Chapter 273 - Ghosts

Following morning Year 4014 Mist Kingdom Main Castle

"The castle is haunted?" Lyn repeated Pupillams words.

Pupillam frantically nodded, "Princess, you must be careful. I'll be attending the Knight meeting and sparing session today, but you have to stay safe."

This must be the first time in a long time where she saw Pupillam say so much in one go. A ghost, huh?

..

Prince Allens quarters

Stay safe, huh? Lyn's gaze flickered onto the man who was busy emersed in paperwork. It's not like she has anywhere else she could go to. But perhaps she is disturbing him by staying here? Lyn shook her head; she needs to stop acting so paranoid whenever she is with Allen. While she has no achievements to her name and can't compare to him, she is still a Princess. They still have the same status. But, recently, Lyn is starting to feel very uneasy. Maybe it was because of that strange talk from the other night.

"There were ghost rumors in your place too, correct?" Allen broke the intense silence between them.

Despite living an isolated lifestyle. Lyn hears the palace gossip all the time. The soldiers guarding her place love to chatter.

Lyn took a seat on the couch behind him and resumed speaking, "When I first encountered it in the castle. I thought it was an illusion created by the mages. But most people would perceive it as a ghost," Lyn trailed off. Many people in the castle can't use magic, after all — ordinary servants who have not been blessed with magic.

"Is there a hidden passageway in the servant longue?"

Lyn nodded, "I can't tell you where the entrance is yet. But yes there is a staircase beyond the wall of that room." Pupillam told her that the rumors came from the servants. So Lyn knew it wasn't a ghost.

He sighed, "Admitting that defeats the purpose of a secret passageway. Some of the priests took a hint and kept their mouths shut. You need to work on being more deceptive."

Lyn blinked, Fu, you seem to be good at that."

"Normally I'd go along with your games, my dear, but not this time. To do so, you have to look the other person directly in the eyes. And speak not a word too many or a word too less. The best thing to do.."

"…would be..?"

"To convince yourself that what you speak is the truth."

So, "I have to repeat it, to make it a reality?"

"Not necessarily," Allen reached over and pulled her into his arms. Ah, lately he does this a lot. A content sigh escaped his lips, "If you want to work on being more deceptive, my dear, all you have to do is stand on your ground and be less emotional."

Lyn immediately understood what he meant. He was referring to the incidence that occurred the other day.

"I apologize for causing you problems; it won't happen again."

"I'm aware that things are difficult for you right now, my dear. But you must not forget everything you've learned."

"Allen, your very good to me lately," Lyn mumbled. Even though he is still as busy as before and spends more time working, he is more affectionate whenever they see each other.

Allen's lips curve to a sly smile, "Have I not always treated you well?"

"Something is different now."

"Perhaps I'm tired of pretending."

Pretending? That's right; she told him once before that there was no need to put on a mask in front of her. He could just act naturally. "Didn't I tell you already to be honest around me?"

"To be honest means to expose yourself to another person completely. As royals, that is a very dangerous thing to do."

"But I'm your fiance."

"Indeed, and soon you'll be my wife."

The rumors about the wedding drawing closer must be near. This must be the reason why her eldest brother is allowing her to roam about freely lately.

"Allen, you really want to marry me?"

"I do."

Does he love her? She wants to ask him that. Before Lyn could open her mouth, there is a heavy knock on the door. Lyn quickly drew back from Allen and stood up.

"Yes? What is—" Lyn paused when the person fell forwards? It was Kazuya. "Y—you have a fever!" Lyn exclaimed. That's not the only problem. Lyn noted that his arm was injured. Ahh? What happened to him?

Allen frowned and got up, "What happened?"

"Allen, Kazuya is hurt. I think there is an intruder."

While she knew that Shu and Reiji liked to go overboard with their training, it's not to the extent that somebody will sustain physical injuries like this. Rhys wouldn't do something this stupid.

"Bring him inside."

"Ah, yes."

….

Lyn looked at the sleeping Kazuya with a worried look on her face. This is the first time she has seen him so weak and powerless. Was he weakened after fighting with Pupillam? The other day the two got into a fight. No, Lyn shook her head. That fight with Pupillam didn't affect him much, unlike the match with Rhys. Kazuya overwhelmed Pupillam.

She rushed over to the bed and grabbed hold of his hands. He really looks like he's suffering. What was she doing the entire time, Lyn feels the tears falling from her face? "What did they say?"

"Drugs."

Drugs? "He probably sustained that wound from a fight and tried to escape. He didn't return last night," Allen commented. "You didn't notice?"

How could she have noticed... No, it's her fault for not paying him enough attention.

"What are you crying for? He's not dead. He's just sleeping because of his depression," Allen seemed strangely irritated.

"Kazuya is suffering from so much pain from the withdrawal symptoms, and yet I didn't notice."

"Didn't he bring this upon himself? He doesn't deserve any sympathy at all."

Lyn stood up and made her way over to Allen, who was sitting on the couch. "I'll take care of him."

"I want to stay by your side."

At that, her eyes twitch in annoyance, "What a joke. I know you are tired of me. I know that what you wanted was the old me. "

Allen sighed, "Don't be so foolish." But Lyn could see it in his eyes.

"But isn't it like that? You're suddenly treating me so well, but you keep telling me you've always treated me this way. The wife you want is the me before I lost my memories," Lyn exclaimed.

"It's true I want you to regain your memories, who doesn't?"

"You just hate the present me because I'm in love with Kazuya, right?"

At that comment, Lyn noticed that his expression had turned grim. Ah, she recalled Pupillam's expression the other day when they had that talk. But, Lyn wanted to say these words to Allen for a long time now. Lyn looked at his expression and saw a look of surprise - and guilt. It seems like she was right after all.

At that comment, she feels a familiar pair of arms wrap around her waist, "Kazuya. ."

"Shut up... You're making my headache worse. Prince Allen, don't make me wallop you. I said nothing back then but since you guys just screamed it. Here's my input, do anything to her, and I'll kill you."

He knew? He knew about it. How come he said nothing before? Why, why did he remain with her despite knowing? Why did he put up with so much of her selfishness? Her thoughts broke off when Rhys caressed her cheek, "Your fiance is stupid, no wonder I'm actually winning."

"Kazuya…."

It was then she saw a flash of pain appeared on Allen's face, "You're correct, my cold behavior towards you lately is simply because of these stupid feelings of jealousy "