Bab 16: Opening Day P1
Mist Kingdom Castle Northern Section - Princess Lyn Quarters -
After returning Lyn had to get changed into formal garments since it was almost time for the opening ceremony. She didn't want to part ways with Kazuya. But, her gaze flickered on to her hand as she recalled what happened an hour ago. The warmth of his hand still lingered on hers, and the light kiss on her forehead. She wonders what all of this means. Kazuya and her right now, what type of relationship do they have with each other? Lyn didn't think she needs to think about it too deeply. Kazuya is Kazuya. No matter what connection they share. Nothing will change between them.
But Lyn does have to admit that she wants to know exactly what this is.
"Princess Lyn, please stay put," Pupillam said.
"Do I really have to wear my crown?"
"It's an opening day, and you're still a Princess."
Lyn rolled her eyes, "What happened to hidden existence?"
"There are a handful of people that the Queen wants you to meet. Of course, you can't sit with your family during the ceremony, but…" Pupillam trailed off.
Lyn nodded.
She saw a flash of pain appear on Pupillam's face and shook her head, "I'm fine." She is fine. Her thoughts broke off when she caught a glimpse of movement by the window. Eh? Could it be, Lyn rushed over, "Kazuya?" Lyn called out.
Indeed it was none other than Kazuya, she opened up the window fully and Kazuya climbed inside, "Hey, I couldn't wait any longer," Kazuya wore his usual signature grin on his face.
She immediately noticed his gaze on hers and realized he was looking at her appearance.
Ah, her heart is beating. How strange, "Um, I haven't finished," Lyn said. She hid her face suddenly self-conscious. She knew her face had no makeup yet and her hair was half finished. Kazuya, however, reached over and moved her hands away.
"You look cute, Lyn."
"Stupid…"
Kazuya laughed.
"Hey, you're not allowed to be here," Pupillam said. It was clear that her aide was angry, "Or rather Princess, you're not supposed to show yourself to any guy before a ceremony unless he's your fiance," Pupillam's words were like a knife that cut through the pleasant atmosphere.
It's not like there's anything like that between her and Kazuya. But perhaps since they see each other every day, people misunderstand. Her thoughts broke off when Kazuya grabbed hold of her wrist, "Let me borrow her, or leave for a bit."
"What do you want from her?" Pupillam said suspiciously.
"None of your business, or do I have to be open about it?" Kazuya said against her ear, "What do you say, Lyn?"
"Wah---what?"
Her aide's eyes go wide, and cheeks burned red, "I—'m against this! I'll tell the General."
"Go ahead, but we can just do it in the open," Kazuya lips made contact with her neck, and she shuddered. Suddenly Pupillam bolted out of the room without saying another word.
"Sorry about that, I just want—" Kazuya trailed off, "Lyn? You're red?"
Wha—what-what did all of that mean just now? She can't wrap her head around all of this. Whenever Kazuya says these things, these compliments or the two of them being close. She ends up becoming a mess. Her thoughts broke off when Kazuya drew her close, "I don't mean to tease you so much."
Was he just teasing her? For some reason, that didn't sound right to her.
"Though I'm teasing, I mean the words I tell you. I find you cute, and that makes me want to overstep some boundaries," Kazuya trailed off, "Well you don't understand that stuff I'm sure."
Overstep boundaries, does he mean kissing her?
…..
A few minutes later, Lyn somehow calmed down and pulled herself away from Kazuya, "Say, did you need me for something?"
"Yeah, I wanted to tell you. I don't think we should be seen together."
Eh?
"I mean, your existence is still a secret. We can meet in the middle of the event. But if you're with me from the start, you'll gain attention. People know who I am, unfortunately," Kazuya said with a deep sigh as he rubbed his temple with his fingers, "It bothers me to do this next part but, Rhys," he called out.
A man with pale ash blonde hair with slanted eyes and a scar on his right eye leaped onto the balcony.
Ah, this is the man she made eye contact with, in the recent trip to the market. So he knew Kazuya?
"So this is Rhys, I suggest you go with him if you want to blend in."
"Though I stand out too," Rhys murmured.
Kazuya rolled his eyes, "It's better with you, but don't you dare try anything."
"Yes, yes," Rhys turned to her, he seemed to scan her up and down, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess. Forgive me for saying so, but I'm not exactly a formal type of person. If I speak informally don't get too offended, that's just how I am."
Lyn, however, was only half paying attention to him, as she noticed something. Lyn reached over to touch the scar across the man's eyes right eye. He flinched slightly at the contact, but Lyn didn't move her hand away, "Does it hurt?"
Rhys stared at her for a few minutes before he murmured, "I see, you're like this." She looked at him with a confused look on her face but he shook his head, "It doesn't hurt anymore. I've had the scar for a long time after all."
Lyn nodded; she supposed that's good. But, these people from the Sound Kingdom. All of them have such unique traits about themselves. When she first met Kazuya, she was immediately drawn to that different trait of his.
"Lyn."
She turned back to Kazuya, "Yes?"
"Let's talk privately."
....
A few hours later.
At exactly 8:00 am, the Castle was opened up to the General Public. Many people used this opportunity to set up stalls, make business trades and see what requirements are needed to work in the Castle. The later is always a challenge every year; all the applications have to go through Mother. Lyn recalled walking past once and seeing somebody fleeing in tears. Come to think of it, Kazuya did say that Mother was scary. She supposes that's why people leave with such a horrified look on their faces.
Despite this happening every year, this was the first time since she has attended in a while. After the incident that happened when she was fourteen, the restriction towards her leaving has increased. She wonders what Kazuya did to convince her Mother. Lyn focused on her surroundings that she failed to notice, that she was approaching a medium set of stones on her feet.
Lyn lost her footing and expected to crash, so she closed her eyes. "I—!"
However, nothing happened. She didn't land on the ground. Noticing this, Lyn opened her eyes and found that Rhys had broken her fall. His hands around her waist, "You know, you're too light."
"Um, thank you?" Lyn said puzzled.
Rhys nodded and let go of her, "Be more careful. Aren't you used to walking in those shoes?"
Lyn looked down at the elegant pair of shoes on her feet and shook her head, "I'm not used to it, that's why I fell," she laughed awkwardly, "Ah, look the ceremony is starting."
Sure enough on top of the castle bridge way, was her Mother, Father, Eldest brother, Second Brother, and Older sister. Lyn noticed a spot missing and frowned. Rhys followed her gaze, "They said the Third Princess, Princess Shaarya refuses to come home until they stop their bad treatment of you."
Lyn exhaled deeply, "Stupid child."
Despite being born in different circumstances. The moment her sister Shaarya met her, the younger girl treated her with respect. Princess Shaarya, the third Princess to the Mist Kingdom's present throne was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. In contrast to the rest of her siblings, she was the one who was most loved and pampered. But the girl didn't turn out to be arrogant. Once she was old enough to speak out, Shaarya questioned her circumstances and since then rebels a lot.
"Stupid, huh? Well, I don't get the actions or circumstances of the Royal family. But, from what I see," Rhys drawled, "Your sister really cares about you."
Lyn nodded, that's true. Shaarya is one of the seldom few people who she knew she could rely on. Despite the girl being three years younger, she acts more like an adult than her sometimes. Shaarya is the complete opposite of her, she's so strong and loved by many. The latter never bothered her. Lyn grew up to accept her present circumstances. But after meeting Kazuya, Lyn saw how bad her situation was.
What an odd feeling, loneliness, huh?
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