People described the woman named 'Pupillam,' as hardworking, caring, intelligent, diligent. However, the person in question thought so otherwise. The reason why she worked hard was superficial; she only later learned this after she became the Queen's guard.

Allow her to introduce herself again; her name is Pupillam Spero; she belonged to the Spero household. Yes just like the name implied it meant hope. Her household specialized mainly in the creation of weapons; something anybody could do. So why was it that her family rose amongst the elite households? The story was quite a simple one. One day the Queen's mother paid a visit to their home. It was an unexpected visit, and the Queen's mother seldom brought any guards. A young Pupillam could recall how fl.u.s.tered both her parents and her brothers were. She quickly deduced that this woman was somebody important and behaved herself. That day she was experimenting with the weapons in the weapon shop fascinated.

After that single visit, everything changed. The house of Spero quickly became the most famous weaponry household across the realm. If it were merely because of creating weapons, people would not respect them as much. The house of Spero also had another purpose. But it was mainly concealed then, and that's how good each family members were at handling a blade. Whether or not it was an inherited family trait, Pupillam did not know. But one thing was clear to her, ever since she was younger all she has known is the art of the blade.

As a female surrounded in weaponry all the time, her focus was on honing her skills. Pupillam cast aside the normal things girls her age would do and focused on becoming one with her blade. Eventually, her hard works and efforts paid off, and she was a.s.signed to become the Queen - no, at that time she was a Princess. Princess Lyn's head aide and later on became her advisor. Pupillam understood what type of person the woman named Lyn was actually like.

In the room where the Queen usually resided for relaxation, there was a messenger magic screen on the cold walls on the left by the bookshelf. In the Empire, there are many forms of communication, from a simple letter to using spells. But the members of the royal family tend to use old magic, and Queen Lyn was no exception. However, she rarely communicates this way unless there is a problem. Pupillam frowned, even from afar - she noticed something amiss about the Queen. She's lost a lot of weight…

King Allen wore a similar frown as he walked across the room, his giant strides caused on the ground, "Lyn."

"Allen! How are you?"

Seeing her usual cheerfulness only made her worry, Pupillam knew it was the same for King Allen, "Have you eaten?"

"I just ate!"

"How much?" Allen's gaze hardened.

"Uhh," Lyn's sweat fell as she continued, "You see I was conducting a critical investigation so, it was only a small bite. But oh, it was a meal with nutrients," the Queen blabbed on. But it was already clear to them that she didn't eat.

"Quee Ly-"

"Lyn," King Allen called out softly.

A single apology pa.s.sed Queen Lyn's lips, "Sorry."

For most outsiders, the scene of the King of the Wind Kingdom holding such a gentle gaze and speaking in a soft tone is unheard off. Pupillam recalled the first time she witnessed it when she first became the Queen's aide during her time as a Princess. It surprised her - after all she heard rumors how King Allen just treated the whole affair as a political marriage.

King Allen nodded, "What message do you bring?"

"Ah right, Pupillam. Can you come over here?"

"Huh?"

…...

It took a few minutes for the Queen to explain the situation. When she finished, Pupillam was trying to hold back her rage. If the other person in question weren't Queen herself, then Pupillam would not have had to hold back. Sadly she had to, Pupillam clenched her fist. The moment she gets there, she's going to make sure the Queen eats something. What on earth is this woman trying to pull especially during her state? A deep sigh pa.s.sed her lips which didn't go unnoticed by the Queen, who looked at her apologetically.

Her thoughts broke off catching a glimpse of a man with dark hair beside the Queen. Upon spotting her, he quickly moved away. But Pupillam could recognize this person even from afar.

"Queen Lyn, who is that?" Pupillam said suspiciously.

"Ah, it's Rhys!"

Rhys, the last image of the man from several years ago appeared in her head. The frown on her face only deepened further. This man was somebody she frequently clashed with in the past. He was somebody who caused the Queen a vast amount of stress.

"Ssh, do you want me to die?"

The Queen rolled her eyes, "You deserve it don't you think? You can't just kiss me whenever you feel like it."

Rhys sighed, "You're so stubborn.."

If looks could kill then the man on the screen with the Queen would be dead now. A deadly aura emerged from her. It's a capital offense to touch the members of the royal family without their consent. Randomly being kissed is included in that. When Pupillam explained this to the young Queen Lyn before, she merely shrugged it off and said she would deal with it. But it seems like for Queen Lyn, dealing with the man named Rhys isn't simple.

"Rhys, when I arrive…" Pupillam started.

A deep sigh escaped his lips, "You know a woman your age needs to spend less time nagging and find a guy. Better find a married one; they can at least tell you what your missing."

Pupillam stared at him speechless; this person does not change at all.

Not everybody chases after people in a relations.h.i.+p - or think about romance twenty-four seven. Pupillam wanted to retort back but refrained from doing so. This man will never understand that logic. Queen Lyn must be struggling with him. Just like before.

'I don't want to hurt him, but I do not love him.'

Pupillam felt a headache coming along and rubbed the temple of her forehead with her hands. Not this again, King Kazuya. Hurry up already. The men around Queen Lyn are driving her crazy. Let alone the effect it's having on the person in question.

.....

After speaking and hearing the details for a bit, Pupillam left and returned to the meeting. It was already bad enough that she left when it was just about to start. King Allen missing was an issue too, so Pupillam quickly returned to appease them. Though, a deep sigh pa.s.sed her lips as she made her way down the hallways. What is with those people, they don't get tired of complaining. If it weren't for that young man from the Bennet household, then that nightmare of a meeting would never have ended.

Pupillam stopped in front of the door for a few moments and overhears the conversation between the Queen and the King. Hearing the contents though, Pupillam had to restrain herself from entering the room. Once she was certain it was over, Pupillam walked into the room.

"King Allen."

King Allen did not speak right away but when he did. He reached into his pouch and placed something in her hand, "It's up to you. I shall join you when I am done here, until then--"

"I understand."

He doesn't have to tell her; she will do whatever she can to protect the Queen. Still, "Why did you not tell her?" Pupillam asked this would be the perfect opportunity to ask.

"Do not say a word to her."

"But--"

"I shall sort things out before she returns. In the meantime, you must do your best to hide it."

It's not like Pupillam doesn't trust herself to keep her secret. She's very good at it. After all, she kept her household a secret for such a long time. But this is a matter regarding the Mist Kingdom, should she really keep her mouth shut?

Almost as though Allen read her thoughts, he spoke up, "The decision is yours. But I'm sure you understand what will happen if you tell her."

It took Pupillam a few seconds to understand what he meant. If she were to tell the Queen, then surely she would return to the Mist Kingdom. For everybody's sake that's a good thing, but that would mean stopping the search for King Kazuya. Pupillam clenched her fist recalling the image of the Queen's lonely expression. Even if it is for the sake of the Mist Kingdom, she cannot bring the Queen back.