"According to what Rhys said about Witch Ayah before, it's certain that she has a curse placed on her that's similar," Kazuya suspected that was the reason why the girl wanted to take Rhys life. Maybe their pact of the curse is, it will break once another person's life ends, "The conditions seem to differ per person."
"So, there is nothing more than can be done," Andrew said.
Kazuya looked down, "Sorry."
Andrew shook his head. The man was silent for a moment before he spoke up, "I do not fear death, even when I found these documents I hoped this information is more beneficial to Lyn than myself. I'm glad that seems to be the case," he trailed off, "I have never once feared death, whether or not I became the King, that feather has never emerged inside me. People are born to live; the same goes vice versa. Some people in this world are born to have short lifespans. That's just how things are."
Kazuya didn't know what to say to that. How can a man be so accepting of death so easily?
"Did you not tell me before, that even if you don't become the ruler, you still have plenty of goals and ambitions? That you still want to protect Lyn from the shadows?" Kazuya raised his voice; he knew the main reason for his sudden irritation was because of the last part. He suddenly recalled the moment the man said those words and felt very irritated. Why is he suddenly giving up? How annoying.
Andrew smiled, "I thought my death would benefit you, did you not say before?"
"I was lying you fool, don't go ahead and die," rather did this man really think he meant those words? Unbelievable!
"I know, you're not the type to bear a grudge. Even though I gave you a hard time before."
Kazuya sighed, "Honestly," he ran his hand through his brunette locks, "I was never angry at anybody. Whether it was you, Queen Orthez, King Daichi or Kotaro. The only person I could never forgive was Lethia," he didn't hate her, but Kazuya knew that he could never forgive her. The woman was dead now; she has been for so many years. But whenever he thought of the pain and suffering Lyn experienced. The angry feelings from back then emerged.
Just thinking about it gets him worked up, let alone admit it.
"I am aware. Lyn spoke about you quite a bit," Andrew looked over at Lyn. Before he walked over, "You love my sister. There is no other man out there who can love her as much as you."
"There is, only one other person."
Andrew smiled, "Indeed, I won't deny that. But in the end, it's up to my sister. Even if she regains her memories, the two of you have been married for so long now. You've gone through all sorts of pain and hardships together, and the vows you made that day. She won't discard it just like that, but," he drawled, "You don't really need me to tell you all this, do you?"
Kazuya knew he was right. He looked down at his wife who before she fell asleep, ensured that she was holding his hand tightly. Even now, her delicate hands wrapped around his own.
"I love her; I've been wracking my brains up this whole time. Just finding the jade doesn't seem right to me. Even if we find it, if it's been in the enemy's hands this whole time than they've most likely tampered with it," Kazuya took the documents from the desk with his free hand, "But with this," he started, "With this there is hope."
Kazuya had been so blind about getting the jade. That he failed to realize that he neglected the consequences, it isn't until recently when he met up with his wife and brought her here did Kazuya realize that there would be some issues in the long run. The Heavens stone, if he could get his hands on it. Then he can utilize the jade whether it's been corrupted or not.
Lyn's health has already taken an enormous toll these last few years, while the effects of the fake jade have helped reduce her illness. At the same time, it's acted as a double-edged sword; it's made her think that she can only get better with the jade. But things are no longer that simple, even if he were to obtain the jade for her. The effects have already taken a toll on her body. Just simply bringing her the jade will no longer do her any good.
Thankfully, there is somebody else who cares about Lyn. Lady Gabrielle most likely didn't figure this out alone. Somebody gave her a hint, and while the Heavens Stone is something from the Sound Kingdom. Seldom people knew of its existence. 'Rhys,' his companion's image appeared in his mind.
Somebody who knew of the stone's existence and cares about Lyn. Somebody who would throw away his life for her. Kazuya didn't have to think long and hard to come to that conclusion. He must have dropped a hint a few times, heck he was probably helping her out.
All these years his friend didn't contact him much and didn't appear before him and Lyn. Lyn always said it's because he is busy with work and his travels, but Kazuya knew that was not it. There is more to all of this than meets the eye.
"It is unlike you to be so careless. But I suppose people who are in love, do foolish things for the ones they care about," Andrew's tone seemed sad, and Kazuya looked over worried. Is his mental state alright now? Is it okay for him to return and lead the Mist Kingdom? Andrew must have read his mind since he continued, "Fret not, even I understand my present state. I shall make use of everybody's help."
"Those words must be foreign to you."
"Yes, but my sister has taught me a great deal. About trusting people about loving others."