Chapter 59

Dexter caught the fleeting impulse flashing in her eyes. A strong desire for imprinting was clearly tempting her.

He treated her gently. As long as she wasn’t planning to run away, he was willing to show her as much kindness as he wished.

‘She won’t give in that easily.’

Bianca wasn’t foolish.

Even now, after everything had ended, she retreated to the edge of the bathtub, trying to steady her quickened breath. She still kept her distance. Even though her body was heated by the pheromones, she clearly had no intention of going all the way.

They hadn’t actually had s*x, but to anyone listening, it wouldn’t have sounded much different. They continued their secret physical contact, blaming it on awakening fever and unintended pheromones, and he’d marked every part of her body with his scent.

He took Bianca’s hand, drawing her into his embrace. Water sloshed and spilled over the edge again.

“I can’t do any more.”

“I know.”

“Then why…”

Dexter didn’t answer. He just buried his nose in the nape of her neck and breathed in.

‘This should keep things stable for a while.’

He realized he’d have to make it official soon that Bianca was now his exclusive Guide. If she had fallen into the hands of truly hopeless ruffians, they wouldn’t have cared about the consequences and would’ve hurt her without a second thought.

“I won’t ask for more, just guide me once a day. It’s for your own safety as well.”

“…Alright.”

“How have you been feeling lately?”

“I’m fine. I think I’ve adjusted a lot since the beginning… The medicine helps calm things down quickly. And honestly, since I have to guide Your Highness before it gets too painful, I’m able to endure it.”

“That’s good to hear. If I ever forced you into contact against your will, I’m sorry.”

Bianca nodded. He expected her to resist or try to pull away, but she simply stayed in his arms. Even so close together, her body still felt cool to the touch.

Maybe he was the only one burning up like this.

“Has there ever been someone memorable in your life?”

“…Memorable?”

Bianca lowered her gaze, lost in thought. He told himself not to hope, but part of him still wondered if she might remember him.

“I’m not sure. I don’t think there’s anyone like that.”

“They say when people guide together, they start to develop feelings, even get possessive of each other. Apparently, the higher the compatibility rate, the stronger those feelings become. Do you feel the same?”

“…I don’t really know. If it’s just pheromones and not genuine feelings, I think it would only bring unhappiness. After all, when it’s over, reality will still be there.”

“What if it doesn’t make you unhappy? What if you really come to share feelings for each other?”

“What if you fall for someone, but end up imprinting with someone else instead? And then, if something happens and that imprint is broken and you’re left alone… wouldn’t that be even sadder?”

Her blue eyes trembled with emotion.

Dexter looked into her eyes, let out a deep sigh, and softly stroked her back.

“Imprinting isn’t something you should take lightly.”

He couldn’t help but wonder why she was so resistant to the idea of imprinting. There had to be a reason for all her caution.

“…Lady Astri?”

He glanced at Bianca, who hadn’t spoken a word and was nestled against him. She must have been exhausted since she had already drifted off to sleep, breathing softly in his arms.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

Bianca drifted in and out of sleep. Maybe it was because she had been guiding for such a long time, but fatigue kept washing over her.

Time slipped by, and she barely noticed the day passing.

The next day began like any other. The new maids didn’t treat her with suspicion or seem to think she was a Guide.

But the real issue lay elsewhere.

The Empress kept inviting Dexter and her for tea. Usually, they simply sat in silence and drank, but today, something about the mood felt different.

‘Is she planning to say something this time?’

She glanced at the Empress’s expression as she sipped her tea. She wished this moment would end quickly, but not even five minutes had passed.

“Dexter, did you hear? Lady Eliaden is joining the rift expedition again.”

‘…The rift?’

She kept her head down, eyes lowered, listening carefully so she wouldn’t miss a word from the Empress.

“Lady Eliaden doesn’t even do physical guiding, so she wouldn’t be of any help, yet she never misses a chance to join in.”

Dexter replied with a mocking tone. He tapped the edge of his teacup and glanced at his watch. It was obvious he wanted to leave as soon as possible.

“Dexter, I hope you’re not saying that because you don’t realize how much Lady Eliaden’s presence boosts morale?”

“Raising morale isn’t the lady’s job.”