Chapter 313 - Gift (1/2)

But as Lyn expected, things were not going to be that easy. In fact, it seemed like her eldest brother had other plans regarding Arthur. When she heard that he was placed as a marriage candidate, she was outraged and immediately returned to the main castle to see him. Rhys told her it wasn't worth getting so worked up about. But after making such vows with Kazuya, she didn't want to gather other men.

”This entire tradition is ridiculous, and you know it, brother!” Lyn exclaimed. Didn't he tell her the other day that this was all for show? To make her look like a legit candidate for the throne? What is he doing adding more?

Andrew sighed, ”Indeed, it is ridiculous.”

”Then..”

”However, Lyn, this is for your own good. How do you expect people to take you seriously if we only chose those who have expressed an interest in you? You have to consider other people.”

”Then, Kazuya and Rhys. Both of them put them on that list.” Her gaze didn't waver as she said those words. Her brother must have understood what she was saying since he appeared troubled. ”I'm choosing just like you said, so you can't complain about it.”

”You're becoming so unreasonable, did he teach you this?”

Lyn cursed inside her head, why does eldest brother always blame Kazuya for her behavior? Is it because she's talking a lot more now? It's true before Kazuya came here she would meekly obey his orders. But that didn't mean she accepted everything he did.

Before Lyn could say any more, the doors opened, revealing a man with long hair. ”Ah! Mentor...” She hasn't seen him for a while; this man always seems to be very busy. He has a bad habit of disappearing too, but for longer periods of time. Nobody can track him when he disappears.

Ralph smiled at her and turned to her brother, ”Prince Andrew, do you mind if I borrow your sister?”

”Please take her away.”

Her eyes twitch in annoyance. Why is he making it sound like she's the one at fault? How annoying. Lyn marched up to mentor and grabbed his arm as she pulled him away. After walking for a few minutes, Lyn let her mentor go and spoke up.

”Mentor, I'm not happy at all,” Lyn said as she puffed her cheeks up in annoyance. The two of them were out of earshot by now.

Ralph chuckled, ”I can tell. But you have to understand your brother Lyn.”

”What is there to understand? I haven't even told him I want the throne properly, and yet he's already making these decisions for me.”

”I understand that it is difficult for you to accept. But your brother has been making preparations for you to get the throne for a very long time now. At least with this, you'll have a solid foundation. The men who proposed to you are people of high caliber and standing in the Empire.”

High caliber, huh? ”I've never wanted that,” Lyn mumbled.

”I know,” Ralph nodded. ”But this is the way things work in the Empire.”

They don't have the right to make their own decisions. Lyn understood full well what he wanted to tell her. It was still difficult for her to accept, though. ”I apologize for throwing a tantrum.”

A chuckle passed Ralph's lips, ”It's quite alright. Why do you seem to be in a bad mood?”

--

Earlier

”Lyn, I need to talk to you.”

”Yes, Kazuya?” She turned towards him. The entire morning she spent it catching up on her studies. So they hadn't been speaking much despite him being in the same room as her.

The eyes that he looked at her with were far away, clouded with thoughts she could not begin to guess at. ”… Your feelings for Rhys aren't as gone as you think…”

She froze. Every fiber of her body felt paralyzed. She was aware that her heart was speeding rapidly, and that her fiance could undoubtedly hear it, but there was nothing she could do. This was the reason for this distance lately, for the shadow in his gaze…

”Lyn, I know that part of you is attached to him. I know that you've chosen me, but I still think you should rethink things.”

Lyn looked at him, dumbfounded, ”What are you saying, yesterday we...”

”I was too impulsive. I was delighted and got caught up in that happiness. While this may not be easy for you, but… I think, perhaps, it is time you learned the entire truth.”