THE RISE OF THE KNIGHTS OF SINNERS
#40# UNREQUITED LOVE
At about 9am Leo finished his writing. A total of 134 sheets of paper have been filled by the story. He also plans to go to a painter's place to ask for a portrait of Licia's mother. It's just that he still has to wait until Licia wakes up and lets her out.
" What are you doing at my desk? " ask a girl with a distinctive sound of waking up. He saw Leo who was busy at his desk.
Leo who was reading all the writing then stood up and walked over to Licia. " It's nothing. How are you doing? "
" Emh... " Licia rubbed both eyes, "I don't know why my body is so much lighter now. But I still can't remember my past. "
" You better take a shower. Oh yeah, I'd like to ask permission to go downtown for a second, "
" Can I come with you? " little Licia.
" ...? " Lo frowned as if in disbelief he said that given his mental state that was still recovering. " Of course! Now take a shower, I'll wait outside your room, "
" Can I ask you something? "
" What? "
" Are you the one who helped me at the ancient altar? "
Leo sighed and stood up to show his black robe, "Don't these clothes answer your question? "
" But why? Though I have hurt your heart, I have done evil to you but why would you help me? "
" Yes, the wound in the heart is still not healed and there is still hatred in it. This was actually the king's request. He wants to pay off my family's debt to Count Jarwis. That's why I helped you, "
" Is it just because of that? "
Leo spontaneously turned his back on Licia. Both of his ears were flushed. " That's it. I'll wait for you outside, "
Licia smiled slightly looking at Leo who blushed in embarrassment. He was relieved because there seemed to be another reason Leo wanted to help him.
" I'll take a shower first. It might take a little while so please wait patiently, "Licia immediately left the bed and headed for the bathroom. While Leo walked out and waited outside the room.
...***...
" I'm sorry to make you wait so long" said Licia as she opened the room door.
Leo turned his head and was made stunned by Licia's appearance. Not because of her pretty clothes or makeup but because of her hair cut. Silver white hair that was waist-length was now cut and only up to the shoulders. But that look is more like a match.
" Hm...? Why silent? " ask Licia while keeping Leo's eyes blank.
" Your hair, "Lo's eyes still can't get away from Licia.
Licia untangled her hair and was a little embarrassed that Leo kept looking at her. " Long hair makes my head heavy so I tried to cut it. Doesn't fit, huh? "
" That-no fits you perfectly, "Lo took the mask under the cloak and put it on, "Let's go. "
" Why do I have to wear a mask? " ask Licia.
" Just in case. " Lo walks and follows Licia.
On the way, Leo saw Licia's trembling hand. His mental state still did not improve.
" We'll just go back, " said Leo. She felt Licia was pushing herself too much.
" Eh...? Wh why? " Licia reflex folds her hands back when she realizes Leo is watching her hand.
" Are you sure you still want to go on? From that moment your hands did not stop shaking, "
Licia showed a sour face then lowered her head slightly. " Knowed huh? I-I'm still a little scared out of the palace. B-but I'm sure I'm safe right now because you took care of me so let's just move on. Its alright. "
" all right. But tell me if you can't, "
Licia nodded her head and connected the steps.
...***...
The entire pedestrian gaze was fixed on Licia like bees looking at a beautiful flower passing through them.
The residents are fascinated by the beauty of their princess with a new appearance after weeks of being out of sight. Even some street painters are vying to paint Licia's face.
It is seen that he is still frightened while continuing to hold Leo's hand and hide behind his body. Leo repeatedly invites Licia to come back but she is determined to continue.
The large number of people who looked made Licia's mental state decline again. Leo immediately took Licia to rest at a luxury diner where it was rare for ordinary residents to stop by.
The store just opened and there were no visitors. Licia's arrival took the workers at the restaurant by surprise. Leo explained the situation to the store owner and they closed the store that had just opened.
A few minutes of rest while enjoying the food and drinks they ordered, stubbornly Licia still wanted to continue the road to the place that Leo was going.
There was a debate between the two of them and Leo inevitably eventually relented and obeyed Licia's wishes.
They also arrived at an old house 100 meters away from the city center or city square. The place Leo is headed to is the home of a famous painter in the city.
" Can you wait here for a minute? " the Leo pinto.
Licia glanced at the circumstances around trying to ascertain whether she was safe or not. " all right. But don't be long, "
Leo nodded then walked into the painter's house. Leo wanted to have the famous painter paint Licia's mother's face.
10 Minutes later, Leo came out and saw Licia sitting in the front seat of the painter's house. He seemed to be enjoying the view of the city seen from his so calm face and the melodious humming that bounced around.
" I'm done, " said Leo.
" Where else now? Take another walk or go home? " ask Licia with a sweet smile.
His smile was really so dazzling that it made Leo's heart beat.
" We go home, "say cold Leo. The attitude shown by Leo is contrary to the content of his heart. However, Licia's treatment at that time was always a nightmare when meeting.
Licia's pretty smile slowly dissipated at that cold demeanor. He is also self-aware of that nature because of his actions.
" B-how about a meal first? It's been a long time since I've tasted food in the city, "take Licia a little awkward.
" Want to eat again? Let's eat there. " Lo walked to the diner right across the street.
Licia hoped Leo would hold her hand but what power. That hope will not be realized seeing Leo has walked to sebrang.
" What are you waiting for? " ask Leo as he steps into the diner. The dreamy Licia gasped then soon came following.
...***...
" Leo? " a woman's voice was heard greeting as Leo had just walked into the tavern.
Leo's eyes scoured the tavern looking for a voice figure calling out to him.
" Sister?! " the shock realized that Thalia who was sitting with Yun Zhu was eating together.
" When I wear a mask, how can you tell? " so Leo walked over to Thalia's dinner table.
" Obviously I know, "Thalia pointed her index finger at Leo. " Your backup mask you keep in my drawer and it's exactly the same shape, "
" Who's the girl behind you? " yun Zhu asked interrupting the conversation of the brothers.
" Ah this? " Lo shifted the body a little.
" Lician?! Is that you? Waaaah.., your appearance is more beautiful than usual! " shock Thalia was fascinated by Licia's appearance.
" Ha-hai Thalia, "greet Licia waving half a hand.
" Lician? Are you... "
" Yes, she's the princess of Gerelia kingdom. Licia introduced this purple haired woman to be Yun Zhu's daughter. Daughter of the emperor Cronix, "
Licia stuck out her right hand at Yun Zhu.
" Sa-salam knows, "
" Greetings know as well, " Yun Zhu replied as he shook Licia's hand. " It's worth it that he fell in love with you, "he continued by glancing at Leo.
Leo immediately turned his head and replied, "Your bad nature is not missing Yun Zhu. "
" Ahaha.., sit down! Let's eat together, " concluded Thalia.
The four of them ate together while joking about spending time twilight. The meeting slightly made Licia jealous and upset when she saw Leo who had always been cold turned into a jolly figure when there was Yun Zhu and her brother.
...***...
Just as the sun scattered the orange light, the four of them came out of the tavern.
" Licia and I are going back to the palace, are you going to go with Yun Zhu? " get Leo.
Yun Zhu shook his head. " I want to continue touring with Thalia. Go home first, "
" all right. Let's Licia. " Leo started walking towards the palace followed by Licia.
" A minute Leo! " prevent Yun Zhu when Leo has only stepped up a few times.
Leo turned around, "What's up? "
" Do you have time tonight? There's something I want to say, "
Leo frowned at the eyebrows for a moment remembering if tonight was any other schedule than keeping Licia.
" It seems like my time is coming. Where do you want to meet? "
" A lake near the city. I'll wait for midnight. Bye then... " Yun Zhu ignored his hands and continued walking with Thalia.
Meanwhile, Licia was made curious about the meeting plan of Leo and Yun Zhu. He wanted to ask directly but did not dare. On the way home he could not stop thinking about it even to the point of thinking about strange things.
...***...
" For tonight you will be guarded by the king's bodyguards, " concluded Leo when he arrived in front of Licia's room.
" When are you going to be here again? " ask Licia.
" I'll take care of you again tomorrow morning. Just for tonight, "
" W-what for wanting to meet Yun Zhu's daughter? " Licia ventured to ask even though stammered.
" yes. "
" Why do you have to be at night? Can't it be tomorrow morning? "
" I don't know if I don't know his purpose either. But I told you I could come so I can't deny it. Now go in and rest, "Lo opens the door to the room and slightly pushes Licia's body into the room.
" ... " Licia nodded her head but she was obviously not satisfied with that answer.
" Have a good break, "
" Emh... See you tomorrow. " Licia closed the room door and leaned behind it. His heart was pounding with thoughts ruffled by all sorts of speculations towards the meeting of Leo and Yun Zhu.
" Do they want to do something? "
" Will Yun Zhu offer the imperial throne again by marriage? "
The questions kept swirling on the silver-white haired girl's head.
He came here and there looking for a sleeping position to forget but still can't. Finally, Licia desperately ran out of the window before the palace soldiers filled the outside of her room. The third question may be a concern of its own considering that Leo has great talent and the empire could want to use Leo as their weapon.
The girl used magic wings and flew towards the Lake where the meeting was then hid in the dense undergrowth by the lake and waited until midnight.
...***...
Right at midnight, Yun Zhu came first. He waited by the lake. Shortly from a distance Leo came with his magic wings.
" I'm sorry to keep you waiting so long" said Leo.
" Not really, I just got there, "
" What do you want to say then? Don't tell me you want to offer me another wedding, "
" Ahahaha..., guess what it turns out? "
" For the most time I refuse! "
" Let's just calm I gave up on your heart. I just wanted to let you know that next month I'm getting married, "
" Huh?! " shock Leo with widened eyes. " Who with? What about your own uncle? "
" Ahaahaha... " Yun Zhu was blown away hearing Leo's silly question. " How could I have married that throne-hungry old man. He was executed last season, after all, "
" Your marriage had a major impact on the internal empire, it's definitely her marriage on political grounds, isn't it? "
Yun Zhu set his breath for a moment and wiped away the tears from his laughter earlier. " Yes there is a political element but I also have a feeling for my future husband even though my love for you still cannot be extinguished, "
" In addition to informing you about this marriage, I also want to leave this feeling to you forever and ever" Yun Zhu continued
Leo mute. His eyes began to empty for a moment. Guilt was born in his heart after hearing Yun Zhu's words. A sense of guilt because he gave up and failed to cultivate love for Yun Zhu and always rejected the girl arbitrarily without thinking about her feelings.
Yun Zhu waved his hand in front of Leo's face. " Yes... Why daydream? "
Leo shook his head and replied, "Ah sorry-sorry! Who is your husband's candidate? "
" Taka." Yun Zhu briefly replied with the accompaniment of her beautiful smile.
" Taka? You mean Prince Taka?! "
" Yes! "
Leo's guilt slowly turned into relief because Yun Zhu's future husband was a figure he was very familiar with. He is Taka. Crown Prince of the Taiyoria Kingdom. Taka was a close friend and a close relative in Taiyoria.
" I didn't think she'd marry you, "
" Well, all cannot be separated from the internal problems of the empire. Our great country is starting to be fragile. Inevitably by taking refuge in a stronger kingdom we can continue to survive. "
" But Yun Zhu isn't the empire going to be a puppet of Taiyoria? "
" That is my father's wish. It's all because of my sister. Honestly, he did not come home not to hunt down the rebels but because he did not want to be the next emperor. While the people and nobles doubt me, "
" I didn't expect that kind of empire right now, "
" The ministers gave me two options. Marry Prince Taka or kidnap you and make you my husband. " Yun Zhu drew closer to Leo.
" And you chose prince Taka? "
" Prince Taka promised me and my people peace and security. Her almost identical nature to yours made me fall in love but she realized that even though I was there for her but my heart was still trying to wait for you, " Yun Zhu explained as she gently looked at Leo's face.
" Because of that... "
...Puk..., ...
Yun Zhu hugged Leo tightly. Tears of all her love were shed in that embrace.
" Let me hug you one last time! "
" Yun Zhu." hissed Leo who immediately stared.
" Our promises then and the days we spent together, they were all meaningless. I was originally lonely, I just wanted to be touched in the end to fall in love with the warmth you gave me." Yun Zhu's heart said as she cried.
" I'm sorry. "reply Leo.
" I don't want to part with you! I want to always hold you! I don't want this love to end! I don't want to end it! But..., this situation forced me to say goodbye! I'm sorry.., allow this unrequited love to be wasted in your arms! " Yun Zhu added.
Leo's lips trembled as he looked up at the star-filled sky with teary eyes. The pain Yun Zhu was experiencing seemed to pierce through his heart as well. " I'm sorry! I'm sorry Yun Zhu! I can't love you! I tried over and over again to try to cultivate the same taste in you, but this heart is always closed to you. I'm sorry I thought of you as a sister to me. I can't change my view, "
Yun Zhu did not reply. He completely gave up all his love in that cry so as not to have any more regrets after it was over.
A few minutes passed, the night wind began to blow carrying his cold temperature. Yun Zhu let go of that warm embrace while cleaning up the remaining tears that were still stuck.
" I'm sorry Leo I got carried away, " Yun Zhu concluded.
Leo's down. A few tears fell from his face. " I'm sorry again, "
" That's it. It's all my fault, Leo. I had too high expectations for my feelings. " Yun Zhu took a few steps back. His sad face slowly brightened. " From now on I will try to give my love to Prince Taka. "
Leo raised his head then smiled slightly, "Let's open up Yun Zhu's new leaf. "
" Yes! " Yun Zhu took a deep breath then exhaled, "Fyuuuh. "
Leo simply replied with a smile. He looked up again at the sky full of stars.
" I envy someone who can melt your heart" Yun Zhu said.
" Throwing off the heart.., " muttered Leo while closing his eyes for a moment.
" I've heard everything from Thalia. I think it's good you give him a chance, "
" I don't know Yun Zhu. Right now I don't know what to do with him. My heart and mind began to muddle when I thought of him, "
" Well, I understand that. But you can't forget it, can you? "
" I— "
" Youngd....! "
Unfinished Leo said, a palace cavalry warrior suddenly shouted to Leo.
" There's something else now? Don't tell me Licia's gone again! " guess Leo with annoyance as if he already knew the purpose of the palace soldier.
" I'm sorry to bother you, sir! Mr princess– "
" Gone again? " sela Leo.
" Yes sir! "
" But that kid! Come back to the palace. I'll be looking for him soon! " with a very upset feeling Leo took out his magic wings.
" I'm sorry Yun Zhu... "
" It's okay. I've already conveyed everything I wanted to tell you. I'm sorry to interrupt your work time and thank you for meeting me, too, "
" I'm supposed to take the night off, but you're the one. I'm going first. " Leo immediately flies into town to search for the missing Licia again.
Yun Zhu looked at Leo who was flying away with a wide smile. He's really relieved now.
" When are you hiding in the bushes? " question Yun Zhu glanced at the bushes behind him.
Who would have thought that Yun Zhu had already known that Licia was eavesdropping behind the bushes.
...Crackling... Crackling......
Licia was caught red-handed and inevitably had to appear even with embarrassment.
" B-how did you know I was there? " ask lyricia while throwing away her shy face.
Yun Zhu pointed his index finger behind Licia. " Look at that! "
Licia flipped over and narrowed her eyes trying to focus the vision to where Yun Zhu was pointing. It turned out that behind Licia since earlier there were 5 bodyguards Yun Zhu camouflaged on the tree.
" T-they're Leo's army? "
" My army. They used to be trained by Leo and his Yurei army. So don't be surprised to see they can hide existence, "
Licia's getting embarrassed. He was bowed in lethargy due to his stupidity that was not aware there were such a large bodyguard behind him.
" You heard everything, right? My advice to you, go after him and correct all the wrongs you've done to him, "
" i.... L'm... " Licia hesitates. He still can't think clearly at the moment.
" That's just my advice. You should be lucky to get into his heart. Go home! I'm sure he's confused looking for you, "
Licia nodded her head without answering anything.
" Oh yeah. I forgot to tell your king yesterday. Please tell him to be more wary of the Axel kingdom, "
" Axel? What the hell is going on? "
" From the last 2 years the Kingdom of Axel mobilized its population for military purposes. I don't know what the purpose of the mobilization is but my spies say they're preparing for war even though it's not yet known who their enemy is, "
" It looks like it will be a threat as well for us because the southeastern region of Gerelia borders directly with Axel. B-but why did you tell us? " Tanya Licia.
" Axel is out of Angelus' alliance. In order to anticipate Axel's threats in the future, you should also know about this information. Plus Axel people have no religion, they could have attacked our people or even you Deus. So beware, "
" Emh... Thank you princess Yun Zhu. This information is very important to us. Then see you later, "Licia waved lightly at Yun Zhu then stepped towards the city.
" Hey, Licia's daughter! " call Yun Zhu.
Licia stopped her steps and turned her body again. " What is the matter of princess Yun Zhu.
" If one day we become leaders of our respective regions, let us work together for the realization of lasting peace between religious people! " revealed Yun Zhu with his spirit.
Licia was a little stunned. Yes, he alone had no intention of becoming a ruler then where might be able to accept Yun Zhu's invitation. The girl just replies her hands and smiles sweetly while nodding because she does not know what to answer.
" See you at the meeting of Licia's daughter! " quickly Yun Zhu waved his hand to see Licia who had already walked away towards the city.
While he still wants to be on the edge of the lake to enjoy the night breeze while trying to forget about Leo even though it is impossible to do overnight.
^^^To be continuous.^^^
