Chapter 42
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Year 4014 Mist Kingdom - A week later -
Kazuya's eyes shot open, and he rose from his bed. His whole face pale and drenched in sweat, as vivid and yet clear images of the past appeared in his head. He panted heavily as he recalled the sight of his dead siblings, his dead Mother - and that man. The man who caused it all.
For a second, Kazuya doesn't recognize where he is until he saw something from the corner of his eye. It was the bracelet Lyn made for him. That's right he's in the Mist Kingdom, he isn't in the Sound Kingdom. He isn't in that place. Kazuya sighed and placed a hand on his forehead. Feeling the wet patch, he tossed his blanket and picked up a towel from the side and wiped his face.
Maybe he should get changed too. He probably sweated a lot. Kazuya walked over to his drawers and saw the set of clothes Lyn got him.
'Um, it's just a small present.'
A small present, this many clothing? Because he wanted to travel light, he didn't think to bring many clothes with him. On his way here, he saw the state of some of the villages and ended up giving what little possession he brought away. Then again, it's not like he had many 'possessions' to begin with. After getting dressed, he exited his room and walked out onto the ledge.
A full moon hung on the sky, glowing brightly and surrounded by a sea of stars. Lyn didn't have to get him clothes or anything for that matter. It's not like she has that much money to spend. Kazuya knew from the amounts of times he went to the market with her, how limited her pocket money is. Maybe they do that to restrict her from leaving too much. She only ever has money for one or two outings. She never has a lot for a few days let alone a week or so.
While he doesn't have many possessions, Kazuya has a lot of money.
No, he didn't get them from the Sound Kingdom elders - but instead he earned most of it from the side jobs he does. Since he isn't the type of person who spent a lot of money, he has a lot saved up.
He wondered if Lyn is already asleep.
A whole week had passed since he proposed this fake relationship thing. At first, it was awkward for both of them. They knew they couldn't just act like they were before. They had to make the act look real; otherwise, the guy from the Stone Kingdom wouldn't believe it. Just like he thought, that guy wanted to ensure the relationship is real and has been hovering around like a fly. The reason they got past the awkwardness, it was because of something Rhys, and the girl's aide said.
'Don't you two already act like a couple, anyway?'
Do they?
Kazuya never realized. But after they said those words, he saw it. So the two of them returned to normal, and that made John back away even more. It's hard to believe that guy would give up with just that alone though. He has to keep this up until that man leaves, and until Lyn's fiance gets a grip. Honestly, Kazuya didn't think much of the man named Allen. He's your typical average, and the boring elite who sticks to the traditions wears a fake smile. Despite this, Kazuya knew how much Allen cared about Lyn. That guy hides it very well, but he isn't stupid.
It's an engagement with feelings of love. Kazuya never asked Lyn, but he wondered how the girl felt towards her fiance. That time he watched them, there seemed to be a comfortable atmosphere. From the words exchanged Kazuya knew that nothing happened between them. That it was only recently that there was development.
A deep voice interrupted his thoughts, "Getting nightmares again, huh?"
Kazuya looked at the direction of the voice and found Rhys. Rhys is a noble in the Sound Kingdom, the third Son of his family and yet treated as the heir. The two of them held a strange bond and friendship. Though they don't show it, the two of them are quite close. Well, men usually don't openly display their harmony with each other.
"It's been happening a lot recently."
He has nightmares, nightmares of the past. So vivid and yet so evident in his mind. Though there are gaps in his memory, unlike Lyn he isn't missing that much. The first time he had these nightmares, Rhys was with him. Thank god he wasn't alone, Kazuya still remembered how bad he felt, the panic attack that followed after the nightmare. The feeling of not being able to breathe.
In the past these nightmares haunted him like the plague; in the present, they are the reason for his self-loathing. If only he didn't hide his ability from his family. If only he used his power, then that incidence would not
"You have to get over it. Well, I guess that's putting it too bluntly. By getting over it I mean you have to learn to overcome it — your strong Kazuya, truly strong. But if people found out you had this weakness. What do you think will happen to you if you don't?" Rhys asked.
Despite how bluntly he said it, Kazuya understood how serious Rhys was. Rhys makes a point there. As the 'strongest person' in the Sound Kingdom, Kazuya already made a lot of enemies there let alone here in the Mist Kingdom. While the hate he receives here is more on a general scale rather than personal, he is still hated. It's still a group of people with a grudge that could potentially endanger his life.
Before Kazuya could say anymore, he hears knocking. He turned back to the room and noticed the sound came from the other door. Kazuya frowned, it's late. Who could it be?
"It's your girlfriend, not an enemy."
Huh? Kazuya was about to retort back at Rhys when he hears a soft voice at the door.
"Kazuya?"
Kazuya blinked, it really is her. He didn't bother with Rhys anymore and made his way over to the door.
When he opened it, there stood Lyn with a pillow under her arm.
"Lyn," Kazuya said surprised.
Lyn looked shyly down, "Um, I'm sorry for disturbing you. I was thinking could I sleep together with you?"
Kazuya froze in shock for a moment, before he ran his hand through his hair. Right, this girl is still naive about that aspect. Or rather she probably realizes by now that he won't do anything. For her, sleeping beside somebody probably acts as a form of comfort and safety.
Kazuya ushered her inside and closed the door.
"Um?"
"Lay down, let me get some extra blankets."
Lyn beamed happily, "Okay."
He scanned the area where Rhys sat moments ago and noticed that he had left. A wise move he supposes. Kazuya fetched some extra blankets and frowned. He placed his hand on top of them and used his powers to get rid of the crease markings, tatters until it looked presentable. He brought it to his face; the smell seems okay.
A deep sigh passed his lips once he realized what he was doing. Quit acting like an idiot. Kazuya returned to the girl on the bed.
She looked beautiful in her night gear. The knowledge that she wore the clothes she gave him made his lips curve to a smile. The set of night gear used pale colors not bright ones, yet they were not dull or boring like the clothes she used to wear. Kazuya made his way over and joined her on the bed.
"Ah, Kazuya!"
"Mmm, you're so chirper. Were you really sleeping?"
"Ah, um.." Lyn looked away.
Kazuya frowned, she wasn't sleeping? But it's 2:00 am. Maybe she was training again? Since Rhys trained her. Lyn has been working very hard.
He gently kissed her forehead, eyelids, and nose.
"Kazuya? Why do you keep doing that?"
"Nothing."
Lyn looked confused but then cheerfully snuggled up to him, "Ah it's warm."
"Were you cold?"
The girl in his arms nodded, and he wrapped his arms around her protectively, "Kazuya, you weren't sleeping?"
"I just woke up. I was talking to Rhys for a bit."
At that comment, he watched as the girl turned red and he frowned, "What did he do now?"
"Kazuya, can you tell Rhys to respect my personal space? I don't like it when he gets too close, and I've already brought out my knife so many times. But he still does it."
Now that she mentioned it, Kazuya realized his friend had more cuts on his face than usual. He burst into laughter.
"Kazuya?"
Kazuya smiled, "Good girl Lyn, your learning."
Her eyes light up as she raised her hands and did a victory pose. She's cute. Honestly, this fake relationship thing isn't as bad as Kazuya thought. Though his mission was to seduce her, Kazuya knew that he could no longer do it. Rather than seduce, he wants to win Lyn over to their side in a genuine manner not fake. He knew with the present situation; he wouldn't be able to harm her even if he wanted to.
"The month is coming to an end."
"Ah-huh, and Allen is officially supposed to come tomorrow. Eldest Brother said Mother is making the official banquet arrangements."
"Are you going?"
Lyn shook her head, "No. But I do have to make a few appearances, covering my face with a veil."
Kazuya didn't like the sound of that; it felt too risky. But Lyn is still formally Prince Allen's fiance. Even with her hidden existence, she has to make a few appearances. He wonders how they explain her identity to the public though.
"Can I come?"
"You'll go?" Lyn seemed very happy, "Un, please do. I think I'll be able to do well in my performance."
"Performance?"
"I have to play the koto and sing; it's a strange Mist Kingdom tradition for the upcoming festival."
Festival, now that she mentioned it. An event like that is coming up. But this time around there are no orders from the people back home. It seemed like he can enjoy himself.
"When you get the chance, sneak out."
The thought pleased her since she hugged him even more. To other people, this may be strange, fake relationship and their ages. Honestly, he's the rational one between the two and should talk to her about this. However, it's not like them being like this harms anybody.
Lyn felt safe with him.
And he felt safe with her.
That's all that matters.
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Year 4014 Mist Kingdom - A week later -
Kazuya's eyes shot open, and he rose from his bed. His whole face pale and drenched in sweat, as vivid and yet clear images of the past appeared in his head. He panted heavily as he recalled the sight of his dead siblings, his dead Mother - and that man. The man who caused it all.
For a second, Kazuya doesn't recognize where he is until he saw something from the corner of his eye. It was the bracelet Lyn made for him. That's right he's in the Mist Kingdom, he isn't in the Sound Kingdom. He isn't in that place. Kazuya sighed and placed a hand on his forehead. Feeling the wet patch, he tossed his blanket and picked up a towel from the side and wiped his face.
Maybe he should get changed too. He probably sweated a lot. Kazuya walked over to his drawers and saw the set of clothes Lyn got him.
'Um, it's just a small present.'
A small present, this many clothing? Because he wanted to travel light, he didn't think to bring many clothes with him. On his way here, he saw the state of some of the villages and ended up giving what little possession he brought away. Then again, it's not like he had many 'possessions' to begin with. After getting dressed, he exited his room and walked out onto the ledge.
A full moon hung on the sky, glowing brightly and surrounded by a sea of stars. Lyn didn't have to get him clothes or anything for that matter. It's not like she has that much money to spend. Kazuya knew from the amounts of times he went to the market with her, how limited her pocket money is. Maybe they do that to restrict her from leaving too much. She only ever has money for one or two outings. She never has a lot for a few days let alone a week or so.
While he doesn't have many possessions, Kazuya has a lot of money.
No, he didn't get them from the Sound Kingdom elders - but instead he earned most of it from the side jobs he does. Since he isn't the type of person who spent a lot of money, he has a lot saved up.
He wondered if Lyn is already asleep.
A whole week had passed since he proposed this fake relationship thing. At first, it was awkward for both of them. They knew they couldn't just act like they were before. They had to make the act look real; otherwise, the guy from the Stone Kingdom wouldn't believe it. Just like he thought, that guy wanted to ensure the relationship is real and has been hovering around like a fly. The reason they got past the awkwardness, it was because of something Rhys, and the girl's aide said.
'Don't you two already act like a couple, anyway?'
Do they?
Kazuya never realized. But after they said those words, he saw it. So the two of them returned to normal, and that made John back away even more. It's hard to believe that guy would give up with just that alone though. He has to keep this up until that man leaves, and until Lyn's fiance gets a grip. Honestly, Kazuya didn't think much of the man named Allen. He's your typical average, and the boring elite who sticks to the traditions wears a fake smile. Despite this, Kazuya knew how much Allen cared about Lyn. That guy hides it very well, but he isn't stupid.
It's an engagement with feelings of love. Kazuya never asked Lyn, but he wondered how the girl felt towards her fiance. That time he watched them, there seemed to be a comfortable atmosphere. From the words exchanged Kazuya knew that nothing happened between them. That it was only recently that there was development.
A deep voice interrupted his thoughts, "Getting nightmares again, huh?"
Kazuya looked at the direction of the voice and found Rhys. Rhys is a noble in the Sound Kingdom, the third Son of his family and yet treated as the heir. The two of them held a strange bond and friendship. Though they don't show it, the two of them are quite close. Well, men usually don't openly display their harmony with each other.
"It's been happening a lot recently."
He has nightmares, nightmares of the past. So vivid and yet so evident in his mind. Though there are gaps in his memory, unlike Lyn he isn't missing that much. The first time he had these nightmares, Rhys was with him. Thank god he wasn't alone, Kazuya still remembered how bad he felt, the panic attack that followed after the nightmare. The feeling of not being able to breathe.
In the past these nightmares haunted him like the plague; in the present, they are the reason for his self-loathing. If only he didn't hide his ability from his family. If only he used his power, then that incidence would not
"You have to get over it. Well, I guess that's putting it too bluntly. By getting over it I mean you have to learn to overcome it — your strong Kazuya, truly strong. But if people found out you had this weakness. What do you think will happen to you if you don't?" Rhys asked.
Despite how bluntly he said it, Kazuya understood how serious Rhys was. Rhys makes a point there. As the 'strongest person' in the Sound Kingdom, Kazuya already made a lot of enemies there let alone here in the Mist Kingdom. While the hate he receives here is more on a general scale rather than personal, he is still hated. It's still a group of people with a grudge that could potentially endanger his life.
Before Kazuya could say anymore, he hears knocking. He turned back to the room and noticed the sound came from the other door. Kazuya frowned, it's late. Who could it be?
"It's your girlfriend, not an enemy."
Huh? Kazuya was about to retort back at Rhys when he hears a soft voice at the door.
"Kazuya?"
Kazuya blinked, it really is her. He didn't bother with Rhys anymore and made his way over to the door.
When he opened it, there stood Lyn with a pillow under her arm.
"Lyn," Kazuya said surprised.
Lyn looked shyly down, "Um, I'm sorry for disturbing you. I was thinking could I sleep together with you?"
Kazuya froze in shock for a moment, before he ran his hand through his hair. Right, this girl is still naive about that aspect. Or rather she probably realizes by now that he won't do anything. For her, sleeping beside somebody probably acts as a form of comfort and safety.
Kazuya ushered her inside and closed the door.
"Um?"
"Lay down, let me get some extra blankets."
Lyn beamed happily, "Okay."
He scanned the area where Rhys sat moments ago and noticed that he had left. A wise move he supposes. Kazuya fetched some extra blankets and frowned. He placed his hand on top of them and used his powers to get rid of the crease markings, tatters until it looked presentable. He brought it to his face; the smell seems okay.
A deep sigh passed his lips once he realized what he was doing. Quit acting like an idiot. Kazuya returned to the girl on the bed.
She looked beautiful in her night gear. The knowledge that she wore the clothes she gave him made his lips curve to a smile. The set of night gear used pale colors not bright ones, yet they were not dull or boring like the clothes she used to wear. Kazuya made his way over and joined her on the bed.
"Ah, Kazuya!"
"Mmm, you're so chirper. Were you really sleeping?"
"Ah, um.." Lyn looked away.
Kazuya frowned, she wasn't sleeping? But it's 2:00 am. Maybe she was training again? Since Rhys trained her. Lyn has been working very hard.
He gently kissed her forehead, eyelids, and nose.
"Kazuya? Why do you keep doing that?"
"Nothing."
Lyn looked confused but then cheerfully snuggled up to him, "Ah it's warm."
"Were you cold?"
The girl in his arms nodded, and he wrapped his arms around her protectively, "Kazuya, you weren't sleeping?"
"I just woke up. I was talking to Rhys for a bit."
At that comment, he watched as the girl turned red and he frowned, "What did he do now?"
"Kazuya, can you tell Rhys to respect my personal space? I don't like it when he gets too close, and I've already brought out my knife so many times. But he still does it."
Now that she mentioned it, Kazuya realized his friend had more cuts on his face than usual. He burst into laughter.
"Kazuya?"
Kazuya smiled, "Good girl Lyn, your learning."
Her eyes light up as she raised her hands and did a victory pose. She's cute. Honestly, this fake relationship thing isn't as bad as Kazuya thought. Though his mission was to seduce her, Kazuya knew that he could no longer do it. Rather than seduce, he wants to win Lyn over to their side in a genuine manner not fake. He knew with the present situation; he wouldn't be able to harm her even if he wanted to.
"The month is coming to an end."
"Ah-huh, and Allen is officially supposed to come tomorrow. Eldest Brother said Mother is making the official banquet arrangements."
"Are you going?"
Lyn shook her head, "No. But I do have to make a few appearances, covering my face with a veil."
Kazuya didn't like the sound of that; it felt too risky. But Lyn is still formally Prince Allen's fiance. Even with her hidden existence, she has to make a few appearances. He wonders how they explain her identity to the public though.
"Can I come?"
"You'll go?" Lyn seemed very happy, "Un, please do. I think I'll be able to do well in my performance."
"Performance?"
"I have to play the koto and sing; it's a strange Mist Kingdom tradition for the upcoming festival."
Festival, now that she mentioned it. An event like that is coming up. But this time around there are no orders from the people back home. It seemed like he can enjoy himself.
"When you get the chance, sneak out."
The thought pleased her since she hugged him even more. To other people, this may be strange, fake relationship and their ages. Honestly, he's the rational one between the two and should talk to her about this. However, it's not like them being like this harms anybody.
Lyn felt safe with him.
And he felt safe with her.
That's all that matters.
Year 4014 Mist Kingdom - A week later -Kazuya's eyes shot open, and he rose from his bed. His whole face pale and drenched in sweat, as vivid and yet clear images of the past appeared in his head. He panted heavily as he recalled the sight of his dead siblings, his dead Mother - and that man. The man who caused it all.For a second, Kazuya doesn't recognize where he is until he saw something from the corner of his eye. It was the bracelet Lyn made for him. That's right he's in the Mist Kingdom, he isn't in the Sound Kingdom. He isn't in that place. Kazuya sighed and placed a hand on his forehead. Feeling the wet patch, he tossed his blanket and picked up a towel from the side and wiped his face.Maybe he should get changed too. He probably sweated a lot. Kazuya walked over to his drawers and saw the set of clothes Lyn got him.'Um, it's just a small present.'A small present, this many clothing? Because he wanted to travel light, he didn't think to bring many clothes with him. On his way here, he saw the state of some of the villages and ended up giving what little possession he brought away. Then again, it's not like he had many 'possessions' to begin with. After getting dressed, he exited his room and walked out onto the ledge.A full moon hung on the sky, glowing brightly and surrounded by a sea of stars. Lyn didn't have to get him clothes or anything for that matter. It's not like she has that much money to spend. Kazuya knew from the amounts of times he went to the market with her, how limited her pocket money is. Maybe they do that to restrict her from leaving too much. She only ever has money for one or two outings. She never has a lot for a few days let alone a week or so.While he doesn't have many possessions, Kazuya has a lot of money.No, he didn't get them from the Sound Kingdom elders - but instead he earned most of it from the side jobs he does. Since he isn't the type of person who spent a lot of money, he has a lot saved up.He wondered if Lyn is already asleep.A whole week had passed since he proposed this fake relationship thing. At first, it was awkward for both of them. They knew they couldn't just act like they were before. They had to make the act look real; otherwise, the guy from the Stone Kingdom wouldn't believe it. Just like he thought, that guy wanted to ensure the relationship is real and has been hovering around like a fly. The reason they got past the awkwardness, it was because of something Rhys, and the girl's aide said.'Don't you two already act like a couple, anyway?'Do they?Kazuya never realized. But after they said those words, he saw it. So the two of them returned to normal, and that made John back away even more. It's hard to believe that guy would give up with just that alone though. He has to keep this up until that man leaves, and until Lyn's fiance gets a grip. Honestly, Kazuya didn't think much of the man named Allen. He's your typical average, and the boring elite who sticks to the traditions wears a fake smile. Despite this, Kazuya knew how much Allen cared about Lyn. That guy hides it very well, but he isn't stupid.It's an engagement with feelings of love. Kazuya never asked Lyn, but he wondered how the girl felt towards her fiance. That time he watched them, there seemed to be a comfortable atmosphere. From the words exchanged Kazuya knew that nothing happened between them. That it was only recently that there was development.A deep voice interrupted his thoughts, "Getting nightmares again, huh?"Kazuya looked at the direction of the voice and found Rhys. Rhys is a noble in the Sound Kingdom, the third Son of his family and yet treated as the heir. The two of them held a strange bond and friendship. Though they don't show it, the two of them are quite close. Well, men usually don't openly display their harmony with each other."It's been happening a lot recently."He has nightmares, nightmares of the past. So vivid and yet so evident in his mind. Though there are gaps in his memory, unlike Lyn he isn't missing that much. The first time he had these nightmares, Rhys was with him. Thank god he wasn't alone, Kazuya still remembered how bad he felt, the panic attack that followed after the nightmare. The feeling of not being able to breathe.In the past these nightmares haunted him like the plague; in the present, they are the reason for his self-loathing. If only he didn't hide his ability from his family. If only he used his power, then that incidence would not"You have to get over it. Well, I guess that's putting it too bluntly. By getting over it I mean you have to learn to overcome it your strong Kazuya, truly strong. But if people found out you had this weakness. What do you think will happen to you if you don't?" Rhys asked.Despite how bluntly he said it, Kazuya understood how serious Rhys was. Rhys makes a point there. As the 'strongest person' in the Sound Kingdom, Kazuya already made a lot of enemies there let alone here in the Mist Kingdom. While the hate he receives here is more on a general scale rather than personal, he is still hated. It's still a group of people with a grudge that could potentially endanger his life.Before Kazuya could say anymore, he hears knocking. He turned back to the room and noticed the sound came from the other door. Kazuya frowned, it's late. Who could it be?"It's your girlfriend, not an enemy."Huh? Kazuya was about to retort back at Rhys when he hears a soft voice at the door."Kazuya?"Kazuya blinked, it really is her. He didn't bother with Rhys anymore and made his way over to the door.When he opened it, there stood Lyn with a pillow under her arm."Lyn," Kazuya said surprised.Lyn looked shyly down, "Um, I'm sorry for disturbing you. I was thinking could I sleep together with you?"Kazuya froze in shock for a moment, before he ran his hand through his hair. Right, this girl is still naive about that aspect. Or rather she probably realizes by now that he won't do anything. For her, sleeping beside somebody probably acts as a form of comfort and safety.Kazuya ushered her inside and closed the door."Um?""Lay down, let me get some extra blankets."Lyn beamed happily, "Okay."He scanned the area where Rhys sat moments ago and noticed that he had left. A wise move he supposes. Kazuya fetched some extra blankets and frowned. He placed his hand on top of them and used his powers to get rid of the crease markings, tatters until it looked presentable. He brought it to his face; the smell seems okay.A deep sigh passed his lips once he realized what he was doing. Quit acting like an idiot. Kazuya returned to the girl on the bed.She looked beautiful in her night gear. The knowledge that she wore the clothes she gave him made his lips curve to a smile. The set of night gear used pale colors not bright ones, yet they were not dull or boring like the clothes she used to wear. Kazuya made his way over and joined her on the bed."Ah, Kazuya!""Mmm, you're so chirper. Were you really sleeping?""Ah, um.." Lyn looked away.Kazuya frowned, she wasn't sleeping? But it's 2:00 am. Maybe she was training again? Since Rhys trained her. Lyn has been working very hard.He gently kissed her forehead, eyelids, and nose."Kazuya? Why do you keep doing that?""Nothing."Lyn looked confused but then cheerfully snuggled up to him, "Ah it's warm.""Were you cold?"The girl in his arms nodded, and he wrapped his arms around her protectively, "Kazuya, you weren't sleeping?""I just woke up. I was talking to Rhys for a bit."At that comment, he watched as the girl turned red and he frowned, "What did he do now?""Kazuya, can you tell Rhys to respect my personal space? I don't like it when he gets too close, and I've already brought out my knife so many times. But he still does it."Now that she mentioned it, Kazuya realized his friend had more cuts on his face than usual. He burst into laughter."Kazuya?"Kazuya smiled, "Good girl Lyn, your learning."Her eyes light up as she raised her hands and did a victory pose. She's cute. Honestly, this fake relationship thing isn't as bad as Kazuya thought. Though his mission was to seduce her, Kazuya knew that he could no longer do it. Rather than seduce, he wants to win Lyn over to their side in a genuine manner not fake. He knew with the present situation; he wouldn't be able to harm her even if he wanted to."The month is coming to an end.""Ah-huh, and Allen is officially supposed to come tomorrow. Eldest Brother said Mother is making the official banquet arrangements.""Are you going?"Lyn shook her head, "No. But I do have to make a few appearances, covering my face with a veil."Kazuya didn't like the sound of that; it felt too risky. But Lyn is still formally Prince Allen's fiance. Even with her hidden existence, she has to make a few appearances. He wonders how they explain her identity to the public though."Can I come?""You'll go?" Lyn seemed very happy, "Un, please do. I think I'll be able to do well in my performance.""Performance?""I have to play the koto and sing; it's a strange Mist Kingdom tradition for the upcoming festival."Festival, now that she mentioned it. An event like that is coming up. But this time around there are no orders from the people back home. It seemed like he can enjoy himself."When you get the chance, sneak out."The thought pleased her since she hugged him even more. To other people, this may be strange, fake relationship and their ages. Honestly, he's the rational one between the two and should talk to her about this. However, it's not like them being like this harms anybody.Lyn felt safe with him.And he felt safe with her.That's all that matters.
