Sword of Lycoris Part 5

The entire time however she kept glancing back at Rhys. It's strange, this person. Why did he come here after all this time? Although she doesn't understand the reason why he deserted the Queen after the battle. In the end it was for the best, because King Kazuya became the King.

This Kingdom has seen many changes. Queen Lyn and King Kazuya's ideals are similar, so together they created new policies that would help shape the Kingdom. If Rhys stayed and became the King, the Kingdom would not have prospered the way it did.

Her thoughts break off when somebody takes a seat beside her and fires magic.

"So you can use normal spells too."

"Yeah."

He must be using that so the Queen doesn't detect that he is here. How foolish, the reason she was so desperate to rush over here was because the Queen knew.

'Pupilliam, take care of Rhys for me. I will see him after the battle.'

"Is Lyn, okay? Her health-"

Pupilliam sighed hearing the words. "If your so worried, then maybe you should go see her. She wants to see you more than anybody."

"She hasn't forgotten me."

"Of course not."

"Even though three years have passed?"

'I really do want to hit him. He has no idea how much the Queen has suffered due to his absence.'

"Yes."

"Then, I'll have to see her after this. I'll tell her everything."

"You can't do it now?"

Rhys shakes his head. "It's better if I stay here. There is a reason why there are no high level mages in this area. It's because my presence alone is enough." Rhys trails off. "Please look after her in my stead."

"That's my line. I should be the one telling you not to mess up."

"I want to tell Lyn that I love her. My entire life I have given up on a lot of things, but that person alone I cannot give up on."

At those words Pupilliam frowned. "What's the use telling me this! Tell her that yourself. Do you know how much pain you have caused her already?"

Rhys laughed. "You're as sharp as ever."

"That's only because of your behaviour."

'The Queen still loves you.' Pupilliam stopped herself from saying those words. That is something Rhys should discover himself, it would not seem right for her to say those words. It's enough for her to agree with his words. But, she cannot say anymore than this.

"Yeah, if I get to see her again I will tell her."

Why do those words sound so ominous? Even though Rhys has been in hiding for the past few years, she still occasionally saw him around. But those words, it almost sounds like he won't be coming back.

Pupilliam shakes her head. That is impossible, just a few minutes ago he said he would meet with her and tell her everything properly afterwards.

"Sir Rhys, we are ready to move."

"Alright, then I will guard you till you get to the edge at least." Rhys turned to her. "Could you-"

"I'm no mage, but I can manage."

"Alright."

With those words Pupilliam watched as Rhys left.

…

Mist Kingdom, Town.

Instead of heading back to the castle immediately. Pupilliam found herself taking the short cut to the main town.

'I would never have guessed that my hunch was right. The next two years, Rhys never appeared before anybody related to Lyn. It seemed like he kept in contact with the King but they never met face to face.'

Her thoughts break off when she spotted Rhys standing in front of street stall and wandering back and forth. He was with a man with dark coloured hair wearing a cloak.

"Rhys, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but we have to inspect the docks soon."

"I know but don't you think these would suit her?"

Pupilliam frowns. He is buying a gift? Who is it for? Ever since Rhys has returned, there have been all types of rumors circling around town and the main castle. But, all of those rumors say that he has changed. There are no unsettling talk about him and other women like in the past. If he is out here buying a gift however, perhaps he is still seeing somebody else?

"Don't ask me for my opinion on what to get for the Queen. If I actually gave it, you'd probably kill me."

Oh, so it's for the Queen. A relieved sigh escaped her lips. For a moment she was concerned. But if Rhys has truly changed then she ought to give him a chance too, since he could potentially become the King. No matter how much she disliked him for his past behaviour, she isn't the type of person to hold a grudge.

Moreover even back when he behaved frivolously, he treated Queen Lyn well and she was very happy with him. The reason she disliked him had nothing to do with his past or even his playboy behaviour. What she disliked was how oblivious he was to the Queen's feelings. How could Rhys fail to see how Queen Lyn looked at him?

"Recently the Queen likes glass objects." Pupilliam speaks up. She was already quite close to them, but because Rhys was focusing he hadn't noticed her.

Rhys steals a quick glance at her before picking up a brooch and a bookmark from the corner.

"Please wrap these up." Rhys asked.

"Will do." The sales lady laughed seeing Rhys take a few more looks at the items. "I am sure the young lady you're getting this for will appreciate it. After all, you spent so long choosing."

At the sale lady's words, Pupilliam watches as Rhys cheeks colour. Oh, this is new. She finishes packing the items and hands the package to Rhys who gives it to her.

"Give it to Lyn for me."

Pupilliam sighed deeply. "Give it to her yourself, she will be happier that way."

At those words Rhys freezes and Rhys companion slaps his back.

"Don't hesitate now. If you do, somebody may snatch her." Kain teased.

"Kain, if you ever make a move-"

"Unlike you I'm not brave enough to aim for the Queen." Kain said with a grin. "Besides, the elegant beauty types suit you more than me."

Pupilliam stared at the man with an uncomfortable expression on his face. Based on the way he speaks he is a player, she has always disliked men like this.

That's part of the reason why she disliked Rhys before. But, the main reason was certainly him not noticing the Queen's feelings. It upset her since Queen seldom shared her emotions in front of people.

*Unedited*