Year 4014 Mist Kingdom (Central Market) - 9:30 am

It's not like she had any hidden intentions or anything, Lyn only wanted to get closer to Kazuya. But perhaps she was too bold with the way she expressed it. Lyn sighed deeply; she knew that Kazuya couldn't sleep properly and yet she could sleep just fine. For her, that was the most peaceful amount of rest she had in her whole life. Lyn slept like a baby, but when Lyn woke up, Kazuya left already, a note saying thank you alongside a rose left on her bedside table. When she saw him later in the day, Lyn noticed the eyebags and understood why. Maybe she should have asked him to sleep on the sofa, but that sofa is uncomfortable to use for long periods of time. Lyn thought he would get mad and not see her for a while. But he's still here, accompanying her to the market.

Of course, they weren't alone; both their guards went along with them. Pupillam and Fukami remained a safe distance behind them, little words escaping their lips. Her sweatdropped when she that sight. Isn't it awkward? They should at least exchange a few words if they are going to stand next to each other.

"By the way, are there things I need to know?" Kazuya asked.

"Ah?"

"Like information, I don't get how your country works."

Oh right, Lyn quickly explained, "Well let's do a quick background check. You know how the empire is made up of many lands including your Sound Kingdom correct?" A short nod from Kazuya followed, and Lyn carried on speaking, "There are nine lands in total that are considered the wealthiest and part of the Empire council. But even amongst those nine, the top five have a higher status. The Mist Kingdom is number three and the ones leading are the Wind Kingdom. The second being the Rain Kingdom the fourth is the Snow Kingdom. And the fifth is the Sun Kingdom. The current Empire has no leading empress, so most of the main decisions are discussed amongst the leader of the big five. In the end, though, most decisions are made by Allen's father. While there's a balance between the big five, few alliances are found or rather the only thing close to an alliance is The Mist Kingdom and the Snow Kingdom."

"Not the Wind and Mist?" Kazuya interjected.

Lyn shook her head, "As it stands things are still complicated. Allen and I are engaged, but that could fall apart at any time. Well, when I turn eighteen, I'll marry him for real, so just a while longer before we gain their trust. Ah, but even the Wind Kingdom has authority. The one with the highest degree of authority is my mother, Queen Orthez."

"Yet the main power falls in the Wind Kingdoms hands, despite your mother being more powerful?" Kazuya asked.

"Yes."

Kazuya wore a somewhat complicated look on his face, "Why doesn't your mother become empress?" Lyn blinked in confusion at his question, Kazuya however continued and nodded, "I'm sure it would solve all the issues if Queen Orthez became the empress and united everyone."

Mother as the Empress? Lyn never thought about it like that, sure her mother is the only one capable and suited for the role. But, "I don't believe peace will come under Mothers rule," Lyn murmured. Her mother is a good ruler; she has all the qualifications to be the Empress. Many people respect her and yet, "Mother has made too many enemies." It's natural for a ruler to have their fair share of enemies. However, it's not normal to have people after ones head so often. Lyn already lost count how many people attempt to kill her mother daily. She heard that General Adrien is in charge of her meals and nobody else, not even Father is permitted to give her any food. Taking such an urgent action already proves how bad the situation is.

Kazuya spun an apple in his hands - Lyn had gotten too caught up in explaining, so she didn't know when he bought it, "But that's the price one has to pay to lead right? Queen Orthez should understand it. If the land isn't united, war will break out again."

War, it's a term she isn't too familiar with outside her textbooks. Lyn had yet to see the real devastation of war. But she more or less got a grasp on it whenever she sees the soldiers rushing about, or when she's simply left alone with Pupillam, "War, will it happen soon?" Lyn mumbled; lately, things are odd around the castle. She usually would not need to summon the General for lessons, and he would naturally come over. But recently, she has to call for him.

Her thoughts broke off when Kazuya drew her close, "Even if there's war, I'll protect you."

"I don't need that; I need to learn how to defend myself."

Kazuya laughed, "Well that's true. But I'll protect you too," Lyn wanted to ask him. If he would still protect her if they were on opposing sides? However, she felt like if she did ask, then things would become awkward again. Lyn pulled away from him, "Not crying today?" Kazuya said.

Lyn pouted, "I don't always cry."

"Mm, maybe you just cry a lot in front of me then."

The Princess is silent knowing she couldn't refute those words, not even she understood why she could cry in front of Kazuya. This person probably plays a crucial role in her life somehow. As for what that key role is, she doesn't know yet. But for now, Lyn tugged on his hand, "Let's go over there!" Lyn pointed towards central square, "There are loads of activities in the center."

"Sure. Oh, I spy music, sounds good."

When Lyn followed Kazuya's gaze to the woman playing, she frowned, "I can play the koto." The Koto is an eastern musical instrument, around 180CM and made from Kiri wood.

"Oh? I want to see this. No offense, but it's hard to picture you with a musical ability. Maybe a chicken dance."

Lyn glared at him for the last line as she exclaimed, "I can!" She isn't lying, though Lyn found Princess lessons dull, she was able to handle them all with ease. Playing musical instruments too was easy for her. Kazuya only laughed, causing Lyn to get frustrated. Ahh geez! "I'll just prove it to you!" Lyn exclaimed. Kazuya looked at her puzzled, but Lyn let go of their hands and walked towards the square.

She tapped the woman who was playing shoulder gaining her attention and whispered, "You see..."

After a few minutes the woman laughed and nodded, she stood up and said something to her band members. The rest of them also smiled and nodded. Lyn grinned once the woman placed the instrument in her hands. She sent a smug look to Kazuya; she's going to show him. Lyn's gaze fell on the instrument as Lyn positioned her hands on the strings. Come to think of it, due to her focusing on training she hasn't played much recently. Regardless though, Lyn fingers naturally moved amongst the different strings and started to play.