Chapter 277 - To each their own tale

The place Allen brought her too was a peculiar room. In the center there appeared to be a strange sphere. The surroundings were all decorated with strange looking artifacts and on the second floor there appeared to be a library. Lyn blinked, "I didn't know there was a room like this in the palace."

"Of course not, we have something similar in the Wind Kingdom. But it is not like this. It seems like your family has a lot of secrets."

"Is that a threat?"

Allen reached over and flicked her forehead, "Do not be so foolish. If I were trying to trick you, I could have done so a long time ago."

That's true. Most people believe that Allen accepted the engagement with her because it was beneficial. For a long time now, the relationship between the Mist and Wind Kingdom has been a bit tense. That's why her marriage with Allen is important. Currently the Wind Kingdom is the strongest in the Empire. While the Mist Kingdom had a better ruler, aka Mother. Their wealth and prestige is still lower than the Wind Kingdom. In fact people say that what the Wind Kingdom lacks the Mist Kingdom has. The same went vice versa.

Her grandmother always believed in mutual benefits. So, even though she was bitter towards the Wind Kingdom - the engagement was arranged. Mother took over the matter too, and didn't change it.

When she first met him, she was under the impression that he was the same as those people. The same as those people who wouldn't show their true faces. Wouldn't show their true smiles and would do anything to be in her father - in her family's good books.

--

4010

"It's a pleasure to meet you Princess Lyn. I sincerely hope that this marriage serves as a foundation to unite our two groups."

A formal speech, clearly a man with good manners, handsome - and yet… Ah, this person's smile is fake. Yet she wondered why, she felt there was something else. Something more to it. She sensed as though that there was something else.

"I welcome you. The banquet now is a small gathering, but I hope it serves to ease the fatigue from your long journey," Lyn said as she held her cup in the air.

She lets out a quiet sigh un-noticed by her engagement partner. Asking a ten year old to do something like this is really uncalled for. Besides that, she spies the prince beside her. This guys older than her by 4 years isn't he? Indeed it was something you could instantly tell, especially their height difference. However it was something she agreed to. Her father had proposed a tournament to win her hand before not too long ago. But it had more or less ended with Kyou beating everyone. Kyou huh? In the end her gaze landed on her black hair guard who was standing by the door at the exit.

They haven't been able to talk to each other much since then. She wondered if he was alright. Perhaps, those words did he realise it? Ahhh, no this isn't the time to be thinking about this. The banquet was more or less going well. Lyn was slightly worried since this was the first time she was organizing such a huge event. It seems like however there was no need to worry.

"Was it you who came up with this idea?" Allen's words cut through the air like a sharp knife. Lyn immediately understood, he found her ideas amusing. Right now, he is looking at her with eyes like he just found a new toy.

But Lyn was not going to "Indeed it was. Thank you for obliging me Prince."

Allen laughs, "What an intriguing tradition."

Ah, there it is again that fake smile.

"It's in accordance to what my master taught me. I am trying to act as I see fit."

That's right being tied down. That's not what she wants.

She wonders why this person smiles in such a manner. Is it a front? Is he exactly like all the others? Indeed when she first met him she was repulsed by his behaviour. However even then there was already something about him that drew her attention.

--

"We've been engaged since birth, but we only met a few times when we were younger.." Lyn mumbled. It was only when she turned ten, did she start frequently coming in contact with her fiance. 

Allen smiled, "Did you wish for us to meet sooner?"

"No, I'm aware that's the formal age for most engagements to take place," then again maybe she is just used to her eldest brother and Gabrielle.

Allen walked over to the table beside the huge circle in the center. There Lyn could clearly see a map - and up close the huge ball had several multicoloured spears inside. Are those balls of magic? Allen nodded and confirmed her thoughts, "The new magic is being tested and developed in this manner."

Ah..

"But were also using it for another thing."

Judging from his vague tone, Lyn knew she would not be able to learn of the reason now. So, she simply changed the topic.

"The border between the Wind and Iga was reinforced with more men was it not?"

He glances down at the map and points to the area in the center, "That battle was left in stalemate. The main forces of Iga are moving down South and appear to be entering Roko territory."

"If that place gets attacked though, then the other places will be left in danger. Just what is my brother thinking?"

The only reason she knew about this was because of her research? Indeed you wouldn't hear any random princess talking about war, let alone know the areas and what's been going on. 

"Oh yes what of the civil war in Uto? I heard that the pro Iga forces are in a dominant position but should there be an attack from the surrounding countries, your side will not be able to withstand the pressure.. "

While the Wind Kingdom's military is strong, there are weak points found in every country domain.

Allen reached over and caressed her face, "I thought you were living freely, why do you know of such things?"

Uh oh, Lyn awkwardly looked away. She certainly can't tell him how Kazuya has been showing her all the reports. But wait, "Weren't you the one who told me that we royals are the very opposite of free?"

"I did say that, and make no mistake. Even under your conditions you are not free. But, unlike most you can be happy. You can live a normal life. You shouldn't get involved with this, your not like your sister. You don't have to get involved with these matters."

"That is true. But never once have I believed that following the rules blindly like that would help. The law doesn't protect people. The people protect the law. But no your right, forgive me I am well aware that's not your purpose."

Allen looked down, "I'm sure you're aware by now. The people targeting your family are becoming rather extreme.. "

"I know," Lyn mumbled. "Otherwise why would my eldest brother make such arrangements? Bringing in Knights from prestigious families, dragging some skilled ones out of the academy and making them graduate early. Him keeping his guards near me…"

Lyn already knew, it was far too obvious.

*UNEDITED*