'I was curious about it, but I was far too busy focusing on Kazuya.'
No, she tried her hardest to focus on Kazuya. But she couldn't dismiss her lingering concern and curiosity for Rhys behaviour. Ever since they returned to the Mist Kingdom that limit broke.
"Rhys worked hard. No," Kazuya shakes his head. "I think he has always had these traits, even in the past. But five years ago, even long before then, his circumstances since fleeing from the Rain Kingdom were not good."
Indeed, it would explain why he has a twisted personality.
"Pupilliam used to tell me that my relationship with Rhys was toxic. Is that what it looked like to other people too?" Lyn wondered.
So many people looked down on Rhys. It's true that he often frequented the light red district. But, it's not like any of those people insulting him were any better. There are many noble men who cheat on their spouses and hang around there.
A complicated look appeared on Kazuya's face but he shakes his head.
"Considering how loyal he was to just Melissa. It's hard to say he fools around."
"Melissa." Lyn repeated the name. "Contrary to what Rhys said he ended up falling in love with her."
"No, no I don't think it was like that. According to Rhys, five years ago Melissa prior to the final fight Melissa came to see him. It seemed like she was trying to move on and Luxin was courting her. But I heard that after the battle three years ago, Melissa ran away from Luxin and rushed to Rhys side."
Lyn felt a heavy weight in her heart hearing those words. So, even though she spent two years with another man. Her feelings for Rhys were far stronger. Melissa must have heard what Rhys did, and rushed to his side knowing how upset he would be.
"Then, why did she run away from Rhys?" Lyn questioned.
If Melissa's feelings were truly that strong then it makes no sense for her to leave. At those words she watched Kazuya fidget and his face break out into cold sweat. What is wrong with him all of a sud- Lyn paused in mid-thought.
"What did you do, Kazuya?"
It doesn't make sense at all. Melissa's feelings for Rhys were that strong. She spent two years with another man but still couldn't forget him. Why would Melissa leave Rhys? There is only one possibility. But. she tried to push it to the back of her mind.
Kazuya didn't reply and she frowned even more. "Tell me right now." Lyn demanded.
How could he interfere in their relationship like that?
Kazuya must have sensed how furious she was since he paused for a moment and took a few deep breaths before saying.
"But at this stage, Rhys might fall in love with you. I can't have that. I need him to be there for Lyn, if something happens to me. So please, please go. Lyn likes Rhys more than she thinks. She won't disregard him." Kazuya repeated.
The more she listened the angrier she felt. Why on earth would Kazuya do that? No, what upsets her more is him admitting that he will die. So that's the reason why. For Kazuya to come all the way even though he was rumoured to be in poor health. Melissa must have understood how serious the situation was.
She feels angry but she also feels upset. It probably wasn't easy for Kazuya to do that. Accepting one's death isn't easy, Kazuya has always had so many dreams. To accept that he will be dying , it must have hurt a lot. Her thoughts break off when somebody pulled her into their arms.
"I thought I would see you two flirting, but Kazuya your making her cry instead?" Rhys questioned. He seemed quite upset with the situation.
Rhys hugged her so Kazuya wouldn't see her tears. He gently ran his hand through her back as he continued to speak.
"If you've talked it out now, it's okay if I hug her like this right?"
"H-hey, when did I say it was okay?" Kazuya exclaimed. "I am not okay with her hugging you."
"Even if you say that, we have already done a lot of other stuff. This should be harmless."
Despite the tears falling from her eyes, she felt her entire face burn red at his words. What is he doing saying that all nonchalantly for? However, she briefly glanced up and heard innocent laughter escape Rhys lips. It's unfair for him to laugh like that.
Kazuya must be right. Now that Rhys is no longer in a stressful environment and has resolved his past trauma. He can act like himself again. Now that she thought about it, when they met in the Rain Kingdom she thought he was cool but also kind and gentle. Indeed, that description fits the current Rhys.
A loud chime earned breaks their conversation.
"Damn, I promised to visit the village in the south today."
Ah, he must be volunteering at the orphanage. She hasn't been there for awhile herself, maybe she ought to come a long. Before she could speak however Rhys wrapped his arms tighter around her waist, so she couldn't turn around let alone speak.
"Then get going, I will take care of Lyn."
"Rhys, you better control yourself. There are rumors all over the castle already-"
"We plan to announce it. It will put you in a difficult position though, so prepare for that."
Kazuya laughed weakly. "I don't think it will change the current situation too much."
With those words said, she hears the sound of fading footsteps. Eventually she could no longer hear them and Rhys let's her go. He reached over and wiped her eyelids.
"I didn't think he would make you cry. If I knew I wouldn't have let you go this morning."
So, in other words he was only pretending to sleep and allowed her to leave.
"I'm fine. I just learned what he did to yours and Melissa's relationship."
At those words Rhys looked troubled and nodded. "Let's sit down. I want to talk to you about this."
Lyn looked at him puzzled but nodded as they take a seat beside the fountain.
"When Melissa came to see me three years ago. I didn't accept her at first. I kept pushing her away saying I would be okay. However, when she got hurt for my sake I started to reconsider."
"Were people targeting you?" Lyn frowned at the thought.
"Something like that. I was in a weakened state then physically and emotionally, and those people thought they could take advantage of that. But Melissa protected me." Rhys paused. "Hey, why are you making a strange face?"
"I-I'm not." Lyn replied nervously.
*Unedited*