Chapter 63

“Possessiveness is rooted in affection. Don’t you even know that much?”

“I… beg your pardon?”

“Well, it hardly matters what you think. If deluding yourself brings you comfort, cling to that notion as long as you wish.”

Dexter glanced at his watch.

This should suffice for courtesy. Just as he was about to stand, there came a knock at the door. Then, moments later, the Knight Commander appeared. While the Empress’s expression twisted even further, Dexter gave the knight a small gesture, inviting him in.

“Your Majesty, forgive me for disturbing your meal, but the matter is urgent.”

“What is it?”

“It’s… concerning His Highness the Crown Prince. If I may—”

“Speak.”

Commander Alec leaned in to whisper in Dexter’s ear.

“You must depart at once. The unstable rift has ruptured, and the Imperial Third Team has already set out ahead of you.”

“The Third Team? Why them, and not the First or Second?”

Dexter rose from his seat at once. The Third Team was primarily made up of the lower classes within the Imperial detachment.

“What’s the rift’s class?”

“…It’s a B-class.”

“Damn it!”

Dexter immediately told Alec to lead the way.

“Mother, there’s been a rift breach. I’m afraid I must take my leave immediately.”

“If it’s a rift, I’ll accompany you!”

“…Unless you truly intend to perform proper guiding, I think it’s best you stay behind. This isn’t child’s play.”

“But—!”

“My lady. Will you be personally guiding those in need?”

“I…”

“There’s no need to discuss it further. Please, enjoy your meal.”

Without another word, he left the Empress’s quarters with Alec. He barely had time to put on his uniform properly before hurrying to the carriage.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m Your Highness’s Guide.”

He was caught off guard to see Bianca at the open carriage door. It was only a B-class rift, and he had always gone alone, so he hadn’t expected anyone to accompany him.

“I heard it’s a B-class rift, and that the Imperial Third Team has already gone ahead. Shouldn’t we hurry?”

“That’s right.”

Dexter climbed into the carriage. Soon, the wheels began to turn beneath them. It felt strange, sitting across from each other like this after so long. Whenever a rift occurred, Bianca had always been the first to forge ahead, often using her power so instinctively she seemed to forget he was even there.

Even when guiding was needed, she would never reach out first. More often than not, he would end up taking her hand to guide her himself.

He still could hardly believe they were actually going somewhere together.

“What’s the situation with the rift?”

“It’s your first time, yet you seem oddly calm. Aren’t you afraid?”

“…Even if I were afraid, I couldn’t neglect my duty. I may not be officially attached to the Imperial family, but I’m still Your Highness’s Guide.”

“Your brother isn’t with the Third Team, is he?”

Bianca gave a small nod. Before boarding the carriage, Dexter turned to Alec and asked.

“Which team is Lady Astri’s brother assigned to?”
“He’s with the Fourth Team.”

The First, Second, and Third Teams belonged to the Imperial detachment, but the Fourth was a reserve unit, comprised entirely of Guides. The Third Team, usually summoned only when absolutely necessary, was mainly composed of lower classes, though occasionally a B-class or C-class might be included.

The Fourth Team, however, was exclusively Guides, and all of them were C-class or below.

So he felt relieved. Had Asilian been among them, Bianca wouldn’t have been able to remain so composed.

“Never take the lead.”

“I’m well aware that a Guide’s duty is to support the Espers from behind.”

“Good, see that you remember. No matter what happens, don’t step forward.”

“….”

“Answer me, Lady Astri.”

“Understood.”

Given her history as an Esper, he worried her instincts might take over and she would rush ahead regardless. After all, there was no telling what might happen once they arrived.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

“Guides! We need more Guides!”

The rift, said to be only B-class, was fiercer than anyone had expected. The creatures forcing their way through it were desperate to devour anyone in sight.

“Fall back! Where are the reinforcements? Damn it, what are the First and Second Teams even doing?”

“They’ve also found rifts in the capital, so it will take them some time to arrive.”

“Commander! His Highness the Crown Prince is on his way. Hold on just a little longer!”

“We’re reaching our limit. At this rate, we’ll lose everyone here.”