Princess Lyn: Fleeting Dreams 378 Power

Watching and secretly longing. Longing for strength, longing to stand by that person's side. She longed for so many things. Lyn never entertained the idea of her dreams coming true, though. She never thought she would be able to walk around freely. Walking under the blue skies without sneaking around - walking around with the person she loved. Laughing, crying, and getting angry. All the emotions she locked up, they came spilling out gradually. Even before Lyn met Kazuya, these emotions gradually emerged.

It was only when Kazuya came did Lyn truly started to express herself. He broke the remaining layers of that wall; other people wouldn't climb. For her, the thought alone was enough, but Kazuya did not think that way. He would not give up.

Lyn remembered her thoughts very well. 'To become stronger than anyone and protect those dear to her.' Having power and not using it is a sin. Many people living in the Empire, the majority cannot defend themselves against attacks. A large number of the population are not power users; they cannot use magic. The only people who can use magic are n.o.bles and knights. But, even the knights who go through the ceremony must have n.o.ble blood. Regular knights can't use magic. All they can do is cultivate their skills.

...

Year XX

"Why are you crouching down there? Just come over here," Zepher commented.

Lyn blinked, "Brother, you look cool when you're holding a blade."

His eyes twitched in annoyance, "Brat, is that something you should say to me?"

"But, well yeah. Normally you act like an idiot."

Zepher walked over and picked her up. "Ahh?!"

"Don't be so stupid. Since your so interested, I'll show you directly."

"Oh," Lyn nodded. It seems like she was unintentionally sulking. The training grounds are so far away from here. While the soldiers guarding her area do train, whenever they see her, they would immediately stop. Even her own knights act so secretive.

She feels slightly comfortable in his arms. Maybe she is tired; Lyn leaned into his hold. "Brother, why won't you train me?"

"Formally?"

"Yeah," Lyn nodded. "It's okay, isn't it?" Unlike the others, her brother isn't this overprotective.

"I don't mind, Lyn," Zepher nodded. "However," he trailed off. "I want to wait until your true potential is unlocked," his gaze fell on the mark in her neck.

"Ah, you mean this mark.."

"Lyn, do you know what that mark is?"

"A curse?" Lyn mumbled. "All it does is harm people."

Zepher shook his head and placed a light kiss on her forehead. He placed her down on the steps — the way he held her like he didn't know where to touch her surprised her a bit. n.o.body has held her so preciously before. She's slightly happy about this.

"Lyn, your fevers back. I think you should go back inside."

"But weren't you going to show me? Please, just a bit. Five minutes?" Lyn looked at him with pleading eyes.

"Alright," Zepher seemed reluctant but nodded. He pulled her into his arms and picked up his sword. He placed it in her hands, and Lyn immediately dropped it. Zepher laughed, "Too heavy?"

"Yes," Lyn pouted. "Brother, what's wrong with your sword? It's so heavy!"

"Yeah, that's because of the magic I infused inside. The more magic you infuse inside your blade, the heavier it gets," he picked it up again and firmly placed it in her hands. "But, a heavy long-range sword like this suits you too."

"Suits me?"

"Mmm, you're the same type of fighter as me."

Lyn looked at the sword with wide and curious eyes. The same type as her brother?

..

Present

Lyn laughed at the memory. Indeed she was a fool. However, those memories shaped who she is today. If the events in the past didn't happen, she wouldn't be where she is today. Besides, even though it was painful. She had somebody who cared for her. Back then, she didn't know eldest brother cared for her and so many others. The only person she was certain of was Zepher before. The only one who stood by her side then.

To think so much has changed since that time. Ever since she met Zepher again, Lyn realized that there were many things she failed to recognize. No, Lyn shook her head. Many things she pushed aside just to maintain peace. As long as she remained ignorant, then her sister would be content. n.o.body would learn of her existence. The Empire would move on without her as long as she didn't take a step from the palace.

But, she did. She couldn't control herself any longer. Training in secret, gradually finding ways to obtain books that aren't censored. These things may seem little since she never directly interfered in a conflict. However, it's these little things that attracted so many people's attention.

If she didn't do that, things would differ now, wouldn't it? It's something people often overlook. Actions that may appear small and futile will end up triggering something larger in the future. However, how was she supposed to know that her meager actions would change things? As long as she remained in the castle, even if she trained. n.o.body would care. Indeed, n.o.body did care. While General Adrian and Pupillam would scold her for sneaking books, they did nothing more than that.

Lyn secretly believed that the two were deliberately leaving uncensored books for her too. 'A ugly and oblivious Princess who knows nothing of the world... She's lower than a peasant.' A chuckle escaped her lips when she thought about that.

"Lyn, what's wrong?" Kazuya squeezed her hands, breaking her thoughts.

"No, it's nothing. But," her gaze landed on the large double doors at the end of the corridor. "Do you think that's.."

Kazuya nodded, "Yeah, we're not going that way."

"We should take a look at the very least."

He shook his head, "Rhys group will have a look. We can clear the other side."

Rhys group? Lyn raised her eyebrows at this comment. She didn't know Rhys would come here too. So, is this why Kazuya agreed to her suggestion of exploring the labyrinth together?

Kazuya was obviously anxious, so Lyn dropped the subject. "Maybe we should find a spot that has no monsters and eat lunch?" she suggested. She wanted to break this tense atmosphere.

The man who clutched her hand tightly suddenly let go. She glanced over at Kazuya, with a puzzled expression on her face. What's wrong now?

"Lyn, we need to hide," he mumbled.

Hide-- Lyn's eyes widened when she hears increasing footsteps. Ah, this. She looked over at Kazuya, who nodded. The two of them silently went over to a large rock and hid behind it. No sooner did they hid behind the wall, did Lyn spot, somebody. It wasn't a person, but a group of lights. Oh!