castle and see the Princess correct?"

Ah?

Rhys nodded. "Yeah, she looked a bit down earlier so I want to spend some time with her."

"Then please go."

Lyn could not miss the look on the girl's face when she said those words. That girl still likes him a lot, it must be painful to hear such things. But even if she pities the woman, Lyn did not want to let Rhys go. She watched as Rhys quickly walked off, thankfully he walked in the opposite direction so he did not see her.

"Princess should you not-"

"I want to walk around for a bit longer, accompany me, Lieutenant."

"Very well."

It is impossible to spend all the time in the world with the person she likes. Lyn knew that if she went after Rhys now she would not get another chance to look around the town. The soldiers may have withdrawn but the impact of their stay in the town, she has to see it with her own eyes. With her own eyes, and as a Princess there is something she can do. Unlike the past, Lyn knew she could no longer change the Kingdom no the Empire as just Lyn. With this cursed blood that runs through her veins, the blood of royalty, and this strange mark she will walk even further ahead.