Chapter 267 - Prince Andrew P3

Rhys rolled his eyes, "Prince Andrew, do you really think I'd try to trick you?"

"You're the enemy; naturally, I would never trust you," Andrew mumbled.

"But this involves Lyn."

At that comment, Andrew paused, that's true. Andrew was no fool; he could tell how much the Sound Kingdom group care about Lyn. It isn't limited to Rhys and Kazuya alone. Andrew sighed; he might as well take the risk. He took the scroll and unwrapped it to see a strange map.

"What is this?"

"They are using this place as a hideout."

Andrew frowned, "Is this...in the Mist Kingdom?" He does not recognize this place. None of the landmarks of the area looked remotely, family. But that's impossible since this is a large piece of land.

"Yeah, it is."

"Impossible."

Rhys shook his head, "It isn't. If you think back to the previous era, your Grandma was quite the tyrant. She took over many lands and expanded the Kingdom, right?"

"That is true, but all those places have been transformed formally to Mist Kingdom lands."

"That's where you're wrong. She only used half those lands for the people. The rest she kept for herself. How is that possible? She sought help from the Ichinose family's head mage. He helped her conceal those lands. Surely you don't think with the way she was running amok; the Mist Kingdom would only be this small?"

It's not as though he never thought about it. He saw a copy of the lands his Grandmother obtained during her reign. Grandmother obtained a lot, yet the Mist Kingdom remains behind the Wind Kingdom. It baffled him; Andrew dismissed it as them making a mistake. However, deep down, he felt something was wrong. He tried to search for the other lands. But he could never find it.

Andrew clenched his fist, 'Grandma, the remaining respect he has for her is now..' Respect? Did he even have any? That tyrant woman was not pleased with anybody. While she treated him well, he was far too cruel on Mother.

People call him cold-hearted, but Andrew cared a lot about his family. That's why "I'll accept."

If those people are hiding out in the lands his Grandma purposely hid away, then that means Grandma is connected to this right? While his Grandma - the former Queen is no longer alive. She is still causing so many problems for them for things to be peaceful. He has to get rid of the source. This is a matter he shouldn't trouble Mother with. He can handle it alone.

...

Following morning Year 4014 Mist Kingdom - Main Castle South wing - Andrew's Study

"Lyn?"

Andrew wasn't expecting to see his sister in his study. Black hair perched on the couch while curiously looking around. But staying put and not touching anything. She stood up when she saw him, "Eldest brother, I want to talk to you about Rhys."

Did that man try something? Andrew nodded and put the doc.u.ments down as he took a seat beside her. Lyn sat back down and leaned forward, "Big brother, why do you always sit so far from me?"

"I apologize," he looked down at her and reached over to pat her head. "Why are you not resting? Your condition is not very good these days," Andrew shook his head. "You shouldn't be walking around."

"But sitting around and doing nothing is very boring for me."

Andrew sighed, "Why don't you keep Gabrielle company? She's injured and resting."

"Is she in your quarter's brother?"

"Yes."

Lyn peered at him, "Did you do something questionable to her."

Recalling what Rhys said the other day, he paused. Should he confront her about this? No, he can't.

"If you want to see her, come with me."

Lyn obediently nodded and followed after him. Adjacent his study is his bedroom.

The moment his sister saw Gabrielle, she burst into tears. Gabrielle, who was reading a book chuckled, she reached over and patted Lyn's hair. "There, there. I'm alright, don't cry."

"You got hurt," Lyn sobbed.

"I'm alright, your brother found me on time."

Andrew said nothing to that. Yes, he did find her on time. The attacker was most likely still loitering around and only vanished so Gabrielle could let her guard down. Whenever he thought of the incidence, it pained him greatly. Gabrielle did not deserve it, but nor did she deserve him ignoring her.

He felt terrible about it. But once he realized that Gabrielle got hurt because he failed to protect her. He felt worthless.

"Andrew."

".."

"Can you come over here? I'd like a hug."

It was the first time she asked him, so Andrew didn't know how to react. But, when he saw how serious she was, he left his spot at the door and walked over. Lyn immediately moved aside.

"Brother, Gabrielle. You two can be lovey-dovey, I'll leave immediately."

"Lyn, stay outside. You can come back in afterwards," Andrew was relieved that Lyn came here. Now the two people who are precious to him are together; he could have people guard them easily while he goes out.

Lyn nodded and walked out. The moment she did, he wrapped his arms around Gabrielle. "Why are you crying again, my dear?"

Lately, she keeps doing this. Usually, Gabrielle is so cold-hearted and indifferent. But, now that he thought about it. He may be one of the few people who has seen her vulnerable side.

"Do you have to go? Those people are very dangerous, Andrew."

What happened a week ago must have given her quite the scare. Andrew doesn't know who did this just yet. However, for Gabrielle to be this frightened. 'Is it that person?'

Andrew reached over and tucked stray hairs that fell over her face over her ears.

His gaze remained on her the entire time. "Are you having nightmares and feeling uncomfortable, because you were attacked?"

Gabrielle shook her head. "No, I'm just afraid to lose you. After all, all I want is to be with you."

This must be the first time he's heard her so honest.

….

- Central Town-

"It is a terrible fate to be raised a warrior and realize that the sword is powerless against certain magic," Edgar commented.

This person with him is his sworn brother, Lord Edgar.

"Times are changing quickly; it does not mean that swords are useless. The sword is still the soul of the knights, the meaning of their very lives..but.."

Andrew sighed, "These days, people are coming up with weapons and magic that can kill someone immediately."

"Why did you come here to observe?" his friend asked curiously.

"People say they've seen 'him.' in this village. I wish to confirm things."

"If he is alive, what will you do?"