Chapter 52 - Masquerade P1 (1/2)

A few hours later Ball -

”You don't talk much, do you?”

Lyn was starting to form an opinion about the man named 'Rhys.' Since he became her instructor, they spent a lot of time together. She had to admit that he was very good at it though, he teaches a lot better than Kazuya.

He was an excellent swordsman, and capable leader—as far as she could tell – a dedicated son and heir to his family. When Lyn discovered he was from the nobility. Honestly, it surprised her. Considering how he usually dresses, nobody could tell. His crude language too. But she supposes there is a saying you can't judge a person by their outer appearance for a reason. Of course, alongside these traits, he was arrogant, the type Lyn disliked. He was the type of man who believed he was a gift to the world.

The smile on his face at times felt sharp like thorns. It was different than Kazuya's honest smile or Brothers embarrassed or amused expression. Though sometimes his smile looked like a self-deprecating smirk, most of the time, his smile. But at times she sensed something behind it. Something kind.

Kind.

Lyn lifted her hand to brush away a strand of her hair The weight of the jeweled pins felt heavy and Lyn wanted to remove it. But before she could, she felt Rhys hand brush across her hair, touching the jewels.

”This is a fresh change for me. Sometimes I wonder how people can stand around and chat for so long, despite obviously hating each others company,” Rhys said, ”It makes it easier.”

Lyn rolled her eyes, as she knew full well who he was insulting. The woman named Beth and Rhys had dispute lately. Though Rhys does not mention it, Lyn knew it was about her. Rhys is already busy enough with his day to day work. On top of training her, the time he spent fooling around has disappeared.

The fact was: he didn't even mean to be especially demeaning, or even insulting. He just spoke his mind. But Rhys never knew how much a power a persons word held.

He most likely never considered it.

Lyn did not feel hurt by his words. She just didn't like this aspect of carelessness of his character very much.

”And I have to say; this dress fits you very well. The color suits you.”

”Thank you,” Lyn thanked.

”So polite. And yet you stood up for me in front of your family recently. If I didn't know you better, I wouldn't believe I fought you before and lost.”

She said nothing to that. Below the small balcony, they were standing on, people were dancing.

”By the way, a little birdie told me something interesting. It seems like your brother the First Prince has an illegitimate child.”

At that, she turned to him eyes wide, ”Is that true?”

”Who knows? But that's the rumor going around in the underground right now. Since the media hasn't caught wind of it yet, nobody can be sure. However, from what I see, it's real — a little boy with blonde hair and maroon eyes who is around seven years old. The description is far too accurate to be a lie, don't you think? ”