Chapter 437 - Mysterious Jade Part 1

M Region - Mountains.

Her eldest brother must think she is an idiot. Did he think he could confine her like that?

She wanted to go exploring the mountains. But she glanced over at the girl beside her, who has long, fluffy light, bright blue hair with her bangs neatly tucked behind her long wavy forelocks. Her hair is worn loose with a single, wavy side-tail that has a thick streak of pink.

"Beth, you don't have to follow me."

"On the contrary, I have to, your little disappearing act last night was enough to establish that you can't be trusted alone," Beth exclaimed.

Ehh seriously? Even though she came back. Well, Lyn understood why the others are worried. It's because this place is a neutral zone; anyone can come in and out of it. Any elite fighting affairs are not paid attention to by the attendants of the country; and instead ignored, unless their own citizens get caught up on it.

"You don't have to worry about her; if you leave her up to me, then it'll be okay."

She glanced up and spotted Gabrielle. "Yeah, that's okay."

Beth turned to leave, but she paused. "Princess Lyn, the thing we spoke about before."

"Yeah, alright. I'll tell them."

With those words confirmed, the girl left. Gabrielle immediately inquired. "What thing?"

"Gah that's --"

"Hmm, well, since it's a secret with Beth, I doubt it can be about a secret love affair."

Her sweatdropped at her friend's words. "What sort of game did you play yesterday?"

"This one called 'unknown.' It's actually pretty good."

As Gabrielle burst out into game talk. Lyn thought back to what Beth just mentioned. She wondered if it's okay to mention it.

"Just to confirm Lyn, the direction your heading in is the mountains, isn't it?"

Lyn nodded, "Yes," she trailed off and recalled something Silver told her. "There is something I would like to check out."

"Hmm, I see."

Lyn looked at her friend, confused. But doesn't bother questioning her as they continued upwards the mountain path. Since there is something she has to do. On the way up her thoughts darted towards two certain people. Beth, and even Gabrielle have resolved themselves now. 'Lately, things are going well between Andrew and me.' Lyn was very happy for her friend; for the longest time, Gabrielle liked her brother. But her brother is so slow, and he doesn't seem to care about anything other than work.

She can't hesitate any longer. Just like Silver said, she has to decide; otherwise, everybody around her could die. Lyn glanced over at Gabrielle; it was clear her friend wasn't used to walking up the mountains. Judging from her clothes and the state of her hands too. Gabrielle has never had to do manual labor before in her entire life.

Yet Gabrielle came all the way here for her sake. Lyn knew she could turn back if she wanted. If they turned back now. Maybe they could beat her brother, who would usually check on her this time. However, Lyn didn't want to leave. If what Silver said is true, then that jewel has appeared. The jewel that will help her recover.

Lyn didn't care about the mark before, so she never searched for the gem. But now everything is different. There are people who want her to live, and she also has a responsibility now. The one who will take the throne is her. She already resolved herself there.

It happened far too quickly for her to react, despite her fast senses. Although she prepared for the blood l.u.s.t, she didn't expect them to be all wiped out before she could do anything. There has always been someone far faster than her. Someone who can control it, sound. Maroon colored hair, someone who always wore such a stupid-looking expression, and yet this is the person where everything began.

"Ah that was refreshing, now let's see what sort of beauties I saved to...." He must have just charged in without thinking.

'So very reckless, but it's like him.'

Lyn wrapped her arms around him from behind. "I missed you, Kazuya."

"I see, I was reckless. I wasn't planning on meeting you for a while longer. But," Kazuya turned her around to stroke her cheek with his tender hands, "Now that we've met again, I'd like to see you smile. Though I've always liked your tear-stained face."

It was hardly what you'd call a romantic or even powerful meeting. Indeed one could hardly compare it to the other times. But just like before, she can feel it; his warmth.

Lila buried her face on his neck and shoulder on the left side. She breathed in Kazuta's unique scent. Tobacco and soap. Her fingers gently ran through his hair.

Kazuya laughed at her actions. "When will you let me go, Lyn?"

"Never," she mumbled. "Remember, I said before that I need to keep you on a leash?"

"Ah, you said that indeed. Do you plan to?"

She examined his outfit, and her gaze darkened even more. Did he come out here to steal something again? What is it with him and stealing? At first, it seemed like a noble cause, but recently Lyn learned of the other reason why he became a thief.

When Lyn learned the reason, she suddenly felt the distance between them increase even more.

"Yes..." Lyn replied softly. She felt torn between holding onto Kazuya tighter and letting him go. She doesn't want to risk letting him go only for him to disappear right before her very eyes once more. But she has to sooner or later let him go. Because that's reality, and reality has its dark moments. This is one of them.

"What are you doing, Gabrielle?" Lyn noted that her friend was scribbling something down in a notebook for a while now.

"Hmm? Just changing this section into 'unexpected meeting under the stars.'"

"There are no stars out during the day!" she exclaimed.

Geez, she feels quite embarrassed, though. She was holding onto him so tightly like that. Lyn loosened her grip, knowing that he won't be leaving.

It felt like something like this happened not too long ago. Kazuya, however, continued to hold onto her.

"Lyn, did you come here for the jade?"

"Yes," Lyn mumbled. "Kazuya, you…"

Kazuya grinned, "I came here to steal it, of course," he trailed off. "You do realize they won't just hand the gem over, correct?"

Well, Lyn did think that. However, she thought she could somehow manage. Kazuya chuckled and patted her hair. "That's what I like about you Lyn, your very cute."

"Are you telling me you like my obliviousness?"

Lyn wasn't happy with his words despite the compliment. "I'm sorry," Lyn apologized. She still felt the need to apologize to him.

"No, no, I knew this would happen. Zepher must have it hard now that you're serious about your dream."

Her cheeks colored slightly, "Kazuya, um you met with Zepher?"

Kazuya nodded. It must have been awkward; she hopes they didn't fight with each other.

"Relax, we didn't fight. We could have, but nothing of the sort happened."

Souko. But if they didn't fight, they must have had a proper discussion. After confirming that, they continued walking up the mountain trail. Since snow covered it, it took a lot more time to climb up. However, Lyn didn't mind. Her gaze fell on Kazuya beside her, 'she felt a lot more comfortable.' Kazuya is with her now, so it truly feels like she can do anything now.