Chapter 545 - Lieutenant Teo Part 3

"Many have often referred to our Lady as Lady Chihayafuru - Chihayafuru is the epithet of a powerful, intense being. I believe Princess Lyn personifies this. I also read somewhere that Tatsuta-Hime (goddess of autumn and dyeing) is said to be like Lady Sumire. 

Others describe Kazuya as "the water". Calm, and it is like its flow is dragging you. His aura is felt that way by mainly the Princess, but other people also felt that Kazuya is indeed water when he is around her. I presumed Kazuya is the "Tatsuta River" in the third poem.

The maple leaf is the constant symbol for Sir Rhys. The Queen compared Rhys to the "beautiful flame-like crimson leaves" that she doesn't want to step on. This is a blunt detail to know what symbol can we associate with Rhys. Now that the representation is complete, it is time to interpret the poem. 

Although I have read a couple or more interpretations of the Chihayaburu poem, I will go with the usual explanation that it is "a love poem about a passionate love that never fades". Y I interpreted the poem: The gods didn't notice that the Tatsuta River is "dyed" with Red. 

All this time, the gods thought that the River was red. But, the thing is... Tatsuta river appears to be in the shade of red because of the maple leaves above it, being reflected by the water. 

In short, the god is oblivious to the fact that maple leaves are what made the Tatsuta River red. That's why people naturally believe "that the true passion (or red) that never dies is the maple leaf or crimson leaf." Pupilliam explained.

Despite the odds comparison, for some reason, Teo understood. "Are you saying that even now…"

"Think about it, Teo. I've only returned to her a short while ago, and yet I've been able to come up with this theory. Even though Princess Lyn is in love with Rhys, she always thinks of Kazuya no matter where she is. " Pupillam trails of. 

"It may seem insignificant, and this is only a theory of mine. However, I do not believe that sir Kazuya has completely lost and because Kazuya's presence in Princess Lyn's life is the same. Then it is not over yet."

Teo didn't get a chance to respond since there was a light knock on the door.

"Lady Pupilliam."

"..I will head there immediately. Teo, make sure to finish your meal and rest. "

Teo nodded and watched as his fellow guard left the room. His thoughts were distracted by the conversation just now.

If you go by that theory, then... there's another one, one that's similar to sir Rhys A maple life, someone burning like flames. But that man Zepher was it? That person is dangerous. He only observed briefly that time, but there was a dangerous aura around that man.

…..

Ever since sir Kazuya left for the Sound Kingdom, sir Rhys has often vanished, leaving the Princess alone. But since then, the Queen granted the second Princess the sapphire mansion they currently reside in with her. Teo understood the main reason for the move. It is far too dangerous for her to remain in the main castle or use her old residence.

Teo noticed it. Usually, he isn't the kind of person who could read other people's emotions and actions. But he found himself to be proven wrong every single time when it comes to her.

He was sure his other team members noticed it too. That's why they've casually been making excuses to stay with her. She's noticed it; they make it way too obvious after all.

A look filled with loneliness. Although the Princess has brightened more since she began to visit the orphan's home in town. It still isn't enough after all. It's to be expected, huh? No matter how happy she is about helping. Teo knew that the one she wants to see is. His thoughts broke when he heard the doorbell sound. Hmm? Who would pay attention when it is this late?

Regardless Teo made his way down the hallway to the door. When he got there, Minoru had opened it already and was engaged in conversation with the guests. Both Souta and Tsubasa were peering over on the sidelines. 

He raised his eyebrows and made his way over to the two. "What are you guys doing?"

"Anuie…our visitor is…"

Hmm? Teo glanced over at where Minoru was standing to spot not a guy with long hair that protrudes out the back of his head wearing a

a kimono with blue and black stripes and a white cloth dr.a.p.ed over his shoulders and zōri.

Teo doesn't hesitate to go over when he recognizes who it was.

"Yo lieutenant, haven't seen you in a while."

"You --- where on earth have you been?!!" Teo almost yelled, almost until he realized that the Princess must be asleep by now.

Rhys chuckles at his reaction, "You do need to relax more."

"No, no, I will not relax. You better not plan on leaving again." Though he was aware that the black hair boy understood his words as translating to, 'If you leave again, I'll tear your innards out.'

"O-of course not…"

"Good, because your constant absence has left you with quite a pile of work. "First on the agenda, you have to go vis… what are you doing?" Teo was surprised to see the man unsheathe his blade.

"It seems we're not alone; an enemy is hiding behind you."

"Wha-what, seriously?! Stand back, and I will take care of this!" Teo turned and scanned the area behind him but found no threat. 

Teo turned back and asked, "But I don't see anybody. Are you sure anybody's there, Sir Rhys!" Teo screamed as he found that the man was no longer there.

Teo sighed, understanding why he left so quickly. Now he wants to see her? Gee, that person. Ever since he came to guard the Princess, he has to deal with this man. Teo always felt a headache coming along whenever it came to him. He knew that the job would be difficult, it's only natural considering who he is guarding.

But instead of the clan duties being difficult, he found himself having a hard time only when it came to following around that person. 

He quickly left the foyer area, and it did not take them long before he found the man who disappeared. The Princess was with him, and she was glaring harshly at him; she raised her hand and hit his chest several times before she slumped into his arms.

"It's an order now."

"What is?"

"You can't leave my side unless I say so."