4022 Snow Kingdom
Didn't she deserve it to suffer a one-sided love? A woman like her does not deserve to be happy when Ayah thought about it; fate had already decided what type of life she would lead. That's why it was easy for her to betray those who accepted her.
...
4015 Mist Kingdom
Today's the day. Her gaze landed on the black-haired Princess, who was supposed to be in the carriage.
But the woman preferred to ride on a horse and was conversing with Rhys. The one in the carriage being the young rokojou princess. When the young Princess suggested to take a walk since the weather is lovely; Ayah knew that it was time. She as much as possibly wanted to delay it; she wanted to wait for a while longer, so the Princess was fully recovered. To wait until she's recovered and has her full strength back.
Because even if she surrenders or get captured, then she could escape easily. Princess Lyn, she is sorry. But she has to aide them; she does not have any choice. Although she has never been fond of the whole marriage between that man and herself, she cannot merely watch so many people be executed and tortured. '
The life of one person or the death of many, which is it?' Ayah could still recall it quite clearly, the words of that man even though it was behind the screen. Ayah could feel it, the dangerous and blood lust in the air.
Father, that man said like 'father like daughter.' Could it be the reason you are giving them your aide is to protect the rest of the family? Could it be, those are the conditions he used against you? Ayah doesn't understand it, exactly what does that person want? He's on that man's side, and yet at the same time, it looks like he isn't. That group too. It's like they are only aiding each other when their individual motives align up. Other than that, exactly how many people are on each side. It's no good; she can't figure it out. Before leaving the office, that man had called out to her.
'Ayah, you are free to do as you wish. No matter who you serve or are bound too, in the end, you can only act based on your own will.'
What she wants to do and what she must. Indeed they are certainly contradicting each other. That man, perhaps already knew. That the traitor is her. Her thoughts broke off when Lyn invaded her speech bubble. "Ayah? What's wrong? Are you feeling alright? Or are you sick?"
"I'm alright."
"That's good," Lyn beamed happily.
"Lady Sumire, could it be you intend to experiment with your feelings again? You are quite close to girls."
"Be wary Lady Ayah; she's quite good in bed whether it's male or female."
At that, the black-haired woman reached over and attempted to hit him only to have the black hair man grabbed hold of her hand. Rhys slowly kisses the center and trails his lips across her fingers. "As I thought, there are bruises. I must give it treatment."
"Quit being a pervert!"
Ayah averted her gaze completely embarrassed. What is he doing to the Princess right in front of the other guards? However, the black-haired princess reaction isn't one of disgust. Even if that is curing her injuries, could they not say such misleading terms?
There's that, and as expected, the Rokojou Princess ensured that there would be no flaws to the plan. By only bringing Rhys here, then the defenses around Princess Lyn are at a minimum. Upon reaching a clearing, the carriage windows opened.
"I guess we ought to split off from here. I am not fond of mountains and steep cliffs like the Mist Kingdom Princess. However, I do not desire to get in your way."
"Ah, that's right this area is..." Rhys trails off, "But huh, what to do? There aren't many troops here. Splitting of would be troublesome.
"It's fine Rhys; I only need 5-7 soldiers to accompany me. The Rokojou Princess needs more."
"That's true. Alright, the lot of you starting from Izaki go with Celica, Lady Ayah you also."
"Rhys, you're the Sound Kingdom representative. Should you not be tagging along with me?"
"Forgive my rudeness Celica, but I have to prioritize as my duty as a knight."
Lyn touched Rhys arm, "Rhys, it's alright you can go with her."
"But I really shouldn't leave you alone..."
Lyn reached over and touched his face with a warm-hearted smile. "I'm fine. Ayah will be with me."
". . Very well. Lady Ayah, please take care of her," Rhys seemed very reluctant and was looking her up and down.
Ayah gave a light nod and watched as the carriage, and the soldiers lead by Rhys take the other route. Princess Lyn turned to her, "Shall we go?"
"Yes."
Princess Lyn, she has to make her mind up. Whatever decision she takes, though, in the end, she cannot escape seeing a cruel fate.
.....
"Wah, Rhys was right. The view from up here is amazing."
In the end, they took the other trail, leading to a cliff below there is a gorgeous waterfall. From up here, you could overlook the majority of the town.
"Princess Lyn do not stand so close to the edge."
"I'm fine! But more importantly, what's with the title? Aren't we friends now?" Lyn said while grabbing hold of her hands.
Friends?
Ayah sighed, "You're still insisting on that. I only came along because Rhys asked."
Lyn nodded, "Right, you have a special relationship with Rhys. But, since Rhys is supposed to be my Knight, can't we get along?"
Ayah blinked in confusion and yet managed a light nod.
"Very good!" Lyn turned to the other soldiers, "You can rest now. Ah, I have some food I made too. Would you all like some?"
"Food made by the Princess...we couldn't possibly.."
"It's fine it's fine," Lyn said.
Ayah, however, was shaking her head. No no, at the end of the day you are still a member of royalty. Being able to cook aside, sharing the very food you made with the soldiers... Now she understands why her other Knight Pupillam had wanted to accompany them. 'Lady Ayah please watch over her! She's too careless and forgets that she's a princess.'
"You can't all protect me in an empty stomach, right?"
With those words said the soldiers slowly put down their gear on the rocks and sat down in a circle as the black-haired woman distributed the food out. Ayah paused, the Princess cooked quite a bit, it's almost as though she was prepared to take a walk already.
Indeed she really does let her guard down. But in contrast to before Ayah has noticed it, the aura around the black-haired is undoubtedly that of a nobel. She's merely passing out food, and yet Ayah watched as some soldiers assisted her. It's like there's something inside of them saying that they cannot let her do such things — a natural instinct to protect her.