Chapter 276 - I've had enough

Kazuya sighed and reached over to gently kiss her lips, "I am jealous about Rhys, but that's not why I was avoiding you. I'll do anything to keep you safe so.."

"Dummy, I told you not to get involved.."

Kazuya however only continued to laugh, until they hear somebody call her name. It was Rhys, ah…

"I have to go now Lyn, but I'll be in the training grounds all day, you can drop by."

"Um wait, it's not what you think…"

He reached over and ruffled her hair, "I trust you, don't worry."

Lyn gave him a light kiss on the cheek before she walked off. It didn't take her long before she reached where Rhys was, she immediately hit him, but Rhys caught her hands.

"You did that on purpose."

"Yeah."

Jerk… Her thoughts broke off when she felt Rhys gently caress her hands, "You have to stop being so violent, your pretty hands will get hurt."

"...What's for lunch?"

Rhys lips curved to a smile, "Something nice."

"You say it's something nice, but isn't it something you like?"

…..

Training grounds

Lyn peeked through the door; she heard from Pupillam that all the knights are training here today. Kazuya mentioned it too. She wonders if she can catch a glimpse of Kazuya. Kazuya always looks very cool when he is training. A deep sigh passed her lips when she recalled what Rhys said to her earlier. It's not like that,

"Ah…"

Kazuya laughed, "What are you doing?"

"I wanted to see you for a bit," she looked around. "Is it a bad time?"

"We were taking a break. Want to join?"

Her eyes lit up, "Okay!" Kazuya squeezed her hand and brought her inside. Lyn was fully aware of how many states they were generating. Now that she thought about it, Pupillam also warned her about this too didn't she?

'From now on, more and more people will be looking at you. More people will notice you. Princess Lyn, please be more mindful of your actions…'

Lyn suddenly froze, wouldn't it be bad if this turned into a rumor? She can't carelessly walk around hand in hand with Kazuya anymore. While the majority already knew, it probably isn't a good example in front of the new Knights… But it was already far too late to change her mind since Kazuya was dragging her inside.

"Princess! What are you doing here?" a female voice exclaimed. Lyn turned and spotted a familiar face.

Lyn laughed, "Uh, I wanted to rest."

Pupillam sighed, "Well, alright, but just for a bit. Wear this cloak around you too; everybody is all sweaty and smelly…"

Katn sighed, "Hey, you're sweating, too, you know."

"I'm a girl."

Ah, it seems like Pupillam is getting along with everybody here. Lyn was slightly worried since Pupillam is the only female Knight in this group.

Kazuya brought her over to where his friends were. "Woahh, he brought the Princess."

Lyn noticed that there were other people here too. Knights wearing black clothes. Ah, "Allen's…?"

The one in the center smiled, "Pleased to meet you, Princess Lyn. I'm lord Ash from the family."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Lyn replied as politely as she could. However, she felt a sudden shudder, just looking at the man's face. What is it with this uneasy feeling? He's on their side and yet...

Her thoughts broke off when she hears a loud sound and turned to the direction of the door.

It was Allen, after what happened the previous night. She didn't want to see him. He walked across the room to where their group was. "Sir Ash, what do you think you're doing?" Allen addressed the man who had just been speaking with her.

"Training."

"I believe we already assigned you an official post. You do not need to be here."

"Relax Prince, I came here to check something out," his gaze fell on her and then back at Kazuya. "But your right, my services are needed at my post."

Lyn immediately felt the tension between them. So she let go of Kazuya's arm and walked over to Allen, "Allen," she called out softly breaking the tense atmosphere. "Can you come with me for a bit?"

He looked over at her and nodded. "Very well."

She looked over at Kazuya who had already picked up a wooden sword again. Lyn could tell from the way he wasn't facing her that he was upset. But, if she didn't talk to Allen now, she wouldn't get another chance. Kazuya is always rushing off like the wind. However, Allen is different.

Allen silently followed her out of the room. Lyn realized that they generated more stares than when she was with Kazuya. She shook her head and increased her footsteps. They look at her strangely no matter who she is with; it seems like.

"What did you wish to speak to me about?" Allen is the first to break the silence when they are further away.

Lyn bit her lip and deeply sighed, "Are you sure about keeping them here?" she was referring to his so-called knights.

Allen rubbed the temple of his forehead with his hands, "Do you also doubt them?"

"Not completely, but compared to the atmosphere from the Knights brother got me. It's suffocating around them," Lyn trailed off. "Are they people from your Kingdom?"

"You'll be surprised, dear. There are many people like this in the Empire."

"I know that but…"

Allen sighed, "You don't have to worry…"

She gave him an odd look, "Don't act like Kazuya, please. I've had enough of you people thinking I don't have to worry. I can see something is wrong. The more you don't want me involved, the more involved I'll get."

"Why are you so troublesome?"

"Are you talking about yourself or me?"

"Lyn--" he raised his voice.

"Allen," Lyn interjected. "I thought we already spoke about this when we were first engaged. You don't treat me like a flower in a vase."

Allen wore a complicated look on his face, "I told you back then it would be nicer if you were a mere simpleton. If you were just a normal lady. But your not like those people, and I suppose I wouldn't have accepted you if you were normal.." Allen trailed off, "Are you still free for the rest of the day?"

"Yes."

…..

Secret Passageway - Servants Lounge -

"I didn't think you'd bring me here."

"You're a member of royalty, and your existence is being revealed soon. I see no reason to hide this place from you anymore."

Lyn nodded. It felt like Allen was going to show her some huge secret. So, she figured she would just stay put. She usually would inquire for more details. "This hidden passageway, there's an exit for the outside right?"

"Yes, it's a bit further down."

"Allen, how come you know about this place?"

"Your father, the King, showed me a long time ago. He told me to bring you here just in case anything happened."

"I see, that makes sense." Only father would make any preparations for her safety. No, no... Lyn shook her head, don't think so negatively anymore. "My Mother?"

"Of course, he asked her for confirmation."

'So mother approved of it too..'

"Do you still feel like your family has neglected you?"

Lyn blinked, surprised at his sudden question. "You'd normally evade asking me things like that before you'd always look uncomfortable whenever I brought it up. That's why I always held back my tears in front of you."

"I apologize."

Her gaze softened, and she shook her head. "No, I understand. It was insensitive of me to bring it up now," Allen trailed off. "You do not have to answer."

"Could I postpone my reply?"

"It feels like I am pressuring you."

Lyn chuckled, "Fret, not Allen. If you were pressuring me, then I'd have complained to father or eldest brother."