Chapter 226 - What we cant obtain

He was jealous of Lyn, Kazuya didn't know when these ugly feelings started to emerge. But before he knew it, he was jealous of her. Jealous of what people may ask. But only those who don't know Lyn would think of it that way. Lyn maybe a caged bird, but even then she is a lot freer than everybody else in the Empire.

At his age, he was using his knowledge to his advantage. That was what made him feel frustrated, because this knowledge is useless.

After he finished cleaning, Kazuya returned to the desk and with no mood to study, leaned on the chair. A sense of failure and inferiority mixed together and created a feeling that he couldn't describe with words. He couldn't think of a way to let it out, yet he didn't want to be troubled about it on his own. Not that he couldn't imagine it. It was just revolting to even think about it.

His hesitation stayed with him and only became worse and worse. The negative feeling stuck to every part of his body like glue. While finding a way to escape it, he found the letter in his bag.

The scent of the letter was different, indicating that it came from a faraway place.

"Kazuya? Are you looking at a love letter?"

Kazuya quickly put the letter away and stood up. He made his way back over to Lyn, who was sat on the bed with puffed cheeks. She's cute.. Kazuya cupped her cheeks, "Just some work stuff," he murmured. Though he doesn't know who would send him a letter in this place, it's nobody from his team, since they use different means for communication.

"... I didn't want to be a Princess," Lyn suddenly whispered. "I didn't want to have this power."

Kazuya said nothing at first. What could he say to her?

After carefully considering it, he speaks up, "Since people cannot obtain what the power they want, all we can do is shoulder the destiny we've been given."

"Can we not change it?"

"That depends on the individual."

"Then, I'll change yours."

Isn't this where she is supposed to say she will change her situation? "Sleep my Lyn."

...

3:00am - Courtyard-

Once he was sure Lyn was asleep, Kazuya made his way outside. Eventually, his frustration vanished. Kazuya was never one to foster negative thoughts for too long. But after thinking such negative thoughts, he felt mentally drained.

He slumped on a wooden bench which faced a large circular water fountain. The water fountain was grand, as was everything else in the palace courtyard. They decorated the water fountain with small animals that held a bowl of water.

Such designs always made Kazuya curious. At the tip of the fountain, a single eagle was raising its wing outwards. In the language of birds - and well in general, it looks like the bird is preparing to take flight. Surrounded by the bird and the first bowl were other animal designs. Wolves, the stone eyes and ears carved so deeply that whoever looked over would get frightened — the eyes of a beast hunting for its prey.

'How life-like,' Kazuya thought. It's almost like it's real. Every Empire has its secrets, so Kazuya wouldn't be surprised if it weren't a stone statue. The statue that had the largest bowl were the heads of four huge lions. It really looks real. Since it's a statue from the inner courtyard of the main palace... Kazuya was curious, but he was too lazy to get up.

'It looks like they are guarding something."

Perhaps they were guarding the fountain itself? His thoughts drifted off as his gaze fell on the fountain that stood before him. It was as if he were attempting to solve a riddle to a riddle-less mystery. A puzzle that did not exist.

Why did he leave Lyn's side only to sit out here all confused? His Lyn, whenever he thought of the girl. Different types of feelings would emerge. But one thing was for sure; he loves her. His feelings for her keep growing.

"What am I protecting?" he asked carelessly aloud.

"Me, right?"

Startled, Kazuya straightened from his seat and looked behind him. He extended his hand out and pulled the owner of the voice on to his lap. Usually, he would be more wary about public signs of affection. But it was practically desolate at this time of day. This place doesn't have many people around, to begin with. The crowds of people that had been at that place last night felt like a dream.

"You followed me, huh? Your really a stalker."

"Mmm, I'm Kazuya's stalker," Lyn smiled, "Can I take a seat?"

Kazuya nodded, and the moment she sat down, he pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her. "Sorry, lately I know I've been acting strange. Are you upset with me?"

Lyn shook her head, "I'm not upset, confused. But not upset. Tell me something Kazuya, do you really like me?"

"I do."

"But, you won't become my King?"

"Do you want the throne, Lyn?"

"Lately, hmmm," Lyn nodded. "I've been thinking; it would be okay even if I got the throne."

"What a carefree attitude," he joked. Kazuya knew that Lyn as serious. This girl only saw the situation in the Snow Kingdom, and yet concluded that.

"Kazuya, should we go talk to my parents?"

"Your parents?"

"I don't want to let you go no matter what. But I'm Allen's fiance, and you're engaged too."

So that's why she had those dark circles. The constant studying aside, she's been thinking these things.

" . ..I have to go see my aunt later, would you come with?"

It just dawned on him that he would have to see his aunt sometime today, to report on the older woman's condition and other matters. " Turns out she's staying in an inn nearby for work, so I thought I might as well pay the visit now." His aunt is very persistence in seeing him every month. But due to their schedules clashing, the chances are always low. Since he no longer lives at home, they rarely see each other or cross paths, so the visits are necessary.

It usually ends up with one side sacrificing a day or two of work, so that they'd be able to meet. So when he heard that she was in the area, he gave her a call. It was the first time he ever initiated the meeting since he'd usually wait until she called him. However, his present mood was clear, and although the old woman annoyed him. His usual anger wasn't there, so he figured it would be safe to see her.

"What's wrong? Do you already have plans? "

"No, but I was just thinking. Wouldn't it seem like I'm your wife?"

He was about to ask her what she means by that when he puts two and two together. True, at this stage. If he brings her to the rare time he has with his mother, it would look that way. But it's not like their parents don't know their closeness. " She won't misunderstand, relax."

"Okay, I'll come."

He began to leave open-mouthed kisses along her neck, as he slowly moving upwards and ever closer to her face. Kazuya nipped at the side of her mouth, " On second thoughts, let's head back for a while."

Lyn laughed, "Your so silly, were outside. People might see."