No matter how many leads they end up finding, it eventually leads to a dead end. However, Lyn wasn't the type to give up with just that. She slowly marked the places on the map from the very first day.

When Lyn showed up, he already had coffee ready. She sent a message ahead of time, and he had a good idea of how long it would take her to arrive.

Only a few months have pa.s.sed since the council deemed this man as not guilty, for a murder case that took place earlier the year. Lyn was one of the people who helped him get out. After all why wouldn't she? He's Kazuya's Uncle.

Lyn sat across him and drank her coffee.

"How can I help you, dear Lyn?"

Lyn smiled, "I apologize for dropping by like this. There wasn't anybody else I could think of.."

Sabaku laughed, "You won't find many information brokers willing to sell information to the Queen of all people."

"I'm sorry," she said that last line quietly. This time Lyn was apologizing for Kazuya. Lyn didn't have to ask the elderly man; she knew he was caught up to date with the news.

He shook his head, "I should be the one apologizing. I said some cruel things back then because I was not aware of your situation. I'm happy that Kazuya chose you; you've brought happiness into his life."

"But because of me.."

"That guy always had a bad habit of wandering off anyway, so this isn't anything new. This time though his careless habits are coming in handy. Since he's doing it for the woman, he loves."

Lyn smiled, "That's true..."

"And so your business today?"

"Regarding black markets."

A knowing ah pa.s.sed his lips, "So you discovered how those annoying elders are making money."

Lyn nodded, "Certain circ.u.mstances have lead me to take action. If they didn't involve themselves in the death of my friend, I would have let them be since, in the long run, it doesn't affect me much," she played with the cup in her hands, "I was wondering why they could hide it so well. Normally when a person goes through a magic scan, it will detect these signs. Yet many people get involved."

"Hm," Sabaku mumbled, "Tell me something Queen Lyn, what do you think of the present states of the Empire?"

"Chaotic."

His lips curve to a smile, "Is that a summary?"

"No, I've always felt it was rather a mess, even back when I was still a Princess. The elites ama.s.s so much wealth that they become selfish and greedy; they start to desire more and more," she paused and thought about Gabrielle's parents. In the beginning, they were kind and friendly people. But what changed? Greed and wealth. They slowly got used to the prestige that came with their daughter raised as a future Queen, "Do you know much about Gabrielle's parents?"

She knew this s.h.i.+ft in the topic was unusual, but her visit here and the talk on black markets are connected with the girl's parents. Elder Nicholas confirmed that the group was part of the anti fraction after all.

"The couple that was here a few months ago?"

Her eyes go wide, "Eh?"

"Or rather should I say it was roughly two months ago. They told me they were hiding from someone and sought a place to hide While I'm not close with the couple in particular. I knew they were your sister in laws parents, so I offered them, a.s.sistant."

"Where?"

"There's an old church here that is seldom used. The head of the town permitted me to use it. So I pa.s.sed the keys to them, but genuinely I've never gone to the place myself."

"I see," she trailed off. They must be in that place then. It made sense. This town is called the town of the lions; it's a town where strong people gather. It's natural that they seek refuge here. n.o.body will think to find them in a place that focuses on brute strength and fighting. The people searching for them will most likely look in rich areas, "Thank you."

"You were searching for them?"

"Their daughter died, and then I learned they were part of the anti fraction heads."

"Ah, so the connection with the black market."

Lyn nodded, "My head knight told me a while back. That he discovered signs of the anti-rebellion in the illegal markets. But since it wasn't affecting the Kingdom, I let them be."

"Then other than the search for the couple.."

"Could you list all the Black markets you can think of?"

…....

When Lyn returned, she discovered Rhys fast asleep on the couch by her door. A deep sigh pa.s.sed her lips. He's persistent. Honestly back then when they were younger, he didn't show as much persistence. Lyn always wondered why that was. When he confessed that he loved her, she could tell how genuine and sincere his feelings were. He's going to catch a cold. Lyn pulled out a spare blanket from the cabinet and wrapped it around him. Lately, things have been quite awkward between them.

No matter how bad things got before, Kazuya never proposed for

If it were the sixteen-year-old her, she would have been tempted by Rhys offer. To escape from all the pain, from all the burden and on top of it be loved at the same time.

That's a paradise for anybody who easily feels lonely and seeks warmth. Honestly, she's still a young woman, having a guy who obviously loves her a lot beside her - one usually would get tempted by now. But Lyn wasn't like that. If it were in the past, she would have naively accepted Rhys company. However, she really loves Kazuya.

Her thoughts broke off when Rhys grabbed hold of her arm, "Not going to stay?"

She shook her head. "I just dropped by to check on my brother, do you know where he went?"

"Supreme General took him out to spar; it'll do him some good to release his pent-up feelings."

"I see, then I'll leave now."

If it's Uncle Adrien, then Lyn knew her brother would be fine. The old man is very good at giving pep talks of encouragement; this time around won't be any different too. When it comes to the pain of losing others, he understands it the most. However before Lyn could say anymore, Rhys pulled her onto the couch.

"Rhy, unhand me right now," Lyn exclaimed.

"Calm down you foolish woman; I'm not going to try anything."

"Like I can believe that--!" the last time she believed those words. Rhys left those marks on her neck.

"I really won't. I'm beat and so are you."

Lyn paused, "You want me to sleep?"

"Yeah."

She hesitated, she can't show him any signs of weakness. If he does, then he will exploit it like before. "I'll sleep on my bed; let go of me."

Rhys nodded and let her go. The moment he did, a sigh of relief pa.s.sed her lips. As she walked over to the bed, she didn't bother changing and just climbed on. Lyn brought the covers to her face and hid. This didn't seem to bother Rhys though since he walked over.

He quickly pulled up the chair and sat down.

"You should go back to the couch," Lyn muttered.

"Can't. What if you get a nightmare?"

Her cheeks flushed red at his words, "I'm not a child."

Rhys rolled his eyes, "I think you keep forgetting that we are three years apart from each other."

"..."

"Well, no matter. I just want you to get some proper rest. So, sleep now."

"..."

She disliked it when he genuinely showed concern for her. It made it harder for her to push him away coldly. Lyn peers from the covers, it's okay to say thank you right? As she thought this Lyn didn't realize that Rhys had already fallen asleep.

When she sensed silence, Lyn peered from her blankets - and noticed Rhys eyes closed. "Oh."

He looked tired. They all are. Going around from town to town this past week or so. Naturally, it's exhausting. They don't really have much time to rest either. Lyn got up and carefully covered Rhys with the blanket.

"Lyn," he softly murmured.

Her eyes go wide.

"Stupid."