Chapter 287 - An old friend

Lyn shook her head. It seems pointless thinking about these things right now. It's not like things would change. It seems like since they came here, her thoughts are always in disarray. She placed her hand on her forehead; she felt a headache coming along.

Her thoughts broke instantly when Pupillam bows, "Princess, the person you are waiting for has come.."

The person she has…Lyn immediately stood up, "I'll get going."

"Wait, Princess, at least change your clothes."

…...

Lyn hurries her pace, and upon arriving at the room, she spies a guy with simple golden-colored locks, "Abeno! It has been a while!"

This man is Abeno, one of the people who helped teach her magic at the church.

Lyn wanted to save her stomach for Kazuya's meal, so she simply sat and watched him eat. At first, Abeno was against it, saying that it did not seem fair for him to eat while she just sat and watched. But eventually, she convinces him.

"Are Master and the others doing well?"

"I am not sure since I have not visited the church in a long time."

"I've heard you've been going from town to town spreading your teachings," Lyn said as she played with the cup in her hands.

"Indeed, it is a tiring task. But, people are listening," his face almost seemed tender as he spoke about his adventures. It seems like over time the people she got to know back then are all changing.

In contrast, what about her? "Do you miss the church?"

"In a sense," Abeno nodded. "In that place, I could have my peace."

Lyn chuckled, "It was fairly peaceful. We did not have to deal with the noisiness and gossips of the servants."

"Such talk was forbidden in the church," Abeno trailed off and sighed. "The castle is like the rumors. I've only been here for an hour and yet I've heard so much."

"Heard so much?"

"They say you're in a forbidden relationship with a Knight from the Sound Kingdom."

At that comment, Lyn froze. That's what people are saying about her and Kazuya? It's worse than she thought.

"Is it like the rumors say? I shall not believe anything unless it comes from your mouth."

This person is as humble as ever.

"I am in a relationship, but it is not forbidden. It's normal."

Abeno smiled, "Then you have found somebody you could trust."

Ah…

"Yes."

"Does he treat you well?" Abeno asked, a serious expression on his face. Her gaze softened, she knew Abeno was asking due to his concern for her.

Lyn nodded, "He does." Even though he has a bad habit of disappearing, but, she shouldn't let Abeno know that. Abeno is a very traditional person,  after all. He is the kind of person who believes that a man and woman in a relationship should respect each other. While she agrees with that, Abeno's idea of respecting is the couple informing each other of their whereabouts.

Then again, perhaps Abeno has a better idea of a couple than she.

"I'm glad you have found your happiness, Princess Lyn."

"I am very happy, but I do miss my peaceful days too. There is a pair of triplets among my new knights."

"Are you referring to the Hori household?"

"Yes. Although the two took different surnames, they get along very well. After watching them, I thought you and I too were like siblings." That's right, after watching over the three days and spending a lot of time. Lyn has noticed how her relationship with Abeno is the same way. "As you know, my meetings with my siblings are restricted to formal meetings."

Abeno coughs. "Are you all right?" Lyn asked.

"Yes."

"My brothers and I are related by blood, and although the blood connection is weak between all of us because of having different fathers, we are still related. But our relationship is weak. But some have no blood connection and yet treat each other well. It makes me think.. about us. If so, I wondered if it would be all right for me to call you my older brother."

"You're the same as always, aren't you? If I were to pose as your elder brother, it would be nothing more than an insult to the royal family. Please refer to me as your friend."

Lyn laughs, "Fufu, I see. But, I don't think my brothers would care too much." Even if they care about her, they do not prioritize the blood relation between siblings. For her siblings, for her family, their main concern is the Mist Kingdom. Even though she declared her candidacy for Queen, it does not change the fact that as a ruler, she ought to prioritize the nation.

Her siblings have been raised to prioritize the Mist Kingdom no matter what.

"I heard that you have not yet cancelled the engagement."

Lyn pauses before taking a sip of her drink; the drink seemed bitter to her, so she put it down. "Yes."

"Do you plan to?"

"In all honesty, I had every intention of doing so. However, " Lyn fiddles with her fingertips, " Since Allen came here, no since he heard those rumors. The second he heard of it, he returned to my side almost immediately. Even though we made a promise not to see each other for a while, he returned to my side and tended to me every day since. Such affection, I cannot easily discard it so easily can I? "That's right, how could she possibly discard it, something so tender and warm. She cannot get rid of it.

"I see I heard that the Prince is far kinder to his subjects now. On my way, in too, he shook my hand."

Allen greeted Abeno? But isn't he busy with his own work? Lyn frowned, maybe she ought to visit him later. It does her no good not visiting him during these times. So many rumors have emerged about her and Kazuya lately. No, about her in general. As Allen's fiance, she has to make more effort.

"I think I've also changed because of Allen's influence. It's a strange feeling really, but I feel that as long as Allen remains beside me, I'll be okay," Lyn trailed off. "If Kazuya heard me say these things, then he would get upset with me."

That's right, even though she won't truly be okay until everything is settled. Since Allen returned to her side, she has felt the most ease she has in days. "I wonder though Abeno, even now I still can't seem to figure out what sort of person he is."

"What sort of person? You've been by his side for so many years now. I believe you would have formed an opinion by now."

"Indeed, but he is not a simple man."

Just when she thinks they are getting closer with each other.

"I understand the relationship between siblings, but the relationship between husband and wife is something I don't understand fully. I wonder if I can do well."

"It is not in my place to say so. But the relationship between husband and wife, girlfriend and boyfriend, siblings and friends is difficult to distinguish," Abeno trailed off.  "I believe the sign is different for everybody."

"Pardon me," a knock is heard on the door and in came Rhys. Ah?

"Um.." she immediately stood up, thinking he was there for her. But for once, he wasn't.

"I came here to greet mister Abeno; I heard he's from the Junlan Church."

Abeno stood up, "You must be Sir Rhys."

"Yes."

"I've heard about you," Abeno trailed off. "I believe this isn't the time to.."

"It's fine, Lyn knows."

Abeno looked over at her, "You know which side sir Rhys stands?"

"Yes."

"Do you agree?"

That was a difficult question. Did she agree to the Sound Kingdom people's plan?