Chapter 551 - Matters of the heart

It was difficult for her to escape Rhys after that, but since he was still half asleep, she managed to slip away. Lyn found a quiet courtyard not too far from the chambers Rhys brought her to and sat down on the steps. The academy was far larger than she thought it would be. It seemed like there was a small town inside too, so no wonder the students often stayed here. This place has everything. It was like a mini KIngdom.

Lyn did not know what to do surrounded by such luxury, so she felt very tense. Her body still ached, so she knew she could not go off on her own and explore. She supposes this is fine.

Her thoughts broke off when she felt somebody press a cup against her cheek. "Oh uh, th-" Lyn trailed off when she realized who it was.

"Ryuuko." He reminded her.

"Right, so is that your real name?"

"Yeah, it is." Ryuuko looked around. "Did you and that guy get into a fight or something? It isn't too long since I left you two, and you're already on your own."

"No, uh. He is resting." Lyn awkwardly explained.

A knowing ah escaped his lips. "So you're already that far with him?"

Lyn hit Ryuko's arm, and he yelped. "Ouch, why are you so violent? Besides, what is wrong with what I said. You two must have already-"

"D--don't say it out loud!"

Ryuuko raised his eyebrow and sighed. "Is it something to get embarrassed over? You two are in a relationship."

"I don't understand that stuff well. But Rhys said he is terrified of losing me. He did not say that out of possessiveness but because he genuinely meant it."

"Is that…"

"I am happy." Lyn nodded. She genuinely felt happy when he said those words. Nobody has ever said anything like that to her before, not even Kazuya.

That was why she didn't know what to do. 

It was a first for her to have somebody want and like her so much; she means the world to Rhys. This was the first time somebody treated her this way.

Ryuuko sighed. "I don't know much about your situation. Sure, rumors have circled here, but people here have other things to worry about."

"I know it is stupid to worry about such things now, but-" Her sentence fell short when Ryuuko flicked her forehead.

"Who said it is stupid? You may be a Princess, but you're human too; worrying about love is normal."

"Then Ryuuko, do you have somebody you like?"

At that comment, he paused but shook his head. "There is nobody."

"Then you probably shouldn't give out romance advice."

"Didn't you need someone to listen? I don't think any of your companions will lend you an ear when it concerns your relationship with sir Rhys."

Indeed Ryuuko made a point there. Although, the others tolerate her relationship with Rhys. She knew there was no way anybody would listen to her talk- an image of the lieutenant appeared in her head. Perhaps that person would listen to her. Should she give it a try later?

Lyn buried her face in her arms. "I just don't know what to do sometimes. Rhys has been in plenty of relationsh.i.p.s, and the way he openly shows his affection for me…"

"I see. Do you hate it? His past experiences and his honesty."

"His honesty?"

"Yeah, the last part. Him openly showing affection simply means he is honest about his feelings, right?"

"Is that the case?" Lyn wondered.

"You really are clueless about this stuff, aren't you? It is a wonder how you have so many guys after you."

"Well, sorry about being clueless." She retorted. "Besides, what do you mean so many guys? There is only Kazuya and Rhys."

"What about the not-brother guy Zepher?"

"Uh."

"Also, that Arthur guy."

"Well." Lyn fidgeted with her fingers. Now she regrets telling Ryuuko these things. Indeed, she supposes many guys confess their love to a certain extent, but it still felt very strange to her.

"Not to mention the obvious, your fiance Prince Allen."

At that comment, Lyn raised her head from her arms and laughed. "Don't be so silly. Allen does not see me as a woman, so please cross that one-off. Besides, I think he has somebody he likes."

"The person he likes is you."

"No, it isn't. I've seen him carrying a locket with a photo."

"So, have you seen the photo?" Ryuuko challenged.

Lyn hadn't seen the photo since he reacts very quickly whenever she tries to look. But if it were a photo of her, then he would not have to act so secretively. Moreover, why look at her picture when she is in the room with him? It would not add up.

"I am guessing from that silence that you have not seen it, correct?"

"Yes, but.."

Ryuuko awkwardly scratched his hair. "You know Princess Lyn, and I wonder if you truly believe that he does not see you as a woman."

"Eh?"

"I mean, that guy has been with you for how long now? You two were engaged since you were younger, and you spent the most time with him during your confinement. If love doesn't blossom, then would it not be strange?"

"But Allen was not restricted like me…He could have met other people over the years."

"You already know that is not possible." Ryuuko trailed off. "Look at this way Princess Lyn. That guy has not gone out with another woman in years; yes, your right; he has met so many people but there have been no rumors of him being in a relationship with anybody."

"That-"

Ryuuko shook his head. "I know your not stupid, Princess. Surely you noticed these signs?"

Lyn bit her lip but slowly nodded. "A part of me noticed it; Allen treats me differently. At first, I thought he did it out of formality, but it did not take me long before I realized there was something different."

His behavior towards her was unusual. She figured he had a soft spot for her but did not understand what the cause was.