While he upheld traditions, if it came down to a situation where negotiations are involved, Zepher would negotiate. Like Kotaro, he believed in listening to the people, and he interacted more with the townsfolk. But then again, as clumsy as Andrew was with words. He had his own ways to gain people"s respect and trust.

For the longest time, Zepher felt bitter about what happened. Even when he learned the truth, that he was not Mother"s son, he still did not understand. Driving him away before anybody else found out is normal, but why did they frame him for a murder that he did not commit?

"If someone is near death in the south

He goes and says, "Don"t be afraid."

If there are strife and lawsuits in the north

He demands that the people put an end to their pettiness

He weeps at the time of drought

He plods about at a loss during the cold summer

Everybody calls him Blockhead

No one sings his praises

Or takes him to heart

That is the sort of person

I want to be….."

Zepher raised his eyebrows at the girl"s words. This sounds familiar, "A poem from the east?"

"Yes, tell me, brother, what sort of person do you want to be?"

What type of person, huh? He"s never given it much thought before. Even back when he was the other first Prince, Zepher did not think about the future too much. Maybe because he was in a high position, it was hard to see beyond that? No, it isn"t like that. That theory would apply more for Andrew, but him? His position did not matter. He was the other Prince, so he did not care about his reputation much.

_

A week later

"Snow," Lyn mumbled. How strange, why is there Snow on this island? Aren"t they still near Mist Kingdom Lands? During her walks around the island, Lyn tried to figure out where she was, and yet she couldn"t. An island - but there is no trace of Mist anywhere. They aren"t in the Empire; even Lyn understood that much.

Her gaze flickered towards the letter she was writing and sighed.

Why is she even bothering with this? Brother discovered the last letter, and he was very angry with her. He didn"t let her eat for two whole meals. While for her, something like missing a meal or two was no big deal. Brother wanted her to repent; he made such a big deal out of it. So, she did.

"Hey, Princess Lyn, what are you doing slacking off for," a man with spiky blonde hair strolled into the room. This man was called Himuro. He was one of her brother"s trusted people.

"What are you doi— is that a letter?"

Lyn panicked and tried to hide it. But Himuro already picked it up. "Dear Kazuya.."

Oh, shoot.

Himuro sat down on the chair beside hair and said nothing as he opened up a textbook. "You don"t have to worry about it. Amongst his trusted people, only a few know you"re not his wife but his stepsister. They also know about your lover too."

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"I"m not one to snitch; there is no need. It"s normal that you still feel attached to that person. Besides, he already feels bad about the last time. When he locked you up, he overreacted and snapped. I read the contents of that letter; you weren"t planning your escape. You even told that guy that if you never return to forget and move on."

Lyn looked down, "Yes, for him, that would be for the best. I don"t know what my brother is thinking. But it does seem like he would let me go back."

"n.o.body knows what he intends to do with you either," Himuro shook his head. "If you do well on this next test. I"ll sneak out the letter for you."

Her eyes brightened at his words, "Really?"

"Don"t look so hopeful! You have to score highly first."

Lyn laughed, "I"m a genius, I"ll show you."

No sooner had she sat down though, the doors opened.

"Somebody seems cheerful, even though your studying."

"Big brother!"

"Hn, I"m home."

"Welcome home!" Lyn stood up and left her desk. "You"re already finished with work today?"

"I just came to drop some things, I"ll be setting off again."

Lyn looked down at the ground with a somewhat disappointed expression. For the past four days, she has not seen her brother much. While he hired her a tutor amongst his close subordinates. Lyn still felt very lonely.

Zepher cupped her cheeks and stepped forward. He lightly brushed his forehead against hers.

"I know how you feel. I"d rather stay with you too. But, I have to deal with a lot of things on the outside. A war is about to start. I need to make sure this island isn"t caught up in the conflict."

War… Pain emerged in her heart. Is it between the Sound Kingdom and the Mist Kingdom? With her disappearance, the Sound Kingdom"s plans have gone astray. It wouldn"t surprise her if they use this chance as an excuse to make a move.

"Andrew stopped searching for you."

A knowing ah escaped her lips.

"He probably doesn"t want to draw too much attention to you until the big reveal. Besides, the people who do know you exist. Andrew is monitoring each and every one of them personally."

Big brother is doing that...

Zepher pulled her into his arms, "Don"t worry about it. I"m meeting with a few officials from the Mist Kingdom too. I"ll see how things are from there end. You just…"

"I know I"ll stay put here."

"Don"t be stubborn."

Lyn sighed, "But, brother...I want to go out too."

"Alright, but if it"s somebody you know. Tell me, okay?"

…..

The place where the meeting took place was in another island. Lyn noted how the surrounding areas were all islands. But, she could not see the Empire land at all. It"s peculiar. While Lyn did hear that other places exist, this was the first time she saw it. So, the Empire isn"t the only place in the world. There are many others?

The last person she expected to run into the moment brother left her alone was.. "Rhys!!!"

"Huh, wh-" Rhys trailed off and sighed. "Hey, what are you doing here?"

"I wanted to attend the meeting."

"Great job, big brother. Kazuya is here, you know?!"

Kazuya is here? Lyn grabbed hold of Rhys cloak. "Bring me to Kazuya."

Rhys shook his head, "Lyn, I"m sure you understand why I sent you away to your brother. Just..hold on for a while longer, okay?"

"Please, Rhys, I really want to meet with Kazuya."

"Shouldn"t you ask him for permission?"

Lyn looked down, "He won"t let me. So, just for a bit. Please allow me to see Kazuya."