What makes us human

"By the way about what we were discussing earlier. If that report on the case isn't by my desk tomorrow at noon. I will invite Leo for tea."

Rhys looked at her with a troubled expression.

"Did you truly think it was just a passing comment? If something like that is taking place in the Mist Kingdom, I have to solve it."

"You know normally this is the type of work that you leave to your subordinates."

"Don't worry, I normally take one of the knights with me. Well it usually ends up being two since Pupilliam seems to have separate senses when I am in danger."

"That's good." Rhys trailed off. "You seem awkward around her since we returned. Did something happen?"

Lyn recalled the letters she wrote and how much she cried. She can't possibly tell Rhys about that. As she was struggling to tell him Rhys spoke up.

"I don't know what happened, but that person will always be your ally."

She blinked hearing those words. It was just a simple sentence but the unease she felt vanished immediately. Did Rhys words have such a large impact on her in the past?

'I don't think it did, Kazuya's words were more important.' It was that way even after she started dating Rhys officially. She would still recall the advice Kazuya gave to her.

"Rhys, you have matured haven't you?"

At those words Rhys sighed. "Well I am twenty five now."

That's true, unlike his past self he acts more grown up. He isn't impulsive, and acts on his emotions anymore. He has this calm demeanour now. Sometimes she thinks he is too calm, almost emotionless.

"On the other hand you're still as careless as ever. I heard from the soldiers, that it's not uncommon for you to take Kosome and head straight to the danger yourself."

"Flying on a dragon is far faster than a carriage or using magic believe it or not."

"Do you necessarily have to expose yourself to danger?"

"I don't want to hear it from you." Lyn commented. Although Rhys rushed over to 'save her.' He didn't hesitate to use his own body as a shield to help the remaining villagers.

That scene reminded her all too much of the past. Back when the hidden village was in danger, Rhys did the same. Despite what he says, he is a caring person who would sacrifice himself for the people.

Before then she often hesitated asking Rhys to become her King. She knew he had good leadership skills after observing how he treated his team. However, she always worried about his behaviour towards others.

Her thoughts break off when he suddenly stood up and takes a seat beside her. He grabbed hold of her hand and brought it to his lips.

"R-Rhys-"

"Is making me worry your hobby, my wife?"

She had to stop herself from becoming emotional hearing him call her his wife. It's been so long, five entire years since he called her that. Ever since she regained her memories, Lyn couldn't help but think of what if scenarios. Sure the Kingdom has prospered under hers and Kazuya's rule. But if Rhys was the one who became King, would she have become the Empress already? Would she have united the lands by now?

The reason why she has yet to become the Empress is because she has prolonged taking the examination. 'I don't think I am ready yet.' How many times has she used that excuse?

Those people could have chosen a new candidate in the time she spent saying that. But, everybody is waiting for her.

The main reason why she stopped visiting the village so often is this. Whenever she saw the looks on the villagers faces she would feel guilty.

She thought she was doing a good job staying strong but Rhys suddenly pulled her into his arms. He gently caressed her hair.

"What's wrong? You can tell me."

His voice is so gentle, this is no good. When she is in front of this person, all the walls she placed between herself and other people crumble.

Lyn didn't know where to start and yet continued to ask her kindly, before she knew it she was explaining what was on her mind. Of course she had to omit the what if scenarios of him becoming her King. Rhys will find it weird if she says that.

"I see. Indeed, becoming the Empress and uniting these lands are important. But Lyn you have to remember that your still young. Let me ask you something. Do you truly want to become the Empress?"

Lyn blinked hearing those words. Nobody has ever asked her that before. After she became the Queen, the elders started to prepare her to become the Empress. She had intense lessons the first few months. Everybody around her just assumed that she would become the Empress, nobody has ever asked.

Her gaze softened seeing his worried gaze. Does Rhys think she is being forced?

"I truly love the people, this Kingdom. No, all the other Kingdoms too. Although becoming the Empress wasn't a dream of mine originally. After seeing things from this position, my desire to unit people grew. Back when I was a Princess, I struggled to make changes as Lyn and understood that I had to use my title as a Princess. It was frustrating realising how powerless I was without my title."

"I think you sowed changes as Lyn though, the villagers wouldn't have accepted you if you announced you were a Princess from the start."

"Indeed." Lyn briefly closed her eyes and opened it. "Even though I do not speak to them as often now. Whenever they do see me, they greet me warmly. I have been thinking for a long time what I can do to end all the conflict and malice in this Empire, and the only solution I came up with was becoming the Empress. Right now people are divided because there are multiple rulers and Kingdoms. However, if I merge everything as one. Perhaps I can get rid of the discrimination and division."

"Perhaps? You don't sound too sure yourself."

Lyn laughed weakly. "Maybe I don't. But I do understand that I cannot completely get rid of hate and discrimination. Darkness will always exist in the corner of people's hearts. Feeling envy, sadness and pain. Those emotions are what makes us human."

*Unedited*