Chapter 122 - Joke

Previously, if she didn't think she was good at things regarding romance, she would shrug it off. Between romance and her goal, what's essential? But now that she actually has people who love her, Lyn is having a dilemma. Her thoughts broke off when Rhys inched closer. It was brief and oddly gentle. But Rhys had gently placed a kiss on her forehead.

"If the Princess doesn't believe me, there's plenty of other ways to show."

Plenty of other ways? Rhys next action surprised her, he kissed her lips passionately and pried her mouth open with force. The cloak she wore slipped off when Rhys grabbed hold of her shoulders, the kiss broke when his lips made its way to her neck.

.....

East Side of Mountain - Surii Town - 9:00 pm

Of course, coming here with no proper equipment was stupid. They should have just gone down the mountain and come back later after making a plan. However, Kazuya was as careless as always. Rather, whenever they get closer to their goals. Lyn notices how tense he becomes; at first, she thought it was just her imagination. But it seems like that's not the case here.

Even though they found a beautiful place to stay in, it surprised Lyn to find such a beautiful inn in the mountains, turns out that plenty of tourists come up here. So the village folk requested an inn to be built here, and a few months back that request was granted.

Since others saw her earlier, Lila decided it would be best to camp out. However. ...why is it just her and Rhys out here? Uwaahh, how nerve-racking. She didn't have time to tell Kazuya before he left too. That Rhys kissed her like that and then touched her. She thought he would get angry. .No rather than angry, he would get all sulky. But still, he would definitely start lecturing her. 'You're too defenseless. Lyn deeply, well she supposes its fine this way. She's always the only one jealous after all.

She should focus on the matter at hand. She managed to deal with the soldiers just now; but, it's just a matter of time before problems arise. Lyn peered at the tent and sighed, 'this is going to be a long night.'

When she finally summed up the courage to go inside, she found that Rhys laid out a makeshift mattress.

"Um," Lyn coughed, "So..."

At that comment, Rhys sat up and made his way over. He looked her up and down, and Lyn realized he was checking out her sleepwear, "Looks good."

Then Rhys leaned forward. Uwaahhh? Wait what? Um, is he going to.., "Rhys, wait a m—I.."

Before anything could happen though, Rhys suddenly pulled away from her. It surprised her, judging from how close he was getting. Lyn expected him to kiss her repeatedly. But instead, he pulled away and headed outside.

"Wha—wait, Rhys. Sleep here today," Lyn called out to him. Rhys halted in his tracks and looked over at her, it was clear he was confused, "It's uncomfortable sleeping outside."

Sleeping outside all the time must be painful for him. Even when he's guarding her back in town; he never comes inside the house and stays outside. Today she will put a stop to that.

Rhys sighed, "I'm not an old man. Sleeping outside is normal for me."

"I know," she knew that most young men who have trained to be soldiers end up camping out. Sometimes there would not be enough tents to go around, and others would play sacrifice.

A deep sigh passed Rhys lips, "Since you said so I'll have to obey. But you are way too careless if you ask me, Princess Lyn. You have too many openings," he leaned forward, and Lyn immediately pulled out her knife, "And you still can't wield this old thing properly."

______

"Rhys, you need to stop bullying me and stop these ridiculous jokes."

A joke. So that's how Lyn saw what he did earlier. Even though he was right at the very end of his limit; and finally broke a part of the self-control he's had all these years. Does she have any idea how long he's been restraining himself? For her to call it a joke. This really puts a damper on his self-confidence. Then again, Lyn doesn't remember anything about those long years. She knows nothing.

"I understand. I won't," Rhys said. He's not guaranteeing anything though. While they did make that agreement not too long ago. Rhys hadn't been able to control himself too well, or rather he lost it earlier. How do you control yourself when the girl you love is right in front of you? It's impossible.

At that comment, the princess eyes brightened up, "Good, then lets sleep."

It's apparent that she's relieved, that he wants to push her down.

"I'm relieved, after worrying about it for so long," Lyn added, causing him to sigh even more. This stupid woman.

Don't say that out loud. But since earlier it's quite obvious that it has been on Lyn's mind. Even when she had to part ways with Kazuya, she seemed quite distracted. The one time he gets her attention of another guy; the ending conclusion is this, huh?

"Goodnight."

"Night," he returned those words. Guess he just ought to go to sleep now. Rhys was satisfied with the results already, getting such a strong reaction from her like this.

______

Oh, today is a little weird. Kazuya is usually the one sleeping next to her. There's never this much distance too. She's so accustomed to sleeping in his arms, so having even a small distance is weird. Maybe it's because of this distance. .. Rhys suddenly looks so large. Rhys has a face like this. She wants to touch, Lyn extended her hand out and gently caress his eyelids, nose ... and lips before. ...

Her thoughts broke off when he stirred awake, he looked at her with a complicated expression, "I know you're curious, but curiosity has its limits."

Gah-- she didn't think he was still awake. Lyn turned around, so she was no longer facing him. Today really is weird. ... She's a little bit more nervous than usual. However . ..perhaps she's learned something from this trip other than her original goal.

.....

7:00 am

Lyn got up bright and early the following day and hurriedly left the tent. Waking up in Rhys arms like that was beyond embarrassing for her, thankfully when she woke up, she saw Kazuya making breakfast. He shot down a bird from the looks of the meat gathered on the board. Lyn buried her face in his back and inhaled his scent. This is better, she can calm down when she is with him.

Kazuya smiled, "What's wrong?"

'Doesn't he know that Rhys slept in the tent with her?' From his reaction, it seems like he has no idea. Then she has to make sure that Kazuya doesn't see Rhys leaving the tent. Lyn didn't want him to misunderstand.

"I couldn't sleep well," Lyn admitted.

"Mm, sorry. I'll sleep beside you tonight," Kazuya turned her around and gently kissed her lips, "My cute and adorable Lyn."

Her gaze softened, "Then, make sure you keep that promise."