Chapter 256 - Worry

The person she loves is surely Kazuya, but the one who knows her the best is Rhys. She can't temporarily break up with Kazuya to give Rhys a chance. So Lyn just suggested that three of them spend time together. It was clear that the other two wanted to protest. Indeed, many people would find her request odd. But, this was the only solution she could come up with.

"By the way, did Reiji start training you?" Rhys asked. The three of them had left the restaurant and were heading back to her chambers.

Lyn nodded, "Ah-huh, he did. It's not as bad as I thought it would be." He must have felt bad after what happened at that time.

"I see," Rhys reached over and ruffled her hair. "I'll join you from now on, so don't worry."

At that comment, Kazuya glomped onto her and buried his face in her neck. Lyn softly laughed, and she sent Rhys an apologetic look. "Kazuya acts like a child sometimes; I'm very sorry."

"Don't be. I'm glad in a way."

He really does look relieved. Usually one would be jealous, but instead, Rhys is relieved.

__

Queen Orthez Chambers: 9:00 PM

A woman with gorgeous blonde hair threw all the doc.u.ments from her study. An intense glare and aura covered the room. The messenger standing in front of her was shaking because of the intensity. Orthez couldn't believe this was happening after all her careful preparations to ensure that her daughter would be safe. "Is it Lethia again? Speak!"

The man shook his head, "It--It isn't the First Princess… Princess Lyn, she gathered too much attention in the Snow Kingdom."

Orthez clicked her tongue in sheer annoyance. She already knew that! This is why she didn't want to approve of Lyn traveling. But at the same time, Orthez wanted to prepare the child for what is to come. How conflicting, but Orthez knew she could no longer restrain Lyn. If she keeps suppressing her, the girl would surely..

"Lyn will be my heir, no question asked." This was the first time Orthez declared it to anybody else except her husband and eldest son. Sure enough, the man's expression changed.

"But Queen, maybe you should reconsider. The organization targeting the second princess is not normal. A lot of blood will be shed."

Orthez gaze dimmed, "A lot will be shed yes, but on their side."

"Queen --"

"Leave!"

The man quickly scurried away, and Orthez placed her hand on her forehead. 'How stressful,' since that man's death, she bore the hate involved with being a ruler. Plenty of people still hold a grudge because of what happened back then. Naturally, they should. Orthez knew what would happen if she stood up for him, her first husband. But, even so...

"My wife."

"Daichi," Orthez blinked in surprise when she saw her husband. "What are you doing here?"

"How rude, I haven't seen you in so long, and that's your reaction?"

A deep sigh of relief passed her lips. "I'm sorry, but you know I've been swamped…"

"I know," Daichi smiled. "Talk about it with me over some food."

"Food?"

"I made your favorites. Let's head back to our room and rest."

….

Once they returned to their bedroom, Orthez mood brightened up when she saw the plates. 'He's an excellent cook.' Then again, Orthez remembered how clumsy he used to be at it.

"So? What have you been doing?" Orthez eyed her husband curiously as he cut up her steak.

Daichi winked, "Flirting with beautiful girls."

She kicked his foot under the table, and he lets out a large yelp, "My wife, why do you have to bully me?"

"Quit joking around," Orthez sighed. "If you wanted to cheat on me, you could have done so a very long time ago. But like an idiot, you've always remained loyal."

"Mm, because I like you a lot Orthez."

At that comment, her eyes widened, and she felt her heartbeat sped up. Daichi laughed, "You don't have to turn so red, Orthez."

"That's because you caught me off guard."

"I see! I should do so more often."

This feels so stupid. But unlike earlier Orthez felt a lot more calm. It's always been this way, whenever she is around Daichi... She feels so calm and relaxed. "Tell me, something dear. Is Lyn okay these days? She seemed a bit odd when I last saw her."

"It seems like she was feeling a bit lonely."

"Lonely? Is that man not always with her.."

"Indeed, but the other one backed away for a while. So she was a bit concerned."

A deep sigh escaped her lips, "Don't tell me my daughter has her own.."

Daichi chuckled, "Like Mother like daughter."

"If it's possible, I want Lyn to have a stable partner. I don't want her to get confused. How are the arrangements with young Allen?"

"He's agreed that the wedding should be after the new year. Can we wait that long, though? Things are rough lately."

Orthez took a deep breath, "I should be able to hold out for just a bit longer."

"I'll help out."

She blinked in confusion, "Is that okay? Won't you get found out?" One of the main reasons why her husband is so low key is because of his origins. If he appeared in public as often as she did, then people would find out who he was. "You appeared before so many people back then and were the center of attention. To think that guy is hiding away."

"Very funny, no?"

"Daichi, I'm worried…"

"About?"

"The future," Orthez nodded. "I wonder how long I can continue protecting the kids and you. If people were to find out about your identity, it would be a disaster. The other children all have something special about them."

"My dear wife married so many strange men."

"You're the strangest one!"

"Relax Orthez. I've thought this through. Let me speak with our daughter for a bit, and then I'll report back to you."

"Just make sure she is low key these days. Andrew assigned a group of Knights to her, but I'm sure how well they fight," Orthez paused. Since her eldest son chose them, she shouldn't be too worried. But, "Are they all trustworthy?"

Daichi took out a report from the side and passed it to her. "You can check through their files too, but I've already done a background check myself. All of them are trustworthy. They seem to be getting along with Kazuya too, so there is no need for you to worry."

"And the group of Knights Prince Allen is bringing along?"

"Those ones, are quite the self-entitled and selfish group."

Orthez rubbed the temple of her forehead, "Why is he bringing them here?"

"He's very worried after the last attack on our daughter. While young Allen isn't questioning our methods, he does believe that it would be better for Lyn to have more security around her."

"We already brought up a lot from the academy and established families. This seems a bit excessive," Orthez wasn't close with her daughter. But she has observed her for a very long time. "That child is very carefree; I'm worried that if she realizes how guarded she is, she won't be able to smile as much."