Chapter 523 - Tale of Rain Part 5

One month later.

It was becoming increasingly difficult for him not to worry about Lyn. The first few days aside, the first week and the second week - Rhys thought Lyn would settle down. But since her father left not only does she not smile often but she ends up doing such dangerous things. When he found out that she wasn't in her room, he didn't panic as much as before. She is more than familiar with this place now. But his only issue was that she sent the servants away again.

Thankfully Lyn did not go too far this time and he found her in the central gardens. She was hunched over by the rose bushes and he quickly approached her. "What are you doing?"

"Rhys." Lyn said weakly.

He glanced over and spotted the blood on her fingers and grabbed her hand. "I told you before to be careful." Rhys quickly took some tools out of his bag and patched up her wound. 

"But it was so pretty and also...wanted to give.." Lyn suddenly stopped mid-sentence causing him to frown more. What was she about to say there?

"Are you okay?" Rhys decided to just ask her directly.

It will do him no good second guessing like this.

"Rhys do you like spending time with me?"

Huh?

"Answer me."

Why is she even asking him something like that? Rhys nodded. "Of course I like spending time with you."

"More than other people?"

"For example?"

She turned quiet for a moment before mumbling. "Those Princess who came recently."

At that comment his eyes widened. He scanned her expression and immediately understood. Is she jealous? The Princesses Lyn mentioned are the daughters of the nobles pushing the issue of his engagement. It seemed like they had already arrived at the capital before he made that announcement so he couldnt push them away.

Lyn hugged him tightly. "I dont want to share."

The minute he thinks she is cute and adorable he loses.

Rhys tried not to look at her but it was difficult. Damn it seems like he has lost already. Just when he thought that she was becoming emotionless it seemed her silent behaviour was because of him. Why does Lyn keep doing things like this? 

The main reason why he is in a rush to get rid of those Princesses is because of Lyn. Now that he knew that she is a Princess it would be okay to get engaged to her right? Since they want a fiance for him this badly then they will get it. 

"You were worrying about this?"

A lovely shade of red appears on her cheeks and he felt his heart beat. "That is uh.."

"I'm all yours Princess."

"I--I see." She seemed relieved.

"So what were you doing here?"

"Ah I was heading to the rose palace. I heard the roses have bloomed there and wanted to get a better look."

"Then let me go with you."

"Are you finished with everything?" She asked cautiously. Rhys knew the girl hated it when he skipped out on his duties to spend with her.

"Mmm, I finished early today." 

"Then okay!" The two of them walked down the path and Rhys explained how every area in the castle uses some form of magic.

"So this includes the rose garden. The flowers you will see in that area are made from magical seeds so the roses wont be normal. Also there is something called the tree of life in the center."

"The tree of life?"

"Yes, it says to contain the life force, the hopes and dreams of all the people living in the Kingdom. Apparently there are similar trees in other Kingdoms with different names." He finished his explanation right as they approached the entrance.

Rhys gaze softened when he saw her look around with sparkling eyes. Does she like it that much? He told her just now about the magic thing so he assumed she would get put off. Most people would say it is artificial. 

Now that he thought about it he still isnt clear what type of magic she can use. Her father explained that he may need to help her on this department but he still doesnt know how he can help. But there is one thing he has figured out.

"You dont use magic to walk these days."

Lately it seems like she is walking using her own two feet.

Lyn laughed. "Uh, I have gotten better at walking these days."

It surprised him when he realized that she used magic to move. Cases like this are rare unless they lived an extremely sheltered life style. But considering what he knew of her situation that seemed extremely unlikely.

"Say Lyn? Do you have a fiance?" Rhys muttered.

"Ah I do."

Rhys' gaze dimed at her immediate reply. What she already has one? With her weird situation Rhys was sure that she wouldn't have one already. This is bad, he actually thought it would be easy but now an unexpected hurdle has appeared. She is only six years old, why did they decide so fast? Normally they would wait until the seventh or eighth birthday to find a perfect noble house that would match.

"Who is it?"

Maybe if it is somebody easy then he could crush them quickly.

"The second Prince of the Wind Kingdom."

His expression turned even more pale at her words. Out of all the other ones why is it that one? If she said another Prince he could have intervened. But it has to be the Wind Kingdom. It has to be one of the leading Kingdoms. 

"Um, why did you ask?"

"No reason." Damn this is annoying.

Lyn suddenly clung to his arms and mumbled. "You know we have this tradition in the Mist Kingdom. Any relationsh.i.p.s before I get married is not valid so my engagement is just a formality."

"Meaning?"

"So when we are older come find me again."

For a six year old girl she sure is bold. But for her to bring that up maybe she was thinking of him too.

....

Year X Day 7 of the Eclipse

After having such a conversation with her Rhys had a hard time focusing on practice. He had yet to bring up the topic to his brothers even though he knew he should. It may be difficult but perhaps they can do something about it? 

"You're too distracted." Tetsuki lowered his wooden blade. "Let us stop for now."

"We all know why, Rhys has a crush on the little Princess." Ryan said.

"Second brother…"

Isaki joined in quickly. "How fascinating true love at the age of ten."

"I believe she is engaged though." Ryan pointed out.

"Eh who is the lucky man?"

Rhys gaze dimmed and he quickly muttered. "The second Prince of the Wind KIngdom." It still frustrated him when he thought of it.

To think that person he met at the training grounds during the banquet last year is actually her fiance. What sort of weird and twisted fate is this?