A few days later, Year 4014- Mist Kingdom.
"So, we agreed to escort you there. But did your Mother permit you to come here?" Rhys asked.
The three of them were in the central library in the middle of town. The reason why is because of the request her mentor said, 'There's a special parcel I need picking up, would you fetch it for me?' While it was an unusual request, Lyn didn't want to dwell on the details. It meant leaving town, not just town but the Mist Kingdom. The parcel her mentor wanted her to fetch is in the Land of Snow. A place completely further away and different from the Mist Kingdom. When Lyn heard that, she immediately said yes without a second thought.
Kazuya and Rhys offered to go with her, or rather, that was the only way she could leave. With Pupillam busy with her family affairs, and the General busy with the army - Kazuya and Rhys were the only ones her eldest brother allowed to act as her escort.
"Mother is busy lately, so Mentor asked Eldest Brother before he came to see me."
"So, he just naturally assumed that you would say yes?"
Lyn rolled her eyes, why does Rhys sound like he is getting defensive for? Forget about him though; she turned to her boyfriend - it still felt strange saying that. But Lyn is slowly starting to get used to it. She went from having no clue about romance to having a boyfriend in the spam of almost two months, miracles happen huh?
"Kazuya?" she called out to her boyfriend who sat across from her.
Since earlier, he seemed rather spaced out, "What's wrong?"
He suddenly bent down and kissed her lips, "Nothing much."
Okay, so he doesn't want to tell her, that's fine and all. But why did he kiss her? Aren't kisses supposed to happen under romantic situations? But she does like the feeling of his lips on hers, so she won't comment.
"Doesn't this library give you the creeps?" Kazuya asked.
"Yeah, I was thinking so too."
Lyn looked at them, confused, "Really? I come here all the time," or at least whenever they let her out. But she had to admit it had been quite some time since she last came here. Ever since they lifted the restriction regarding her going out. Lyn used that chance to explore different towns in the Mist Kingdom.
Kazuya brushed his hand across her face, "Well if you say so, are you okay? You still have a fever."
"I'm okay, I wanted to do some research before we go," Lyn explained. Though she understood it is better to see things in person, and that these books will contain limited information. It's not just that, underneath all the research materials were books regarding relationships.
Pupillam gave her those other books to read before, but the General and Gabrielle told her to stop reading books on relationships. Gabrielle insisted that while romance stories are nice and all,
Rhys, however, sat close to her, so he saw what she was reading. He laughed, and she frowned, "It's not funny," because it really isn't. This is valuable research material!
"Princess don't act like an idiot, do you actually think you will learn anything from those books?" Rhys tone indicated he was half amused; half offended, "It's better if you experience it in person."
Gabrielle said the same thing, so maybe she should just let her relationship with Kazuya flow naturally. With the way things are developing between them lately, it's just about time before things advance in their relationship. If Rhys and Yuzuhara didn't interrupt the other day, she wonders what would have happened between her and Kazuya. She doesn't want to be unprepared. She wants to be ready.
It's strange, a few months ago all Lyn thought about was what she could do to go out more. What she could do to help the people, that's why she took her lessons seriously despite the limited knowledge they taught her. It's still the same now; nothing's really changed. Her goals, her dream is still there. But in contrast to before, it's gotten a lot stronger, and she no longer wants to do it alone. She wonders if Kazuya also shares the same dream as her. It would be nice if that were the case. Then again, only crazy people would share the same dream as her.
If she thought about it, her dream is only possible if she somehow managed to convince Mother. If not, it meant Mother being dethroned, something that would be completely suicidal for the Mist Kingdom right now.
Her thoughts broke off when Rhys picked up one of the books, and he whistled, "You should go to the back pages. There's some stuff here that they forgot to censor."
Lyn's cheeks grew hot at those words, "I'm not reading that."
"But, do you really expect to learn by reading a bunch of text? You have to be kidding me."
Rhys looked very amused.
Lyn puffed her cheeks up into a pout, "Then do you have a better idea?" she shot back. Geez, why does Rhys always try to shoot down all her good ideas? It's not fair.
"Yeah, I do."
She raised her eyebrows at his automatic reply; he actually has one? Eh? Her thoughts broke off when Rhys edged closer to her. Lyn shifted in her seat uncomfortably as she found him staring at her, "I wonder though, if it's you, hmmm," Rhys muttered to himself. Lyn did not want to know what he was talking about. If its Rhys, its definitely something weird, no doubt about it.
Still, she knew he was speaking the truth. While books are valuable research material when it concerns relationships. Lyn knew better than to rely on them.
"Kazuya? Rhys is bothering me."
At that comment, Kazuya snapped out of his daze and frowned. He stood up and made his way over and took the other seat beside her, "Don't bother Lyn," it was just three words. But Rhys shut up.
A troubled look plastered on his face, "You know, I was only helping her gather her valuable research material."
"Hmm? Are you researching something?"
Lyn's eyes widened in alarm, stupid Rhys!!! Kazuya is going to think she's some sort of weirdo.