After walking for a few minutes, they eventually arrived at the bottom of the stairwell. A familiar large lake with crystals dangling on the top came to view. Unlike when they came here five years ago, the crystals were clear and there were no signs of toxins.
"Kazuya, do you know where the shrine is?" Rhys asked.
He lifted a green coloured jade from his pocket. It was his jade but the colour seemed darker than before. She had been using this jade the past few years as she was under the impression that it was hers. Thanks to master Ralph's assistance and Ark they managed to restore the broken fragments, however the colour was very dark.
As for her jade, her brother handed her a bracelet and a note from father. 'For my dearest daughter.' It was just four simple words but Lyn felt the love behind those words. The reason why nobody could find her jade was because father had been keeping hold of it this entire time.
It was in the place where people would least expect it to be, in the hands of the supposedly dead King. Now that they have her jade, all that's left is Rhys jade that is in Jen's hands. So far nothing has happened to Rhys, so it truly seems like Jen can't get near the jade even if it is in her possession. However, Lyn didn't want to take any risks. They have to get that jade from Jen.
Kazuya removes the bracelet from his wrist with her jade. She had given it to him to ease his condition even just a little bit. While it's not his jade, it should help him. They are still connected through marriage so that jade should recognise her spouse. Rhys magic certainly helped Kazuya recover, but the main reason he looks slightly healthy is because of the jades.
For the next few minutes Kazuya kept lifting the jades against different areas.
"So," Rhys suddenly spoke quietly. "-I thought you would wear something fancier since this will be our second ceremony. But your dressed for battle."
Lyn rolls her eyes at his words. "We will be fighting Jen right after we exchange rings. I won't be able to do that wearing a wedding gown. Be satisfied with the white cape."
While she wasn't wearing a wedding gown, she made sure to wear something white.
Rhys sighs. "I am lucky enough to get a second ceremony with you, so I should be thankful. But I want more."
Lyn laughs hearing how distressed he was and her gaze softens. "Then, maybe we can hold a third one after this? Or we can combine the Empress and Emperor coronation with a wedding." Lyn suggested.
"Ha, and have me wait?"
Lyn leans over and kisses his cheek. "Ceremony or not, you are my one and only soulmate."
Before Rhys could react Kazuya suddenly exclaims. "I found it!"
Rhys awkwardly scratches his hair and she averts her gaze. Maybe she should stop acting so boldly. No matter how much of a gentleman Rhys is now, even he harbours desires. Thinking about what happened last night made her blush.
She let's go of Rhys hands and walks over to Kazuya, who passes her, her jade. She looks at the stone tablet in front of her and looks towards Kazuya who nodded. They both held out their jades towards the stone, and it immediately lit up. Moments later they hear a large creaking sound and the wall moves.
This must be the entrance to the shrine. Rhys appeared behind her again and grabbed her hand. He seemed upset that she let go but didn't say anything as they walked down, yet another dark and narrow path.
Lyn didn't know what she was expecting to see. After walking for a very long time, she thought they would find the shrine surrounded by rocks and crystals. However the end of the path surprisingly led them to the surface.
They were back on the surface but, this wasn't an area she was familiar with. The shrine was built surrounding the ocean, and the mountain behind it. There was a large gate in front of it and several cherry blossom trees.
Lyn blinks surprised. What is this place? They are still in the Mist Kingdom, but why isn't it snowing here? Why is the weather different?
Rhys frowns. "A stage built on water, and there doesn't seem to be a path." He turns to Kazuya. "Hey, do you still know how to walk on water?"
"I do, take care of Lyn."
At those words Rhys looked at her. "So, I will be with you. But you still have to use your magic. When you were younger you could do this very well. Do you still remember how?"
Lyn nodded slowly. "Vaguely, um you'll have to hold onto not just my hand."
No matter how great she is at using magic, if she doesn't use something for a long time. It's only natural for her to forget. To think she used to use magic to walk instead of using her own legs. Her thoughts break off when she felt Rhys arms wrap around her waist.
"This should do."
Lyn looks at him briefly and then kisses him and Rhys almost drops her. "H-hey, what are you trying to do?"
"I believe I just kissed you." Lyn stated simply.
Rhys looks at her in disbelief and mumbles something about getting back at her later.
Despite how casually she kissed him, Lyn could feel her heart beat increase. This isn't easy for her at all. But, she just wants to show her affections.
Maybe this is the wrong time for it, they should focus on the ceremony. It did not take long before they reached the stage. Walking on water was indeed difficult and she stumbled a few times. But with Rhys hold on her, she didn't fall into the water.
When they finally reached the stage, Lyn could see the spot to insert her jade in the center. It was another stone tablet but with ancient scriptures written all over it.
Lyn cautiously placed the jade in one of the empty slots and it flashed red and stayed there. A relieved sigh escaped her lips. When she heard Kazuya story about his jade breaking, she was worried that the same would happen to her. But, it seems that isn't the case.
Her thoughts break off when Kazuya kneels down and starts coughing. "Kazuya?" Lyn said worriedly.
"I'm alright, complete the ceremony with Rhys, stand on the podium."