Arriving in front of Kazuya's private quarters, Lyn bit her lip. This area is so far from her room, and there is dust everywhere. Moreover the sun doesn't shine in this direction. That idiot is truly accepting his death. The door was wide open to get some fresh air in but it's futile. Kazuya chose this place because he knew the conditions would be harsh here.
Pupilliam was in the room, alongside Lan and master Ralph. In the center of the wooden bed was a pale looking Kazuya. If master wasn't talking to Kazuya, she would have thought that her husband was dead already. That's how bad he looks.
For a minute she freezes but feels Rhys reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Master, I'll take over." Lyn said.
A relieved sigh escapes Ralph's lips. "Thank goodness. I've been at this for five hours already, even I am starting to feel drained. But will you be okay alone Lyn?"
"Are you deliberately ignoring me master?" Rhys snapped.
Ralph chuckled. "You only call me master when you're angry." He trails off. "Pupilliam, Lan and Teo. Let's get some rest, we will be of no help here."
It looked like Pupilliam wanted to say something but she quickly bowed and exited the room alongside the other three. The moment the door shut, she finds Kazuya calling her name and extending his hand out.
"My lyn?" Kazuya mumbled.
"I'm here, you fool." The moment she grabbed his hand, a bright light emerged from her hands. She was using her healing magic. This is only a temporary cure to help Kazuya, and all she can really do is transfer some of her mana to make sure he is able to stand.
Kazuya laughed weakly and turned his head towards Rhys.
"Hey my best friend, you came."
"If I'm your best friend you should be listening to me. Why didn't you take the medicine?"
At those words Lyn's gaze darkened, as she thought. Kazuya would certainly find a way not to drink the medication Rhys worked hard to make.
"Ouch, ouch my hand. Lyn you're gripping it too tightly." Kazuya whined.
Lyn didn't say a word but she didn't hide the fact that she was upset.
"It's just, there probably isn't a lot of that medicine. I thought it would be better to give the bottle to you instead."
Of course it's because of her again. How can Kazuya show that he cares for her this much but do stuff that hurts her over and over?
"Idiot, moron. I'm not stupid. I made sure to make enough to last until we find out what's wrong. If not, I can just send a message to the Rain Kingdom and get them to send over the other batch."
Lyn blinked hearing those words. "How many did you make?"
"Two thousand bottles."
H-huh? Two thousand?
"It's hard to say when we will find out what's wrong, and depending on your conditions. You will probably end up taking more than one tablet a day, so I made spares."
Hold on, he is calling that amount spares?
"So fool, don't worry about it running out and take it okay?" Rhys placed his hand on top of hers and a bright light emerged.
The colour on Kazuya's face was quickly returning. But the entire time Lyn felt her heart skip a beat realising how tightly Rhys was holding her hands. Is-is he doing that on purpose? Or is it just her imagination?
Her gaze fell on the red and blue light, mixing together until it turned purple. It's such a pretty colour.
"H-hey, are you two going to flirt in front of me? I'm sick."
Lyn shyly averted her gaze. "I-it's not me, it's Rhys."
Rhys lips curve to a smile. "It's your punishment for interrupting my time alone with Lyn. Hurry and get better idiot."
So, she wasn't imagining it. He really is tightening his hold on her hand.
"Teo told me along the way. But, why did you get hurt?"
"The northern region, I just came back after visiting since I heard some strange rumors."
"Is this about the sword?"
"Yes, I wanted to check it out because I knew you'd be searching for a sword. But, the rumors didn't mention going through a forest of death and the people who previously sought the sword went missing. No, they made up the dead in the forest." Kazuya shakes his head. "It's too dangerous Lyn."
There it is, his overprotective side. When he is being stubborn like this, it is hard even for her to say anything.
"She isn't going alone, I will come with her."
"That's a relief but-" Kazuya wore a complicated expression on his face. "I still think you shouldn't-"
"I'll take one of the Knights along too. So, let me do this okay Kazuya? It's for the sake of our Kingdom, for the Empire."
If the war against Jen goes badly, not just the Mist Kingdom. But the other Kingdoms will be in risk too, she cannot allow that to happen.
"Alright, you win. Have you eaten yet?"
"Ah I just ate, how about you--" Lyn trailed off and sighed. "I suppose sleeping is the best thing to do now. But I will make sure you get a large breakfast in the morning."
"Are you going to be cooking?"
"Yes, I will."
"Then, I am in for a treat." Kazuya laughed. "I think I can't eat well unless I eat your food."
Her gaze softened seeing the bright smile on his face. Kazuya never changes. He is always so cheerful, even in a situation like this where he is in pain.
"Now who is the one flirting." Rhys sighed. "Seriously Kazuya, take your medicine and don't go rushing off when your body is weak. Even Lyn is sensible enough to stay within the castle grounds."
That's only because she doesn't want to make Rhys worry about her and she enjoys his random visits. But it's far too embarrassing to tell him that.
Rhys messenger crystal suddenly goes off and he sighed. "Can you handle this alone for a few minutes? It's Kain."
"Yes, but-" Lyn removed his cloak from her shoulders and wrapped it around him. "There is a cold draft in the hall. You should keep it on."
"But what about you?"
"I have my own and I'm using magic now so I should be fine."
"Alright, I'll be right back." Rhys paused for a minute and their eyes met.
Will he kiss her goodbye? If it were the past him he would certainly have done that. But the present him would be more consider-her thoughts break off when she felt a pair of soft lips on her forehead.
Oh, he-
Rhys gave her hands a reassuring squeeze. "I'll be back Lyn."
"O-O-okay." Lyn could barely get any words out. She kept watching his retreating figure until he was finally gone. Even then she listened to the sound of his footsteps till they faded, and her gaze lingered on the door for a few extra seconds. Whenever they are apart for even a few seconds, she feels lonely. The moment she could no longer hear his footsteps, she felt a sudden drift of cold wind blow across her heart. She already misses him.
*Unedited*