Chapter 294 - First meeting

They had everything prepared for her the night she came here. One thing stood out to her though, that night the castle was in disarray. Even now, Lyn could recall how frantic people had been rushing about. The sounds of the soldier's weapons... Lyn quickly realized that a fight broke out in the castle. But, she still didn't think much of it. It's surely just a fight. Fights break out in the castle from time to time. However, now that she thought about it, everything made sense. Her eldest brother's frantic appearance, his clothes...

'Lyn, stay here, and I will come fetch you soon.'

It was only a brief exchange of sentences, but Lyn remembered how he was. The way he hugged her too. That must have been the first time, she saw him so frightened.

Eldest brother, so many months have gone by now. When will he come for her? Every time she asked master, he told her that her brother is busy if he knows that then brother must have contacted him. But what about her? Why doesn't he send her a letter?

Lyn knew that right now there was a war brewing. But she can't help but think... Did this war start that knight? If so, that explained everything. The abrupt leaving, that exchange... No letters. It all made sense to her, but that didn't make it any better at all.

She sort of misses him. Though her eldest brother was cold and rarely smiled, he often came to see her. Second brother and Lady Gabrielle aren't the only ones who drop by. She mainly saw her eldest brother around. Lyn doesn't know what he's thinking. If she is supposed to be confined, why would he keep seeing her? He taught her many things. Before he dropped her off to the church. Lyn hadn't seen him in quite some time. She actually thought he forgot about her.

To think at the first sign of danger, he rushed to her and quickly brought her to a safe place. For a child who is supposed to be neglected, in a sense, she was loved. So, why confined her? Because of this stupid mark? Lyn raised the sleeves of her outfit and examined the mark again. For her, the mark held no significance whatsoever, but for other people? Other people however thought differently.

"Damn it! I'll get back at you," a man's echoing voice filled the space. Lyn looked over at the source and noticed him arguing with a woman.

Everything that has happened since they left the monastery remained fixed in her mind. She saw many people like this on the way here too. It seems like there are many families out here with problems. However, there are just as many people with happy and loving families. Families with seldom any wealth, and are struggling. But they all have such genuine and bright smiles on their faces.

"That's enough, leave my mother alone!"

"Brat, I just want to take your sister."

"Like hell, she isn't coming with you."

'It seems complicated.' As Lyn observed the family, she didn't think that in just a few minutes later it would be like this.

The man was smiling widely as he appeared before her.

"Miss, don't you think you should come with me?"

"Uhh, what?" Lyn was very confused. How did this man who was arguing about custody for his daughter appear before her?

"If I can't have that child, you'll do I'm sure you'll sell for just as many."

Wait...eh? Is this the so-called human trafficking? Oh, no... Lyn reached out for her pouch. Should she use the dagger? But as expected, Lyn felt her fingers tremble. She can't do it, she can't hurt somebody. Lyn closed her eyes and waited to be taken away. But after she did that, she hears a screeching sound.

It belonged to the scary man. Lyn opened her eyes and saw that somebody else was there.

The one who saved her was a young child. He was twisting the man's arms.

"Bastard old man, what do you think you're doing?" His gaze was dim as he glared at the older man.

"Brat you---"

"Excuse me has my disciple done something?"

"Pri--Prince Ralph!!"

At that comment, the people in the square turned to look over. A man with long hair and mesmerizing eyes. "I take it that you don't know this girl, so what were you planning to do just now?"

"Uh, you see that's..."

The man named Ralph still wore a smile on his face, but the aura surrounding him was deadly. All of a sudden, the man apologized to her and scrambled away quickly.

Ralph sighed, "What a useless guy...now then," he turned to the young boy. "Rhys, did I not tell you so many times not to rush out?"

"Forgive me, sir... But.."

Ralph chuckled, "I know. You have the instincts of a Knight," he looked over at her. "It's okay now. I apologize for that man's behavior. You must have been frightened."

At that comment, Lyn burst into tears. The boy looked very panicked, but he suddenly wrapped his arms around her. "Don't cry, it's okay."

..

After she calmed down the young boy named Rhys kept her company while the other one. The a.d.u.l.t named Ralph said he would get them some food. Lyn looked at the kid beside her. She hadn't seen any other children beside Abeno before; it was somewhat refreshing for her.

"Um.."

"What?"

"Your clothes look strange," Lyn paused. His eye color and hair are a different shade than the other people too. "Are you not from here?"

Rhys signed and flicked her forehead. "You shouldn't inquire too much about strangers. What if they are bad guys?"

'But he just saved her.'

"I know what your thinking, but what if this was all a plan and I'm in league with the kidnapper?" Rhys asked.

At that comment, Lyn looked at him again, "But, you didn't have to hug me."

"I was trying to gain your trust."

Lyn chuckled, "Okay, okay, Mr bad guy."

".. Are you from around here?" Rhys looked away. "I haven't seen you before."

"This is the first time I've come into town; it's really nice here."

"You do realize that a few days ago a murder took place here right?"

"Ah, in this area too?" Lyn didn't see pictures of this place here. But then again, considering how Arthur was hiding the report from her, it can't be helped...

"If you know why are you here?"

"I really wanted to see the town. This is probably the only chance I will get to see it," she looked over at him. "Rhys, right?"

"Yeah."

"Um, I want to look around. Can you come with me?"

Rhys smiled, "Well, I don't mind. Let's wait till master returns with food, and then we can go out..." he trailed off, "Did you not come here with someone too? Won't they worry if you rush off?"

Lyn sighed; that's true. She probably ought to wait for Arthur. But he is taking way too long, and she is getting bored. Rhys reached over and grabbed hold of her hand, "Well, you'll have to do me a favor too."

"Favour?"