The first half of the journey to the North was easy, they could simply take a few carriages. However, the further up they got, the less carriages they could take. The one they had been in a few minutes broke down, and the driver apologised. 'Unfortunately you have to make the rest of the way up on foot.'
It never occurred to him that the roads to the north were this bad. This is one of the few places he hasn't gone to in the past few years. But, he didn't remember the North being like this when Lyn was still a Princess.
"My sister." Lyn mumbled. "-concentrated all her dark magic on the trees in this area, thus consuming all the life and light magic. Now the roads and lands are barren. Kazuya and I evacuated all the residents and gave them new homes. However, in the past year people have been setting up residence here again.The state of the lands haven't changed and yet people remain here."
"Is it because of the rumors regarding the sword?" Rhys wondered.
"It could be, but there is probably more to it."
Rhys glanced over at King Allen and sighed. "Mr King from another country, you're not just here to escort Lyn are you?"
"Indeed, I suppose I ought to explain it to you."
The story that escaped King Allen told would sound ridiculous to anybody. But as a person who studied dark magic, any talk about ghosts and unknown creatures is a field he excels in.
"So you came here to hunt ghosts." Rhys looked at him in disbelief. "Did you hit your head?"
Allen sighed. "You're still as foul mouthed as ever."
"Pardon me for interrupting, but I have also heard that talk about ghosts." Pupilliam spoke up. "But to add to what King Allen said, it seems the ghosts are searching for something."
At those words Lyn's eyes lit up and he flicked her forehead. "No."
"But, doesn't it sound interesting? A ghost hunt!"
"I think we should conserve our strength looking for the sword. Moreover isn't this a job for King Allen? That's the reason he came here."
"I see you are quick to get rid of me, worry not. It seems the area the ghosts were spotted in is the same as the location of the sword. So our destination is the same."
So much for getting rid of him, then again even if King Allen leaves, Pupilliam is still here. He won't be alone with Lyn even if he wants to.
After walking for a short while, Lyn goes on ahead and King Allen follows after her.
That girl, even though she is much older now she still gets excited over stuff like this. His gaze fell on King Allen who was lecturing her. To think that five years ago these two were still engaged. Sometimes when he watches them now, he finds it hard to believe that they didn't end up married. Despite what anybody says, Lyn and King Allen actually have good harmony with one another.
It was almost like King Allen understood since he looked back. He bends down and whispers something in Lyn's ear and she nodded.
"Pupilliam, scout ahead with Lyn for a while."
"Very well." Pupilliam was more than happy to rush over to the Queen's side.
King Allen walked over to him and sighed. "You do not need to get jealous. Lyn and me are no longer engaged."
"I was never jealous of you."
"At a glance you were not. You always remained calm. But, occasionally I would feel a piercing glare. You were not fond of me."
Rhys sighed deeply. He thought he kept it hidden but it turns out that isn't the case.
"I disliked you. Lyn's feelings for you were obvious but you continued to push her away. You only started to make a move when you realised that Kazuya was interested in her."
"That is where you are wrong. The reason I made a move was because I learned about your past with her."
Rhys blinked hearing those words. That was not the response he was expecting.
"You learned?"
"Before I came to the Mist Kingdom, I heard off two men who were becoming close with Lyn. So, I investigated before I came. It was difficult to dig up information on you. Kazuya was far easier. So, I decided to just ask Queen Orthez directly. If there is anybody who will know, it will be her."
A frustrated look appeared on his face. Even though he did a good job burying the information about himself being a Prince from the Rain Kingdom and his past with Lyn. It seemed like that woman knew from the very beginning.
But now it makes sense, he thought it was unusual why King Allen suddenly started to change his behaviour towards Lyn.
"But in the end it was futile. I wasn't even her second option," Allen trailed off. "There was a time I truly believed I could rule alongside her as her King. However, the past five years watching her rule the Mist Kingdom alongside Kazuya. I realize how wrong I was."
"Are you trying to tell me to give her up?"
"Not at all. Kazuya makes a great King. But I feel the path you will walk is different. I have heard of your achievements the past five years. You have certainly spread your influence across the Empire. If it's the present you, you can become the Emperor."
"Not you as well." Rhys muttered and sighed deeply. "Not too along Lyn's knight Teo told me something similar."
"Have you not thought about it? After all Lyn wants to become the Empress."
He understood that very well, what Lyn's current goal is and why winning the war against the Snow Kingdom is important. If Lyn puts a stop to Queen Jennifer's tyranny, then that is one step away from becoming the Empress and unifying the lands. What Lyn desires more than anybody is peace.
If times are peaceful, then. 'My parents can come home.'
Lyn wants to create a peaceful world so Queen Orthez and King Osamu return to her. So she can have he 'family' back. But, what about him? He wants to remain by her side, but can he truly become the Emperor?
*Unedited*