No sooner had he finished up explaining the situation to the Elder council did he spot the carriage at front. Allen immediately went to his quarters and frowned when he only saw the fourth knight. Lyn discussed it with him already that she would leave with them for a while - and that's the message he relayed on to the council. But he was sadly mistaken. After a few minutes, the fourth Knight finished explaining the events and the message.

"Is that all?"

The fourth knight of the Mist Kingdom nodded, and Allen sighed, "Your Queen really likes playing her games," Though he supposes he isn't in one to lecture her on that. Though they discussed it, she could at least have said something more to him. Allen realizes that they are no longer engaged, but this the least she could do.

His thoughts broke off when Xiao Lan pulled out an envelope, Allen immediately recognized the seal. Lan walked over and placed a letter in his hands, "This one is a personal letter, though you must understand why I hesitate to give you this."

Allen chuckled in amus.e.m.e.nt, "Do you also believe me to have a tryst with your Queen?"

"I do not; I'm aware of the love between Queen Lyn and King Kazuya better than anyone. However," Lan paused, "Pardon me for saying so, but your actions have caused bad rumors to spread. I understand you may not be over her, but with Lady Cordelia's arrival in the castle. I think you know what you have to do."

"The rumors."

Lan nodded, "There is a limit to what we can control."

Allen has to curse his own actions lately. It's not like him to wear his heart out open for everyone to see. When he first came here, he only intended to spend a short time here. But after speaking with her, Allen realized he couldn't leave her alone. The more time they spent together, the more the walls he built crumbled away.

Noticing the fourth Knight was waiting for confirmation, Allen spoke, "I shall keep it under control."

With those words, the fourth knight left. He picked up a bottle of wine and walked towards the couch.

Allen slumped on the couch and exhaled deeply. To think even Lyn's knights are bringing it up. Then again he was fully aware for a while now the aide named Pupillam has been trying to tell him the same thing. But the girl would not inform him properly. He wonders if it's because of back then. The young girl need not to feel guilty in any way even if Lyn received his message regarding the change of his feelings and wanting to meet. It was already too late. When he came to the castle briefly before the promised time in the middle of the month in the year 4014, Lyn was already falling in love with Kazuya.

Back then he abruptly arrived at the castle, because he heard the rumors about the two. He already felt something was amiss then, but he tried to push that thought to the back of his mind. He tried to lie for as long as he could. But that only brought Lyn and Kazuya closer together. Allen shook his head, do not think about that now. There are more pressing issues to deal with.

By now news should have spread to the retired Supreme General regarding Lyn's present state. If it's that man, he can count on him to conclude to search for Kazuya. Even if the jade isn't compatible with Lyn, at least there are some effects that help prolong her condition. That's better than nothing.

When Kazuya first told him that he would search for the jades. Allen knew immediately what it involved and advised him against it. But Kazuya countered that there's no other way. Indeed, it's not a mission they can entrust to just anyone. Lyn has many enemies, just like her Mother had. However unlike Queen Orthez enemies who were more vocal about their dissatisfaction and openly acted against her. Lyn's enemies are silent.

Most people would think that's good since they aren't publicly causing problems. But the silent ones are usually the most dangerous. His thoughts broke off when the doors opened, Allen briefly glanced over to spot blonde hair, "Lady Cordelia."

"If you wish to be alone, I shall leave."

Allen shook his head, "Stay. I wish to have company."

Cordelia paused, "I'm not a tool you can use because you cannot get what you want." If anyone said these words to him, he would have sent them away immediately.

But, Allen played with the cup of wine in his fingers, "This time I'm not messing with you. I genuinely desire your company."

The woman seemed hesitant but eventually strolled over and took a seat on the opposite couch. She took out a large book from her bag and started reading. This woman who can talk back to him is his fiance Lady Cordelia. Because of her high status, and skills. The elders back at home decided she is the perfect match for him. Allen wanted to humor them for a while, so recently he's acted like he's interested. Those rumors easily reached their ears, and their annoying letters stopped. Before then they were sending him countless letters telling him to treat her well. There was even somebody who slandered Lyn to praise Cordelia.

Well, he already dealt with the person accordingly.

"Are you adjusting to your life here?" Allen asked.

Cordelia nodded, "Yes I've had the pleasure of experiencing the castle gossip."

A knowing 'ah' escaped his lips, "The people here have the habit of gossiping a lot, and the servants are laid back because of Lyn's att.i.tude regarding equality. Do not mind them too much; it's simply idle chatter."

"The most frequently asked question is why you don't visit my room."

Allen paused.

"As I said to you before, nothing has to happen. But you have to keep up appearances for our reputation."

Indeed, he failed to do that. This whole time he spent looking after Lyn. After she recovered, Lyn brought up her crazy plan with him. This lead to him spending a long time discussing it with her and when night fell, he just collapsed in his chambers; completely neglecting his fiance, "I shall be careful."

Cordelia nodded, and after a while, she did not speak. Allen thought she was done with the questions when he hears her faint voice, "My family told me about the Queen."

Cordelia did not have to explain what she meant by those words. It's no secret to those in the main council after all, "And your thoughts?"

"As blunt as this may be, can I speak my mind?"

Allen's lips curve to an amused smile, "Have you not been doing so this whole time?"

"I dislike your games, and you truly aren't a kind man. But when I first heard those words I thought, what would happen to you? This was before our engagement."

What would happen to him? Indeed, that's a question that must float around everybody's minds. The feelings of love he has for Lyn is no secret to everybody. He already received the pity of those people back when Lyn personally canceled the engagement. The reason people expressed sympathy was simple; the method used to end the engagement. There are three steps to end a long-term engagement.

One, an agreement must be made between both parents' parties. Even if the two are dissatisfied with each other, usually as long as there are mutual benefits, there is no chance of this happening. Second, going through the Empire Council. The parties themselves are the ones who have to put in the request. One person cannot request alone so the engaged pair must decide together.

The third is the method Lyn used with him, one that people never use since it's unheard of — personally canceling the engagement verbally in front of so many people. Though Allen always knew her to be an honest woman, he suffered a significant blow then. But he understood why she did it that way.

Her love for Kazuya runs that deep, that she didn't want to waste time on the formal procedures.

Allen looked up at Cordelia; this woman will most likely end up being his wife. He doubts any others can match Lyn's standards. If so, then she has the right to know, "My heart will always belong to Lyn," Allen said, as he took a sip from the gla.s.s.

"Yes."

Cordelia wore a strangely determined look on her indifferent face, and Allen understood that she knew. Of course, they do appear to be similar to each other, Allen did not hesitate to say the next words, "And if she were to die, I'd die with her."