Chapter 177 - Questions

A deep sigh escaped her mentor's lips, "Princess Lyn, this time around. I didn't use any tricks, and even the last one I used was genuine."

"I hardly doubt that Prince Layton and Prince Zenith actually liked me. They both kidnapped me, remember?"

Ralph nodded, "I understand why you find it hard to believe. But Prince Layton kidnapped you because he wanted you to be his bride."

"I've always thought that my existence was a hidden one. But," Lyn trailed off when she recalled the expression of those men, "..a lot more people know."

"Your right," Ralph had a troubled expression on his face, but he continued, "A lot of people know about your existence. Those under your sister's command aside. An organization named Zin has always been targeting you. This organization is very dangerous."

"Who is the leader?"

"Nobody has seen him before. All the commands from the past few years are from his second in command," Ralph sighed, "It's difficult getting information from them since the big boss himself is not making any moves.

"Then how do you know he is targeting me?"

"Princess Lyn, we found one of his hideouts. We found some of your belongings and magic crystals with your images and statues carved, need I say more?"

Lyn shuddered at those words. What a frightening man, isn't that borderline stalking? Now she understands why her brother's moves are the way they are.

….....

"Get some sleep," Lyn deeply sighed when she saw where she was. How does she end up getting pulled into this random space? Lyn made her way through the space and noticed that she wasn't in the common corridor. From time to time, when she comes here, she can enter the other rooms.

Despite the numerous doors in the corridor, Lyn felt like she knew exactly where that person was.

The first she notices about the room are the clocks. Old antique clocks, and yet they functioned just fine. "Do you like them?" a voice from behind her said.

Lyn sighed, "This time around I didn't call you."

"Indeed, it is I who summoned you this time around."

"What do you want?" Lyn asked. She was still cautious towards him.

"You should be careful. From now on, more and more people will target you."

Lyn recalled the organization her mentor mentioned, "Do you know the organization called Zion?"

"Zion?"

"Yes. Apparently, they've been targeting me since I was younger, the organization foundation was built the moment I was born."

"That's quite unusual," trailed off, "Unless, they knew you'd have the mark?"

"Is that possible?"

"The mark you haven't isn't as unusual as people say. If we check the records of the Empire, many people in the past have had that mark before."

"Those people died brutally, correct?"

"Yes, only a terrible fate awaits those who have the mark. Nobody could suppress or cure it."

"I don't need to be cured," Lyn faintly said, "I knew from the start that things would end up badly for me, anyway. I just have to live long enough."

That's right; all she has to do is survive long enough until she achieves her goals. Even if she died afterward, it wouldn't matter. At least for the last few years, she had that mindset. However, something's changed now. Kazuya's face comes to mind, and Lyn flinched. A future with Kazuya, huh? What a stupid thought. Their relationship has no future at all, and yet...

"Noah," Lyn murmured, it still felt foreign saying his name.

"What is it?"

"Do you think a cure is possible?"

Noah smiled, "So, you're changing your mind now?"

"No, I'm just…"

"Feeling conflicted?"

Lyn sighed, "Why do you look so happy about that?"

"Pardon me, but I'm just amused. For the longest time, you acted stubborn about it. Even while I told you there were other options."

That's true. Ever since she met this man and told him her intentions, Lyn has not faltered once. She walked over to the window, even if she looked out Lyn knew she wouldn't be able to see anything. Sure enough, when she opened it, all she saw was fog. 'What an unusual place,' Lyn thought. No matter how many times she saw it. This world, this space completely differs from the world she knows.

"A cure, you really want one?"

"Is there.."

Noah nodded, "Quite some time had passed since I heard it. But I do recall some people talking about it, you see ---"

....

Lyn opened her eyes and found herself in her bedroom; a scowling fiance was lecturing mentor by the door. A deep sigh escaped her lips, what was with that bad timing? It's unfair to her. But Noah knows, huh? He said he hasn't heard about it in a long time. She wonders how old Noah actually is. He's clearly older than her, but how much older? He looks to be brother's age, but maybe he's older. At times he acts older, and yet his face. He looks like a young man.

She looked over at the doorway and sighed, "Allen, I need help," she called out. Even though Lyn didn't try, she knew her body condition well. Whenever she leaves that dream-like space, she always ends up with a severe headache or restricted movements.

Allen must have heard her since he quickly made his way over, "What's the matter? You don't have to move; it's not time for the party yet."

"I wanted to get some water," and to stop the two from arguing.

"I'll fetch you some, sit back down."

"And I want to take a walk in the garden. Can you come with me?"

"A walk?"

"Yes, the breeze seems pleasant," Lyn smiled, "You don't want to? Maybe you're too busy?"

"Not at all, let us get going."

Lyn nodded, and Allen leads her to the door. She stole a glance at mentor and murmured, "Leave." Lyn said quietly.

Whenever Allen got angry, Lyn understood it was better not to provoke him further. Did Allen get mad that she fainted? No, he wouldn't raise his voice over something like that. As Allen guided her outside, Lyn noticed that the servants were looking over and whispering. Her sweat fell when Lyn hears the word two-faced. Well, she supposes it can't be helped that they think this way. Not too long ago, they saw her with Kazuya.

Relationsh.i.p.s in the Empire are very simple. If a person is engaged with another person, it's okay for them to have a side partner while they are engaged. While people look down on it, most people don't mind it, since it is common. However, it differs for long-term engagements like hers and Allen. Commitment from both sides are needed. So far Allens family has not commented about Kazuy and her, but won't it be a matter of time?