Chapter 210 - Take those words back (1/2)

Reiji took a few steps forward and looked her up and down, ”You do seem different from the reports. But honestly, if you ask me, you won't even last a day working with us.”

Her eyes twitched in annoyance at Reiji's comments, is this man implying that she is frail? How rude. Hasn't he heard the saying that you can't judge a person by their appearance alone? Sure to everyone else she may look weak, but appearances are deceiving. Besides, this person hasn't heard about it? About her? Didn't Reiji say the other day that he knew Shioka, that much should be obvious? Then again, even the reputation she built up in that community is shrouded in darkness.

Wait, why does she even want him to know? It makes little difference. Whether or not she actually had any achievements, this person would not acknowledge her at all.

His gaze remained on her, and he seemed to get closer. Reiji reached over and touched her cheeks, ”A weakling like you isn't worth my time.”

Lyn puffed her cheeks up, and she glared at him, ”I may be weak appearance-wise. But don't underestimate me.”

”I'll underestimate you because all I see is you hiding behind those two all the time. And don't give me that nonsense about hiding your abilities. Why would you do that if you live in these times? There are people out there who strive and crave power so badly. The power to protect, to defend themselves. Do you know how many people crave that power? And you're telling me that your hiding your abilities? What for?”

Lyn felt her face color turn pale at his words. That's right, he's right, isn't he? Why is she hiding her abilities? She has a reason. But, if she were to say it out loud now, wouldn't she look like some sort of self-entitled rich brat? How stupid. She's ridiculous. She came all the way out here, and yet her resolve is shattered in just a few words. Perhaps she really is just in over her head. Change the Empire as Lyn and not a Princess?! Commoners barely have a say.

What is she doing? This entire time, what she been up to? Her thoughts broke off when Lyn saw somebody familiar standing not too far from where they were.

”Allen?”

Allen frowned and sent a harsh glare towards Reiji. He walked over to her and pulled her into his arms, ”Allen? Um?”

”Shall we get going?”

”Ah?”

”You'll train with me,” Allen said.

Wait; what? Eh? Lyn looked at Allen, confused, but he was already pulling her away. Reiji called out after him.

”My wife is not somebody you can harm physically, or insult with your barbaric words.”

.....

A deep sigh escaped Lyn's lips as she recalled what happened earlier. There was no way Allen would actually train with her; instead, it was the usual. She watched him do his paperwork. Then again, it seemed like today something was different. Allen asked her for her opinions about many things, and they had a decent discussion. It was enjoyable for her. Still, Allen looks exhausted. Exactly what is this huge favor the King asked of him, that made him feel so distressed? No matter how much Lyn brought up the topic.

Allen wouldn't budge on the matter. Kazuya and the others still aren't back either. 'Fetch me my belongings in the waiting area.,' Allen had told her. Who leaves their stuff in a strangers place?

Then again, he must have seen what was going on with her and appeared just in time. As Lyn made her way down the hallway, she spotted somebody familiar from the corner of her eye. It was Reiji; he was sleeping on the window ledge. At least that is what it looked like; Lyn knew he wasn't.

Lyn simply walked past, but Reiji called out to her.

”Wait.”