Brother has always attended those lessons without fail. However, now that she thought about it there were occasions where he would sneak off before the lessons. Oddly, those were the times he came over and checked on her. They used to have very strange conversations and sometimes he would just sit there and watch her, not saying anything before walking away.
"I blindly obeyed and attended my lessons. But, a part of me has always thought that this isn't what I want. I do not care for the people as much as you do. I have always felt that even if the entire Kingdom fell apart, it doesn't apply to me." Andrew trails off. "I am sure by now you learned what happened to Pupilliam and me?"
"Yes."
Oh, now that he mentions it. It seems like there was a time where her brother skipped his lessons.
"Back then, it was still easy for me to sneak away. I could make up some excuse about checking the borders and towns. Since mother was still in that odd state, and I had to oversee most of her work. My tutors never suspected anything."
"In that time you could have done anything, but you started training in a remote field in town. How come?"
"Even though I did not care for the throne or my lessons to become the heir. Whenever I swung my sword, it would dispel my unease. My thoughts would become clear." Andrew explained.
Ah, that's similar to her. Rhys once told her that brother Andrew and her were actually quite similar, and that's why Rhys could never truly hate him.
"When I was together with Pupilliam, I truly felt that was me. That was the me that had been suppressed this entire time. However, the reason I stopped visiting those fields was because I heard of Gabrielle overworking herself and collapsing. I only paid a visit as a formality since I am her fiance. However, when I saw how hard she had been working for my sake, I understood I couldn't run away. I am somebody who may become the King somebody, and this girl is the one who will stand by my side as my Queen."
"The way you broke up with Pupilliam was too cruel, just leaving a note like that." Lyn shakes her head. "Couldn't you have explained it to her?"
"Had I explained then she would have realised I was a Prince, and would be disgusted with me."
"I don't think she would have." Lyn trails off. "Pupilliam probably, no she still likes you. But, she truly feels bad for what happened in the Rose palace and the words she said to you, and she regrets telling Gabrielle everything."
Andrew shakes his head. "No, she had the right to do so. I have not been fair to both of them. But, my feelings for them were both genuine."
"I think you should talk to Pupilliam."
"Indeed, but that talk will be a very long one and thus I intend to wait until the war finishes."
Lyn pauses hearing her brother say the words until the war finishes. How many times has she heard the people around her discuss about their plans after the war?
Will they even be alive? How can they make plans for certainty?
Lyn wanted to talk to her brother about this. She wanted him to scold her and tell her that she was thinking nonsense. But, the words wouldn't leave her lips.
Her thoughts break off seeing somebody coming over.
Ah, it's Rhys. Seeing the familiar approaching figure. Lyn wanted to run up to him and hug him. However, she could already feel her brother's deadly gaze assessing the situation.
'My beloved, sorry but you have to make the move if you dare to. My brother is too scary.'
Now that she thought about it, when brother first met Rhys in the Rain Kingdom. He reacted violently. This entire time she thought brother Andrew disliked Rhys because of his background, however even though he is a Prince, brother still behaved the same way.
Her lips curve to a smile and she chuckles finally understanding. Status doesn't matter, he just doesn't want any guy approaching his little sister.
The moment Rhys reached the steps, he seemed to be focused on her entirely. He makes her stand up and looks her up and down, inspecting her for injuries.
He seemed relieved to see that she didn't have any but looked upset at her clothing. "Your wearing too little, the temperature has dropped because of the snow storm."
Lyn even knew without him specifically saying that this was his way of him saying that she will get sick.
She bravely extends her hand out to touch his cheek. "I'm fine, you don't have to worry so much."
"It's hard not to worry about you. Your always so reckless."
"Isn't that why I have you? Your supposed to watch my back."
Rhys chuckled. "That's true."
Lyn had to move her hand away because it felt like her heart would stop if she looked at him any longer. She averts her gaze but occasionally steals a glance. The tender look on his face, and that laughter. Each time she hears it, her heart becomes a mess.
Rhys turns to her brother. "Prince Andrew, apologies I could not greet you properly last night. I hope you have recovered well."
"Indeed, I have. Thanks to the tip you gave me."
Lyn blinks hearing those words. The tip Rhys gave him? She tugs on his sleeve. "Rhys, what is my brother talking about?"
"This man, snuck a note in my belongings saying that Gabrielle's soul was still alive and if I left immediately I'd be able to catch it before it truly passed through the realm of souls."
Lyn looked at Rhys surprised. Is that why he joined brother and her drinking during the first night brother came to her? She thought he was just messing around again, but it seems like he had other intentions.
"I shall thank you for the tip. However," Andrew's voice is cold. "-as for whether I am handing my sister over to you is a different story."
Her sweat fell. Uh, oh. Why is she getting a bad feeling about this? Before she could say another word, brother Andrew pulls out his sword and points it towards Rhys.
"Shall we continue where we left off before? If you cannot defeat me, it is the same as not being able to protect her."
H-hold on a moment? Is brother crazy? Rhys just spent a total of ten hours healing Kazuya. He may have slept for a short while but that isn't enough to regain his energy.
She thought Rhys would definitely refuse, but to her surprise Rhys suddenly pulls out his blade.
"Very well, I shall accept."