Chapter 120 - Bets and Donations

She is a Princess in name only, so such things like this - Lyn seldom had any. But since she met Kazuya, her closest and jewelry box is filled with such things. Considering how he gives her these sly compliments in between, Lyn has no choice but to accept. She shyly nodded her head, "Then I'll buy it, you like it on me, right?"

Lyn wondered since when? Since when did Kazuya's words affect her so much.

Kazuya's lips curve to a smile, "Silly girl," he flicked her forehead, "This is when me as your boyfriend comes in handy."

Her boyfriend…

She shyly nodded her head and Kazuya purchased a few more things. As they left the shop, hand in hand, Lyn could only keep her head down low. She didn't know what to say to him, and she felt very embarrassed about this whole situation. This is what it means to be loved, right? For the first time, Lyn was experiencing true love, and she didn't know how to act about it.

Allen, he's always been kind to her. But things like her holding his hand, he would never let her do so. When they are in public, Allen claims that a moderate distance from each other is better. He insists that 'elite' couples have to maintain a professional distance and boundary with each other. That may be one of the reasons why she feels more comfortable with Kazuya, and even Rhys than Allen because they let her get close.

These days it seems like she is comparing Kazuya and Allen a lot more. Lyn understands that they are two different people, and comparing is wrong. But, she could not help it.

…..

The two of them are having a date, fair enough -- but Lyn didn't think Kazuya would end up getting roped into something stupid. A dual archery tournament to showcase skills, the entire time Lyn was afraid of messing up. But the results seemed to turn in her favor.

Ah, Kazuya is smiling brightly. It's been a while since she's seen that. Recently Kazuya has been laughing with a hint of sadness. She wishes he can always like that. She has to try harder.

Kazuya leaves her to collect the money whilst he buys something from the weapon stand earlier. She watches as the trader counted the money.

"That's your bet of 4,000 S. 2,000 each from that group of five. 3,000 from that loser and his friend. ..16,000 s is your reward. "

Lyn blinks at the substantial amount of money in the bag that he placed in her hands. To think that they earned so much from a game like this. She doesn't have any need for this money, though. Maybe she can donate to that poor village they passed by earlier. Having made her mind up, she proceeded to put the money in her bag when someone trips on her cloak, causing it to slip.

"Oh, I'm sorry miss---- "

Oh dear, they will recognize her after what happened her picture, that man distributed her picture amongst the towns in the area.

"Woah is that Princess Lyn? "

"Your kidding."

"I didn't think idols were interested in archery."

There is nothing wrong with that. But her brother, if he finds out will get angry.

Kazuya remerges from behind her and grabs hold of her hand. A steaming hot Manju was in his mouth. Ah. "Alright, this is where we split. Can you run now? "

Lyn nodded, even if she couldn't. They'd have to run away.

…...

"With 16,000 we'll probably be living the life here for a vacation. Maybe we should stay longer," Kazuya joked.

Lyn rolled her eyes, before she said with a serious tone, "Actually, Kazuya, "she hesitated but continued, "I want to use that money to help the villagers we passed by. There's enough, right?" she understood, that this isn't enough. What's needed to help those poor villages is manpower to cultivate the worn outlands. Rich fertile and soil. That will take more money. She should discuss this properly with her eldest brother or even father when she returns.

Unfortunately for her, she's unable to donate such large sums without being nagged at. As someone who is only 16 years old, there's a limit that can be done alone.

"There's plenty to last them for a good few months. I thought you'd say that, anyway. So I'll send these to the office when we get back. "

Just a few months. If they don't move quickly, then those people will go hungry again. It's not enough. What she's doing still isn't enough. Unlike Mother and her eldest brother, she's done nothing to help anyone yet. Her thoughts broke when Kazuya suddenly started to pinch her cheeks. "Kazu--"

He wasn't putting that much force in it; and yet due to her scars, it was slightly painful. "Your hands are covered in scratches from practicing too much, they look pink, so you've probably been gripping the bow for long periods of time. Your face is covered in scars too, which you've done an excellent job hiding. But if you move a lot, the effect wears off, and it becomes visible. No doubt your body is aching from standing for a long time. Let's see. .what else now? "

He's seen right through her. From the very beginning, she's never been able to hide anything from this person. He's different from Allen. But there's a strong connection.

"Miss Lyn, you really have become quite ugly recently. "

Wah! What?!!!

"Let's see aside from your wounded face and hands. You have dark circles under your eyes. Awful ones," Kazuya removed his hands from her cheeks and patted her head lightly. "You've been working far too hard. Try to relax a bit. "

Even though he's no longer able to stay by her side like before they went on this journey, he still seems to know everything about her. It really is unfair, being seen through like that.

"I don't know what you're talking about. "It's really unfair even though Lyn brought him along instead of asking Rhys. For the sole purpose of making him relax. Here she is making him worried about her.

"But, since we have this opportunity to ourselves. We probably ought to get the item now."

Lyn nodded in agreement.

….

Outskirts of Town -

There stood a single shop amid all the snow and forest. It was still part of Surri town, but Lyn noticed that there was something different. When Lyn saw Rhys there, she was a bit taken back. Apparently, Rhys had entered the store to negotiate, but things didn't end up well. So, Kazuya decided for them to go on ahead to that place while he went ahead and negotiated.

"Princess? "

"Ah, sorry. I spaced out a little. I know where we need to go, so just follow me," Lyn turned towards the direction of the mountain path. For the next fifteen minutes, neither of them spoke.

"About your sister, Princess. What are your genuine thoughts about her?"

"I think she's very smart."

"And?"

". . I don't think I can like her if she likes Kazuya. Truthfully speaking, I'm okay with others liking Kazuya. Even though he belongs to me, I can't prevent others from loving him. After all, he is a kind person; his gentleness is so warm and beautiful. For other girls to like him shouldn't surprise me. Even back in the Mist Kingdom, many asked him out. He never told me about it, but I found the letters. He was never good at hiding those. He accepted many sweets but never ate them. Instead, he'd give them to the children on the streets."

The entire time, Kazuya was acting considerate. He accepted the presents but never ate them. He rejected them but didn't start hating them either; he even helped those girls out with other matters. He did all that when she wasn't looking though; because he didn't want her to get hurt. "I've known for a long time that people stopped seeing Kazuya as a monster a long time ago. "

For a long time, she knew; that the only problem was her. But Kazuya always returned to her no matter what. He never left her side for a long time. He was always with her. It's because he was with her, that those comments and others dissatisfaction never reached her.

"So, did you also know he beat up anyone who said anything about you?" Rhys said.

Lyn looked at Rhys puzzled, "Eh? What?"

"Anything you'd hear when you weren't together with him. The remarks of all those guys and the girls. He'd beat them up. The later though, he'd only threaten them a little. Even then, it was frightening. "

Kazuya. .did that? "But his image. .his reputation... "

"Do you think he cares about any of that? Sure everyone knew he was a nice person. But they also understood that if they said anything about you, and continued to treat you the way they did, then he'd never get away with it," Rhys trailed off and suddenly cursed, "What am I doing improving your impression of him for? How stupid."