Chapter 409 - Where do people find happiness?

Where do people find happiness? In a place where hardship doesn't exist? But, does a place like that truly exist? In a world as twisted as the empire?

What would you keep and what would you abandon?

Something like 'no hardship' does not exist in this world. People will always suffer, cause pain, grieve. You cannot rid yourself of those emotions, no matter what happens.

But if you do, if you do try.

You must abandon something.

Even if that something is the person who is most dear to you, Lyn knew the time would come where she would have to sacrifice absolutely everything she cared about. Her thoughts broke off when she hears a gorgeous sounding melody. At first, Lyn thought she imagined things, why would she hear a melody here of all times? But, there was no doubt what she heard.

Ah, this is....a love song.

Up until now, she never knew she listened to love songs.

She thought her favorites sang different genres. But recently, Lyn noticed many love songs. She never noticed all the songs about precious friends, love songs about friendship, and peaceful songs about the past. A love song for those peaceful days. A song that shows gratitude to family and created with dear memories of that family is also a love song. Some are even about a hometown's history.

We all just want to convey our feelings without having to name someone. Without having to be selfish and choose someone and just simply put them into words of love. The songs she had listened to many times are all love songs.

'You don't have to worry about Sayu's fortune. From an outsider's point of view, you two look just like a couple.'

Is that so? So she and Rhys look like the perfect couple in other people's eyes? Indeed, his bold actions towards her do make it seem that way.

'Though I hear your dating Kazuya? Princess Lyn, your rather popular aren't you? Being torn between two people is something I understand very well. It will be difficult for you from now onwards. But I'll do my best to support you.

Two people.

That's wrong; it isn't just two. It feels like her heart is splitting into five pieces, and she doesn't understand the reason for that ever since Rhys became more open.

Lyn became rather wary and kept a slight distance away from him. Yes, that was her every intention to do so. However, she can't deny that those walls are gradually crumbling. And now those walls hardly exist anymore. Yet…..she recalled the words the Beth had told her when they spoke things through.

'I asked your brother details how you acted before. Well, I regret asking. But like I was stupid like that. Anyhow he told me how you guys always supported each other and fought in a friendly way. And even though you guys weren't going out. That's practically how it was. After hearing that I realized how stupid I was…being a complete third wheel like that. I'm sorry for getting in the way.

My feelings for him may not disappear anytime soon. But I don't want you two to use this as an excuse not to get close again. This time around, I wish for you to confront those feelings properly.'

Beth's words echoed in her mind.

Practically already going out. Back then, Lyn wouldn't have understood such matters - but if she thought about it. Her and Rhys acted like a couple, spending so much time together and acting so close in public.

Practically going out, huh?... Right now, their relationship has slowly returned to how it was back then. So does that mean in other people's eyes, they think the same between them? Ah, it's no good; her head is a mess. She can't think clearly.

Why is she thinking about these things now? Lyn immediately pulled away from his hold. She can't keep burdening him like this. Not when her feelings for Rhys have yet to disappear.

"Are you that oblivious? Were you really that oblivious?" Kazuya was still angry at her. "I mean, I'm doing this because I love you so much, Lyn. Yes, I'm doing this all in the name of love," Kazuya exclaimed.

By this point, her whole face was red up to her ears. Wh--what? What is he talking about? This is the battlefield - what ridiculous thing is he speaking about right now? Then again, for a genius, Kazuya acts completely oblivious at times.

But the girl did not get a chance to respond when a knife swishes past them, and they glance over to spot somebody familiar. Lyn blinked when she saw the general; she wondered why he was here.

Quite some time has passed since she last saw him. He is busy with her mother's situation, after all.

"Princess and Kazuya, do you have time to be flirting?"

"Does it look like I'm doing something fun like that? We were having a shouting contest just now."

"So this is the ill effects of your one-sided love, huh? I feel bad, Princess, you should shower him with more love and affection."

Her eyes twitched in annoyance. Why is the general acting like a fool too?

"You two don't just stand there and talk! They're coming," Lyn exclaimed.

But the dead that showed up weren't just skeletons and bones. Instead, familiar faces greet her, faces of all the people she killed before. Her face color turned pale, even though she killed those people before without hesitation. How come she is trembling right now? Seeing them all now, why? Back then, she killed so many people. Lyn didn't question her brother's actions; she killed them with no remorse.

Did they come back here to take revenge on her? Then, there is no need for her to fight back.

Kazuya appeared behind her and intertwined their hands together, "Lyn, close your eyes."

"Huh?"

In the middle of the fight, close her eyes? What is he talking about? Still, Lyn examined his expression, 'he's serious.' Lyn listened to him.

"Don't let it trick you. People say demons act as a symbol of the twisted feelings in human hearts. Our weakness, ugly feelings of jealousy and sadness - turn into monsters," Kazuya gripped her hand, "When we first met, do you remember what I said? We were young back then, but nothing has changed. I still think the same. You, have me by your side. Because we met each other, our world - our destiny changed. Don't let the past consume you anymore; you aren't alone anymore. Lyn, you've got me.'

He really is an idiot. But why do his words pierce her so very deeply even now?