Chapter 261 - Not enough (1/2)

Gabrielle's gaze suddenly turned dark, ”Say, Lyn, do you understand why your Mother is making all those preparations?”

Ah, Lyn nodded. ”I understand, well for a while I already considered it. What would I do if Mother chose me as the heir? I've always thought that I needed to do something, anything for the people of the Mist Kingdom regardless of my status as a Princess. But, when I traveled to the Snow Kingdom, I realized that it's more difficult than it seemed,” she praised and took a deep breath and briefly closed her eyes. The faces of the people suffering from poverty in the Snow Kingdom remain fixed in her mind.

Even with all the Snow Kingdom's wealth, the people there experience poverty. So, what about those Kingdoms that don't have the luxury to spend? Lyn didn't even want to think about it. But, she could not deny the reality of the situation. It was right in front of her, she saw with her own eyes. How could she possibly ignore it? Lyn continued, ”I'm aware that the majority of the peoples suffering is simply because this Empire does not have an Empress or an emperor. However, there are people out there who are in a position of power where they could change things.”

Her friend, who had been quiet for a while spoke up. She seemed to have debated about her answer, ”Lyn, it seems like you have made up your mind already. But, the current situation is not that simple. I'm aware that you have a better understanding of things now. However, it's still…”

”I know,” Lyn interjected. ”I'm aware it isn't enough yet. My ideals, my values - everything, it's not enough. I still can't do the most basic thing, control my strength.”

”Did you know Lyn, the reason why my parents arranged my marriage to your brother?”

Lyn blinked, puzzled at the sudden change of topic. Regardless, she nodded. ”I know, it's because it's beneficial to both parties right?” The majority of engagements these days occur due to both sides benefiting.

”The reality is it was my parents who worked hard to get this engagement. While my achievements are outstanding, there are plenty of other candidates out there — those who could benefit Andrew more. But, in the end, your Mother agreed with the engagement. Her reason being, 'Andrew himself accepted. I have no reason to refuse.' My parents, since I was young, have trained me to become the Queen.”

Her eyes widened at Gabrielle's words. She wondered if it was okay for her friend to expose such a thing to her. It's not a sin or anything. But it was close to it. Raising your daughter to become the next ruler?

”Andrew is a very kind man, regardless of what people say about him. Even though he knew my parent's intentions, he did not blame me. Nor did he scorn or mock me. 'You may be right; I could have picked anyone. But none of those other women, treat me as well as you do.' ” Gabrielle trailed off, and soft laughter passed her lips. ”Don't you think that response would make anybody believe he was in love with me? He made sure that other people heard it too.”

”...” Lyn said nothing and just stared at Gabrielle. She wondered if she ought to say something. It could just be her imagination, but doesn't her eldest brother like Gabrielle? After hearing this story, this is the only conclusion she could come up with.

”That reminds me, Lyn. I heard that Sir Kazuya and you are doing a joint painting for the event, how is it? Did you finish?”

Lyn suddenly froze. The painting....? It was something her eldest brother suggested to show off her skills. After failing to attend the last banquet, he asked her to work on a piece. Lyn didn't understand why until Kazuya told her. He wanted to tell people that she had been working on the piece when she is sick.

Clearly, Gabrielle noticed since she saw the expression on her face. Her friend dropped, ”Err...should, I not have said that?”

She still hasn't finished the painting ---! What on earth has she been doing this entire time? Even though she made such a promise to Kazuya. Lyn knew even without looking at a mirror that her face color had drained. ” No, thank you for reminding me. I still have time ---” her sentence fell short when she lost her balance. Lyn felt herself getting dizzier. Ah, in the end, it seems like she doesn't have any luck at all.

Yet before she could fall, she felt that somebody had caught her. Lyn turned sideways to see Reiji, he had grabbed hold of her arm and was pulling her up.

Reiji lets out a deep sigh, ”Idiot.” he spelled out, causing her cheeks to turn red. ” Honestly, you don't listen to me at all, do you? I did say it was fine for you to go out. But only if I'm with you.”

”I forgot,” that was a lie. But she would not admit that now.