Chapter 68 - Your Stronger Now

Lyn quickly gathered the books in her hands, and stood up, "You two are distracting me! I'm going to read elsewhere," she doesn't waste for a response and abruptly left.

After walking around for a while, she found a quiet spot on the second floor. It was at the very corner of the second floor, right by the large windows.

There stood a man with blonde hair, wearing the Mist Kingdom cloak. Ah, "Eldest Brother," she called out.

He looked over at her and smiled, "Busy?" he was referring to the books in her hands, "I didn't pin you as the type that would read so much."

Lyn shook her head, "It's nothing," she quickly placed the stack of books down in a normal manner. Don't act jittery. Otherwise, it would look suspicious. She quickly made her way over to him, "What are you doing here, brother?"

"Gabrielle wanted to do some research, but she fell asleep," Andrew pointed to the couch not too far from where they were. There lay Gabrielle.

Oh! It wasn't seeing her friend here that surprised Lyn. Gabrielle was the one who showed her this place before, and they often come here together. But it was the fact that

Gabrielle managed to convince her brother to accompany her somewhere. 'Perhaps their relationship is getting somewhere,' Lyn was aware of how Gabrielle was genuinely in love with her brother. Falling in love with the person, your parents set you up with is not strange.

It happens, especially for those who have been bethored since childhood. However, it's a rare case. Gabrielle is in love with her eldest brother. But her eldest brother isn't. Most people would expect that with his personality, but Lyn knew the truth. It's the reason why Pupillam hasn't been around much. With her brother staying in the castle for long, it's only natural at least according to her aide not to be around.

Some bodyguard, leaving her alone. But Lyn knew she couldn't complain. It must be painful seeing her brother, seeing the person you love be with somebody else. Yet her eldest brother clearly likes Pupillam back. When Lyn first heard of it, the whole thing with her brother and Pupillam. She was a bit taken back. It was the cutest story she ever heard.

A beautiful love. The fact that Pupillam fell in love with her brother, with no knowledge that he was a Prince made it all the more sweet to her. However, Lyn knew it was not possible for the two of them to be together. Her brother being engaged aside, her Mother would never allow it. Though Mother does not discriminate against the lower class, she has rules to uphold.

Then there's Gabrielle, such a sweet lady who loves her brother too. Long before she met Pupillam, she knew Gabrielle. The length of time is not important; the two are vital to her. But when it comes down to choosing, she would choose Gabrielle.

"Brother, you two are getting along now?"

His lips curve to a smile, " Was there a complaint?"

"No, but," weren't the two fighting earlier this year? There's still this lingering rumors about Gabrielle and second brother too. Even if her eldest brother doesn't like Gabrielle that way, it must damage his pride and reputation, knowing his fiance is being paired with another man. Maybe that's why he's tagging along with her, "Are you keeping an eye out on her?"

"Yes."

Ouch, did he have to be so brutal and admit it? "Gabrielle is doing nothing wrong.."

"You misunderstood me, I'm looking out for her, so Kotaro doesn't go near her," Andrew trailed off and sighed, "I am aware of his feelings for her."

Lyn blinked, he is?

Then why is he only doing something about this now? There are plenty of occasions where he could have stepped up and helped her. Like the moment, those rumors started. But instead, her brother argued with Gabrielle instead. What's more, his tone, it sounds all businesslike, "If you are aware, be more mindful. She's your fiance, don't just stand by her side and act kind because there are rumors. You should be doing those things rumors or not."

Lyn didn't know where all of this was coming from. But it feels like if she doesn't get this out of her system, then it would remain there.

"You should treat her with more kindness. Gabrielle has always treated you well; the least you can do is respect her wishes as your fiance. Doubting her, giving her the evil eye and lecturing her will not make the situation any better."

"Oh? And my sister, you've become an expert on relationsh.i.p.s now?"

"That's--'"

Andrew laughed, "Fret not; I understand where you are coming from. You are concerned as her friend," he trailed off, "I am relieved to know you are getting along with her. But please try to look at things from my perspective."

From brother's perspective? Certainly, if she were the one in his shoes, she would also get angry. If there were rumors about Kazuya getting close to a random woman and he didn't clarify it, then she would feel upset. Both brother and Gabrielle, however, are the type of people who aren't good at conveying their emotions with words.

"I'm glad though you've really changed Lyn."

Eh? Lyn looked at him puzzled.

"You've grown a lot stronger," Andrew smiled and reached over to pat her head, "You haven't noticed? Before you would think otherwise to approach me. Just recently, when we met again for the first time in a long time. You wouldn't even look me in the eyes, but this time, you took the initiative to approach me."

Ah, come to think of it. In the past, if she saw her eldest brother, Lyn would have found a place to hide. But things are different now; she can find herself talking more naturally.

The reason she is able to do that now is because, because of him -- because of, before Lyn could finish her sentence, a flash of maroon hair pulled her away.

It belonged to Kazuya of course.

"Kazuya?"

"Hey, you disappeared for too long."

She's pretty sure she has only been gone for a few minutes. But more importantly, why did the atmosphere change so quickly? The air around them suddenly turned tense. It felt like her brother was sending harsh glares.

It would undoubtedly help if her boyfriend stopped casually wrapping his arms around her.

"Prince Andrew, nice to see you here."

Her sweat fell at Kazuya's tone. Why is it that whenever Kazuya or Rhys meets any of her brothers, it ends up in this situation? Anyhow, her gaze fell on Kazuya's arm that was around her waist. Thump. Thump. This is embarrassing.

Her brother's lips curve to a smile, "Indeed, I'm glad to see that you've been taking such good care of my sister," while her brother was smiling. Lyn could see that his gaze was on Kazuya's arm around her waist, "Your even becoming very familiar."

Her sweat fell, ehhh? Um, why is she getting a bad feeling from all of this.