"I like long hair."

"... Then, perhaps I won't cut it."

"Are my words actually of value to you, Princess Lyn?"

Lyn paused, before she nodded, "I suppose unlike the others, I value your opinion slightly better."

"Then for the Princess who is giving me this honor…" He let's go of her hair and leaned closer. "Close your eyes for a moment."

Lyn does so and hears rustling.

When she opened her eyes, she found that he placed a flower on her hair, "Ah?"

"It looks good on you."

Even without a mirror, she could see it. It wasn't a flower from her garden or the palace grounds, and she recalled him entering the breakfast hall covered in thorns and frowned. "I do not appreciate you venturing to dangerous places, just to get a flower for me."

"Oh?"

"Stop your foolishness at once, I came out here to treat your wounds. So please sit down." Lyn lectured as she pointed to the steps.

Kazu laughed and did as she said. Lyn walked over and sat beside him, a glowing light surrounded her hands. "I recall a rule saying that high n.o.bility shouldn't use their magic in front of others unless it's in combat."

Lyn sighed, "That rule is outdated. Preventing others from seeing our magic? What good will that do? What if somebody ends up in a bad state, and there were no other healers around? Do I sit around and watch them die?"

She can't do that. Her sister, mother, and father listen to those rules. But she cannot follow them.

Besides, I'd like the man who is courting me to look at least a little presentable."

Another laughter, "That is true."

For a while, there was silence as she focused on healing his injuries, when he spoke up, "Will you tell me if you liked the flower?"

The flower again? Why is he so insist — Lyn paused in mid-sentence as she got a look at his expression? Why is this man able to smile so cheerfully no matter what the circ.u.mstances are? People were mocking him. No, since he arrived, people have done nothing but mock and scorn him and yet... He's the only one who truly tries to get to know the real her.

"I like it a lot, thank you."

---

Lyn bolted out of bed and sighed. The mixture of different hues in the sky showed that it was barely dawn..

What use is there thinking of the past now? None. It doesn't change that in the present; he isn't here beside her. She picked up the letter from the side and re-read the contents. She was hoping to discover some hidden message. But she had yet to find any. It's unlike him, to only reveal his location and not say any more. No matter whether it was a formal letter, he would always leave a clue for her. She examined the letter again, is there really nothing this time?

.

.

East Courtyard.

"I didn't think you'd agree to spar with me.."

"Who else but me could be your sparring partner right now?"

"Are you flattering yourself general, your win was impressive. But you held yourself back too much." Lyn commented. Only those who knew the general for a long time could tell though.

"On the contrary, my skills can only pa.s.s as your sparring partner. Or do you wish to tell me you want to ask your head aide?"

Her sweat dropped, "It would be more problematic if I asked her…"

Pupillam is an excellent advisor and aide. The woman has been with her for many years, from the beginning years of her being a princess.

" 'It would be a disgrace to raise any blade, any weapon towards you my Queen..'" Lyn mimicked and sighed, "Pupillam is really a good swords woman though, her style is more suited for helping people practice too. But she's very insistent on that."

"Her att.i.tude truly earns her the right to remain with you. To a certain degree. I'm also of the same mindset.."

Lyn chuckled softly, as she raised the wooden sword, "But, you have frustrations you wish to vent correct? Please vent to your heart's content."

.

.

Moments later, the sound of clas.h.i.+ng blades is heard.

"My Queen, your heart is not settled either."

"Oh?"

"Since he came into your life. I noticed gradual changes. Even now I think our King has had too much influence on you."

"..."

Lila doesn't comment on that.

"This matter with the snow kingdom. You held that jousting tournament, with the purpose that one of your knights or anyone would be bold enough to make that request."

"I'm unsure what you're speaking about, Pupillam came up with the idea to get rid of Miley's boredom."

"But, someone who knows that child well should understand. A mere tournament like this will not satisfy the girl."

He really is too sharp. But she supposes that's expected. "Miley and you are very similar, the circ.u.mstances we both found you in."

"... The circ.u.mstances aside, I bore no such mark when you found me."

"Ah yes, that's true. But, surely you've figured it out? It's connected."