Chapter 252 - Love Struck Fool

At that comment, Rhys frowned. Rumors? Is it about Lyn again? Sure the initially planned banquet ended up as a mess. But that wasn't Lyn's fault. Lyn worked very hard and practiced for the play, even if it meant playing into her sister's palm. Princess Lethia isn't at fault this time. At least according to the second Prince investigation. The First Princess intended to humiliate Lyn at the banquet - so naturally, she couldn't be the attacker. But, that's what made this whole thing worse. If it weren't the First Princess, then that meant it must be that ex knight of Lyn's who holds a grudge.

"The rumors of you being a love-struck fool."

At that comment, Rhys frowned, "What do you mean?"

"People say that these days you don't play around anymore, because your quote head over heels in love with the Princess."

A deep sigh passed his lips, "I don't know where you heard that, but I still play around." He still has Beth after all, and he sleeps with her once in a while.

"Not her but--"

"Rhys! Look," Lyn pointed to the wind chimes. "Aren't they pretty?"

"You're prettier." He said it so naturally like he said it all the time. The truth was, Rhys, complimented girls all the time. But there was something genuine about all of this.

Lyn laughed, "Um, thank you."

Ever since he first became known of her presence. Rhys had always known that she would never belong to him. Not because he didn't like her at the start, not because he felt envious of her for having such strength. No, because he could see it then, a strong shadow cast beside her - almost as if it acts as a guard to shelter her from danger. That sword that protects her isn't him, but somebody else.

Since a long time ago, he watched those two interact - and interestingly enough. They actually don't speak as much as people say they do. At least in the middle of the fight and before the fight. It's almost as though there's already a silent agreement between them. Those two do not need words to communicate, nor do they even need any signals. It's almost as though they instinctively know already what's going on in each other's mind. They have that sort of deep connection.

Had he been envious of that guy instead of her? Perhaps that's how it ended up being like. At the time, he didn't realize it, though, that his ' interest' and ' fascination' towards her was growing towards the feelings of love. He didn't realize then, that the irritation he felt was towards the guard instead of her.

Rhys didn't realize then, that ever since then he wanted to become one of the swords and shields that protected her. She's strong; she's always been far stronger than he has been. He knew that all too well and even in the events of the last few years he allowed events to take its course. He didn't intervene or do anything flashy.

At the end of the day, that guy despite being out of the girl's life for a while now was the one who rushed straight for her and stayed by her side. He was the one who was with her the second she entered the tower and when the fight ended.

That strong will and conviction, it wasn't something he had at all. At some point, a selfish monster was born inside of him. He wants to protect her; also, he wants to be able to fight for her - but in the end, that's merely a futile wish. ' Can you sacrifice your life for her?' it's a question that struck to the very core of his mind - the core of his resolve.

Although he cannot recall exactly who told him those words, Rhys knew all too well, that whoever that person was meant well. Knew that person did not mean to crumble his resolve but instead to strengthen in it. But that's not what happened, he's a negative person, and in the end, he chose that path. Although he could have used those words to strengthen him. In the end, he chose the path that leads to his downfall.

As each day passed by, he found his resolve crumbling. And before long, Rhys understood that he could no longer lead the group. That's why when Kazuya came along, he was relieved.

…

"Were both soaked now .."

Well, there suddenly being a massive wave was the least of his expectations. However, the one that ended up getting mainly affected was the brunette hair girl. During that chaos, they seemed to have lost sight of the other two. No good, he didn't want to be left alone with Lyn for a reason. How did things end up this way?

Rhys debated about it for a few seconds longer. Especially when he found that there were more people on the beach coastline shops than usual. However, there's no other way. She's definitely going to catch a cold in that condition. And frankly speaking, he doesn't want another repeat of walking in on Kazuya and her. Rhys wonders what would happen between them, though if she recalls it.

Would she get mad? Or would she --- no most likely she may end up going to him. What a dark thought, even if it's her, she won't leave Kazuya just because of that. After all, it's not like she's cheating on him, it's because of her condition. She would die so otherwise and let's face it; it's better than asking someone else.

Lyn's natural trust in Kazuya is something he was probably envious about too.

As they entered the shop, as expected, they instantly drew people's attention, and they didn't waste any time whispering, " No way isn't that the Y theater groups Rhys?"

The Y theater group was a group he often did shows for. He had no passion about acting. But since it was a job that gave him extra cash, he took it. Also, it was a good job for him because he could interact with all kinds of people.

"And the girl with him is.."

"Do you think they're on a date?"

Of course, that's the natural assumption. Since it is his day off, after all, it's normal people assume that. But really what is it with these people? All they seem to care about is who ends up with who. Fans to seem to care a lot about that.

Rhys shook his head and made his way over to two workers by the changing room, "Excuse me."

"Yes?"

"The waves got to us. Excuse us but may we please borrow some towels."

"Yes, right away."

Well, he supposed he's relieved that the girls aren't going all crazy it doesn't seem unusual to them. Still, this must be a first for Lyn to go outside without a cloak since they left the Snow Kingdom. Usually, it would be far too dangerous for anybody to see her face.