Chapter 356 - Intentions (2/2)

”If you wanted to keep me cooped up at home, then you wouldn't have allowed me to come with you.” She knew her brother had the means to keep her locked away if he wanted it.

”So, you don't mind being locked up.”

”Uh, that's not what I meant..”

Zepher sighed, ”Since your acting this way, then so be it. I'll do just as you say. As for you, Himuro. Punishment X.”

”Wha--”

”I'll teach Lyn slowly.”

Lyn gulped, teach? What is he going to teach?

Himuro glanced back, ”Lord Zepher, don't be too harsh! She isn't well these days,” but Himuro's words were lost since somebody else escorted him out of the room.

Zepher extended his hand out, and Lyn looked away frightened. Just now, she said those brave words, but --but now they are alone. Still, Lyn stood up and made her way over.

”Lyn, I'll make things clear to you even if you don't stay on the island. You'll still stay with me. I've already gotten hold of evidence to prove my innocence from that case years ago and submitted it to Mist Kingdom officials.”

Ah? That's...

”I'm waiting for a reply, but I will most likely be permitted to stay in Mist Kingdom lands. I have a house in the mountains, we will move there instead,” Zepher trailed off. ”I have no intention of stopping you from interacting with other people anymore. I understand that you have things you want to do. I'm not the only one who shares this mindset; your family do too.”

It pained her when she heard those words. But, she considers him family too. Is he really going to continue treating her not as his sister anymore? It felt lonely. He still shows her he cares, but...

”But, I must confess that I debated about it a great deal. What to do with you. At some point, I thought keeping you locked up like a glass cage would be better. So, please understand my reasons, Lyn. I'm worried about you. I don't want any harm to befall you. I'm sorry Lyn, I know this isn't making much sense. Perhaps I was too hasty confessing my feelings to you.”

Lyn closed her eyes briefly, ”I'm aware of it, bro- no,” she shook her head. ”Zepher, you were too hasty. We hadn't met in so long, and your behavior was very unusual. But for me, that didn't matter too much. I just wanted to stay by your side. But, you have to understand brother. Even before I came here, I was already making my own plans.”

”Your own plans, is it dangerous?”

Lyn laughed awkwardly, ”Let's just say, it's the reason why those around me are so frantic,” she took a seat beside him.

”It's okay, Lyn, you know, to take your time, you don't have to rush.”

”I know, but I'm worried about the current state of the Empire. I can't just leave things like this.”

Zepher sighed, ”Do you have to care about the Empire so much?”

”I want to be the Queen brother.” This was the first time she was declaring it to someone who wasn't Kazuya, brother Andrew, Rhys, or Pupillam. ”I will take the throne.”

She already made up her mind a long time ago on this matter.