Then again, she wasn't the type to 'show off.' regarding anything. As Lyn debated about this in her head, she felt Kazuya pull her into his arms. Thinking they were just cuddling Lyn didn't think much of it. She liked the feeling of Kazuya in his arms. She wants to be with this person more, call her selfish or whatever. But isn't it fine? For things to continue this way for awhile longer. Until Mother announces her identity anyway. However, Lyn recalled her brother's pained expression and Allen's from moments ago. If she allows this to continue, more and more people will get hurt.
For awhile now something had bothered her. In this garden, there is a heavy scent of blood. Lyn looked around trying to pinpoint the source, it feels so strong. It should be nearby right? Did somebody get hurt, or...is it that? Did somebody try to end their life again? Gulping, Lyn proceeded to let go of Kazuya but he wouldn't let her go.
Kazuya's grip around her tightened, "Kazuya?"
"Don't go."
Lyn quickly realized that something was wrong. Does he know what happened?
…..
Mountain Region H - Mist Kingdom
It wasn't just her imagination, the party had abruptly ended because somebody got killed. Did they end their life themselves? From the surface that is what it looked like. The person had no choice but to end their lives, however Lyn felt that the case was not this simple. Brother quickly brought her to the villa he mentioned in the mountains. Everything was set up already, so Lyn presumed that he had been planning to come here anyway.
"According to the announcement, one of the highest members of society a man named William used his magic on a normal person that drove them crazy. In turn, he used that chance to slip away and kill himself."
Sir William was killed? Lyn didn't get a chance to check who the victim was, since her brother took her away rather quickly.
"The organizers weren't too pleased with that conclusion. Since it happened on their turf, they are doing whatever they can to sniff out the truth."
"They didn't believe it, I wouldn't be surprised if they thought it was someone from one of the groups who came without connections."
In other words - her brother's group. People would definitely start pointing fingers at them.
"The initial theory was our group did something. Maybe because we are the only ones in the party that didn't come as a representative. But many people suspected the Lord. That theory however placed you under suspicion too."
So is that why brother isn't here today? Is he trying to make sure that people blame him and not her? Then again at most all people can say is her knowing about the plan. In everybody's eyes she is a mere fawn.
Just as she thought that Himuro commented, "You really don't understand anything about this society. It became clear to me after the party, you have so many things you have to learn. Your like a lost child in the middle of the woods. Don't think you can intervene in this matter so easily."
Shoot, how did he know she was planning something? Then again, if Shioka hasn't contacted her. Should she take the initiative to do so? One can never tell what to do when it comes to that guy.
"I understand," Lyn mumbled. It seems like Himuro hasn't noticed that she isn't a fawn yet. But then again, many people don't realize that. "Let's start studying, so I can catch up and be of use to brother."
Even with her current knowledge, Lyn has to admit that there are many things she didn't know.
She turned to the books but no sooner did she sit down did they hear a disturbance outside. Her gaze fell on the window, "Ah, people came again Himuro."
"Gahh," Himuro exclaimed. "Why are they so curious about you? They already got a glance a few days back."
"But that's exactly why, they only got a glance. Let's amuse them for a few minutes."
Himuro reluctantly followed and they stepped out onto the hallway. After giving her a few instructions Himuro opened the door. The moment they did that, praises and flattery. People passing presents over. Her sweat fell, what is with this situation? Thankfully, she was hiding behind the door. Her thoughts broke off when she spotted somebody approaching.
"Eldest brother Andrew!"
"May I come in?" Andrew asked.
Himuro panicked for a moment but Lyn nodded. Because of this she revealed her hiding spot, and the people outside saw her. Lyn politely chased them away and led Andrew inside. "Come in, we don't usually have guests so…"
"Were you the type who could wear heels before?" Andrew mumbled.
"I--I'll make some tea."
"No need, I'll be quick. Have you noticed anything strange about the mark?"
Anything strange? Lyn glanced down at the mark on her neck. While it never returned to it's small form on her hand anymore. Unlike that throbbing sensation she felt in the Snow Kingdom. It hasn't acted up at all.
"Lyn, calm down when I say this but your mark is connected with this case."
Wait, what?
She glanced over at Himuro and noted that he was looking away from her. So it's true? This must be the reason why brother rushed her out so quickly. Many people had seen her tonight, some may have spotted the mark on her neck. Thankfully, she didn't speak to anyone for a long period of time. So, nobody should remember. But even then brother is cautious.
"They found it on the victim?"
"Yes, but it was on his body."
Lyn bit her lip, 'It would look like she cursed him.' But at the time of the suicide she was together with Allen and then Kazuya. However, if somebody were to pinpoint her involvement. She couldn't rely on Allen to provide an excuse for her. They would simply say he was covering up for her.
No amount of excuse will make her less of a suspect. Then again, it seems like they would have suspected her anyway. So, like this isn't it fine? Her gaze fell on her brother and noted how odd his appearance was. Did he rush out all the way here?
Her gaze softened, in his own way. Big brother Andrew expresses concern for her. She really is a lucky person isn't she?
Even though her childhood did not start of great. While she could not claim her title as Princess, and end up leading a secluded life. None of that mattered. Since in the shadows there have always been people who cared about her, she is very lucky.
"Eldest brother, did you just come here to check on me?"
"No, we have a meeting," another voice interjected. She glanced over and spotted Zepher entering from another room. He must have seen all the people and decided to use the back entrance.
"Brother," Lyn greeted.
"Lyn."
Ah... Lyn cautiously made her way over and hugged her brother, "Welcome back."
"I'm back."
Feeling a dark gaze, her sweat fell. Uh... She quickly left Zepher's arms and turned to Andrew. "So you two are having a meeting? You won't fight while I go and get tea right?" she had to ask to make sure. It was hard to tell from their current expressions.
Zepher smiled, "Well, it's up to him. I do think he has the right to punch me."
Lyn frowned, "Don't fight, okay?" she looked at them with a worried gaze.
Andrew sighed, "What do you take me for, I'm not a barbarian."
She laughed at that comment. Indeed, eldest brother Andrew isn't the brawl type. "Then, I'll fetch the tea. Behave you two."
*UNEDITED*