Chapter 439 - Mysterious Jade Part 3

Lyn refused his offer, even though she wanted nothing more than to hug him like she did earlier. The next few minutes were very awkward when Kazuya broke the ice.

"I received word that woman woke up, are you sure you need not head back? Although I don't advise you to go back out in the storm, the fact that you made it back here means you have a method to get through safely."

She does. But Lyn did not intend to show anyone just yet. Lyn would have been okay showing it to those three if necessary. However, that mister seemed concerned enough to lend their limited rooms up, so her friend left. Knowing how the arrangement would be, she decided it would be better for her to head back. It's not as though she doesn't trust the others with Kazuya. But he barely speaks to her, let alone anybody else.

Lyn is afraid that something may happen unless she is here with him. That's why it's okay like this for them to stay together.

"No, it's okay."

If it's that person, then she will be just fine. Lyn stole a glance at Kazuya; it still feels odd seeing him back. Rather does it really count as him being 'back', will he return with those two by tomorrow? Will she be seeing him a lot again?

"Do you also feel in debuted to her?"

Lila looked up, surprised at his sudden question, but decided to answer it seriously anyway.

"I suppose so; it may have been because of Prince Ralph that I met her. But not only was I the one who decided that I'd protect her, but I also wanted to return the favor the friendship she showed me. At the start, I only intended to protect her. But along the way, I changed my mind," she changed her mind.

The main reason was that person showed her exactly how beautiful friendship was. How even through pain, tears, and suffering, they are still able to remain together. "That person is amazing. Not only do I admire and respect her, but I care a lot about her."

"I see."

It looked like Kazuya wanted to say something. However, he didn't, instead, the doors opened. Lyn's eyes widened when she saw who it was.

"Rhys..."

He immediately strolled across and wrapped his arms around her.

At that moment, Lyn felt protected and safe. All her unease vanished, and she stopped trembling. Lyn felt a sudden burst of strength; nothing could ever get to her here. Honestly, she would not have minded staying in his arms forever. It's okay. It's okay. It's okay. It's okay. It's okay. Rhys is here for her.

"Are you hurt?"

"I'm alright," Lyn managed to say.

Rhys, however, kept looking her up and down. "Hey Kazuya, I left some stuff at the entrance. Fetch it for me."

"Hah? Why do I have t--" Kazuya suddenly paused and sighed. "Alright," he briefly glanced over at her. "Take care of Lyn."

With those words said, Kazuya immediately left. The moment he did Rhys bent down and took her lips in his. "Nnnghh--?!"

"Didn't I say I'd punish you the next time you collapsed?" he mumbled against her lips. "Did you think I was kidding?"

"Rhys, nngh...."

Rhys licked her bottom lip, "Open your mouth." He asks her, but Lyn knew he could open it without asking indeed after a second Rhys had pried her mouth open. "Lyn..."

Why is Rhys doing this to her again? While Lyn knew he had feelings for her, isn't this a bit too much? Ever since Rhys expressed his feelings for her, he gradually grew bolder. But even then, he maintained a good distance. Lyn thought they could continue this way forever. However, it seems like a friendship between men and women is impossible.

Lyn was about to say something, but she felt her body get weaker by the minute. 'Huh? What's wrong with her?' She was just fine a moment ago. For a moment, Lyn thought it was because Rhys was kissing her, but then she realized something. Rhys was sucking something and spitting it out to the side every second.

She glanced over and saw small spikes. Did Rhys get that out of her?

"Lyn, stay still. Do you understand?"

'That's why Kazuya suddenly left the room...' So there is something wrong with her? Again? Is this why Silver seemed so rushed? Silver repeatedly told her that they were running out of time. She didn't understand the meaning of those words.

"I understand... Rhys.." Lyn mumbled weakly.

"Relax, I'll finish up soon."

....

When Lyn woke up, she hears two people talking in hushed voices. "She's sleeping, yeah I finished."

"You didn't do anything else, right? Lyn is underage Rhys; you can't.."

"Says the one who slept with her."

"..."

Rhys sighed, "I'm not going to fight with you over a girl Kazuya. Let's not be stupid. They already sent that dammed woman over, let's think what our next steps will be."

"Hey, you say that, but I know you care a lot about her."

"Yeah I do, she's different."

'Different?' Lyn still felt very weak, but she knew who those voices belonged to. She wonders exactly what Rhys liked about her. Lyn already knew why Kazuya fell for her, but Rhys? It still didn't make much sense to her.

"Did you find it?" Kazuya asked.

"Unfortunately no, we turned the place upside down, but it wasn't there. I guess somebody tipped us both of."

"Let's re-confirm it with Zepher. He went to the third location."

"Do we have to work with that man?" Rhys grunted. "He's only doing it to get ahead of us."

Lyn blinked when she hears those words. Working with Zepher? Both Kazuya and Rhys are? She wanted to listen more, but her throat felt itchy, so Lyn started coughing. This earned their attention since the sliding doors opened. Rhys walked over to her and brushed his hands across her forehead.

"You okay to talk?" Rhys was the first one to speak up.

"Ah, hurts a bit," Lyn mumbled.

Rhys nodded, "Yeah, the side effects aren't good. Kazuya, get her some wat-" Rhys sentence fell short when Kazuya passed a cup of water. "Hey, why do you have that prepared?"

"I've already given you chances."

"Huh, then suit yourself," Rhys brushed his lips against her ear. "Kazuya wants to see how close we are now."

"Don't get so close!" Lyn exclaimed, but it leads to her coughing more.

She felt Rhys arms on her back as he patted slowly, "Easy there, don't get worked up."

It's his fault she got worked up, though. Then again, why does she get so worked up when it comes to him? Lyn accepted the glass from Kazuya and took a large sip from the water. It tasted terrible for some reason, and she immediately pushed it away.

Rhys cupped her cheeks, "It tasted bad, right? It will take some time for your taste buds to return. You still look quite pale too; get some more rest, Lyn."

She didn't want to go back to sleep after experiencing that nightmare, though. Kazuya quickly interjected, "We ought to keep Lyn updated. It isn't good to leave her out."

At that comment, Rhys frowned, but he nodded, "It's true, we should let you know. Where to start?"