Despite realizing this, though, Lyn never said a word to anyone. She continued to smile and get along with everyone. Ayah felt very embarrassed. How could she have misunderstood such a wonderful person? During that outing, Ayah already had her doubts. Yet she easily got swayed over. Why? Why didn't she realize it herself? Is she really so naive and foolish?
Ayah could no longer contain herself, and she felt the tears desperately falling from her eyes at a rapid rate. Lyn chuckled, "You haven't changed. Or maybe you have. Back then, you wouldn't even cry in front of me."
"Lyn."
"Don't worry Ayah; I'll always be on your side. So please rest assured."
.....
"I wondered why you ditched me," Rhys sighed, "Well, at least I don't have to worry about you two killing each other."
Lyn chuckled, "Relax, all of these things take time. We may have spoken, but Ayah hasn't answered my question yet."
Ayah, who was busy eating, looked up. Lyn's question, huh?
Now that she found out it was all a misunderstanding. She ought to agree and switch sides. But, "I need to know what's happened to Luke."
"About that, hasn't your loverboy been possessed too?"
"Eh?"
"I mean, it's obvious, right? That guy may have had a twisted mindset on things before. But he never directly harmed anyone until the past year or so."
"But why possess him?" Ayah said puzzled, "Would it not be better to brainwash him?"
"That's the thing; brainwashing has its limits. Those with strong will power can escape brainwashing easily," Rhys looked over at Lyn, "Like this one. People have tried to trick her multiple times already. But she's fine."
"So, you're saying that they tried brainwashing Luke, but it failed?"
"Yes, there is something that bothers me, though. Why was Luke appointed the first Knight from a very young age?"
"Eh? Is that an issue?"
"While the Empire encourages the younger generation to surpass the old. Strangely, somebody with Luke's status would be promoted quickly," Rhys lifted up his glass, and Lyn poured it. "My guess is something traumatizing happened when he was younger."
….
00:30 am
Ayah woke up in cold sweat and sighed. Well, she supposes it wouldn't be that easy to get rid of the nightmares. She's lucky that her heart feels more at ease waking up. Talking with Lyn really helps. While there are still many things, they need to sort out. This is still a step in the right direction. A deep sigh escaped her lips when she recalled Rhys words earlier. She wondered if there was anything she could do for Luke.
Realizing that it would be futile to go back to sleep, she made her way outside. Underneath the giant cherry tree, she saw two people. Queen Lyn and Rhys.
"Rhys, shouldn't you go to sleep?"
"No," Rhys held the girl tightly, "Let's stay like this."
"I'm tired."
"Tough."
"Okay," Lyn mumbled, "I'll agree, but just for a bit."
Ayah quickly walked away and turned towards the other path. She ought to stop getting involved in those two matters. Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up. Her previous accusations regarding Lyn towards the Rhys matter seem silly too. Though there was something she wanted to ask, that could surely wait for another time.
…..
8:00 am
What lousy timing to wake up. The second Ayah made her way down. She saw the knights frantically looking all over for Queen Lyn, which leads to the situation of her waiting in the lounge.
Ayah had to admit that she was impressed. Queen Lyn's ability to sneak out every single time is undoubtedly amazing. But the girl really should at least inform one guard to prevent the entire place from turning upside down. Ayah knew that Lyn was safe, though, she knew that there was no need to worry. After all those words she said then weren't a lie. The Queen has something she wishes to do; those strong feelings are what's making her last long.
Ayah glanced down at the palm of her hand; she has to try harder to be able to keep up with both of them. Although she has a 'goal' of becoming a successful witch, she has not had the time to work on it. Between her work and her goal, she will sacrifice her goal. Because what's important right now is to focus on the fight ahead of them.
The fight ahead of them will undoubtedly be severe, and there will definitely be heavy casualties to face. Even more than the battle last year. But that's even more so the reason why they can't let down their guard for a single second. Since they cannot avoid casualties, the least they can do is find ways to minimize it.
They're doing well, Ayah heard of their battle plans. Ayah thought it was reckless for Lyn to tell her, but since even Rhys agreed, she figured they knew what they were doing.
The fact that they backed down must mean they could not find any flaws in the defense system. With Rhys, the fights from now on will not be easy. Up until now, they had not been asking many favors from him. Ayah knew that Rhys stayed away for so many years after all.
Feeling restless Ayah left the room and made her way down the hall. She might as well find one of the other guards to chat with... .If she's left alone to her own thoughts, she will end up thinking unnecessary things. How strange, in the past she would not have done something like this.
Ayah would have sat patiently in the room, and even if she is troubled, she will keep it to herself. As she thought, ever since she met that person, she has changed.
Her thoughts broke off though when she catches a rope from the balcony area. A rope? Is someone trying to sneak in? Ayah proceeds to take her potions out, only to be met by a beautiful brunette colored hair girl and gorgeous jewel-colored eyes.
"Lyn!"
"Ah? If it isn't Ayah."
"I have …some information…" Ayah said slowly, "But before I say it, can I ask? What's with that outfit? "
"This? It's a traditional type of clothing from home."
"Home?"
"Rhys gave it to me as a present, as a thank you for yesterday. It must have been difficult to make something in this style, considering how all the old tailors are either dead or have disappeared." As Lyn spoke those words, Ayah spotted the change in her expression and the soft tone she was using.
"Ah! Since your here, you have to come with me! Were patrolling a nice area today!" Lyn said, grabbing hold of her hands. She's as energetic as ever, huh?
Ayah blinked, "Eh but," she paused. Wouldn't it be bad if the troops catch them together?
"It's fine, it's fine. You're still a normal girl who needs to enjoy your youth. Although you'll be hanging out with us older people, I want you to have fun. ."
Although that's all, she said. It almost felt as though she was saying,' I want you to have fun... so smile.' Ayah supposed there was nothing wrong with coming along. It should be fine.
Ayah's thoughts broke off when she felt a familiar presence; there stood none other than Rhys by the gate. The moment Lyn, and she landed on the ground.
Lyn sweat fell, "Uh... He came back already."
Rhys looked like he would explode due to irritation. "You come back from sneaking of only to go somewhere again, but this time it's permitted?"
Lyn smiled, "Then, why don't you just come with us?"
Ayah needs to make a note to tell him not to stress out too much when it concerns Princess Lyn. After all, if anybody who has been long with her long enough should know fully well then to bother yourself with every single thing, she does when it comes to breaking the rules. She does pretty reckless things; after all, there's nobody who can possibly keep track of everything.
Even though it's just patrolling, the area Ayah noted how gentle her gaze seemed. Lyn, despite all the fighting she has been doing recently, the girl could still smile so brightly. Ayah wonders why she wonders what it is. What is it that gives this person so much strength?