Chapter 65

Bianca furrowed her brow at the massive chasm yawning before her. This was far too grave to be classified as a mere B-class incident. She glanced over at Dexter and saw that he, too, appeared caught off guard.

“We’ll need to get things under control first.”

“Your Highness the Crown Prince!”

Just then, Team Two arrived on the scene. Taking in the situation at a glance, they moved swiftly into action.

“Lady Astri, pull yourself together.”

He called out to Bianca, who had been staring dazedly at the hole in the ground. Only then did she turn her head and approach him.

“We’re likely to need a lot of strength from here on out, so stay close to me.”

Truthfully, he didn’t need this much guiding, but he wanted her by his side. He didn’t want her attention wandering to anyone else.

Team Two, who had arrived with Dexter, immediately set about bringing order to the chaos. Though only a short time had passed, the area, which had been a complete mess, was already beginning to take shape.

Even as she stayed at his side, her eyes kept roaming, never ceasing to scan their surroundings. Every time she caught sight of an Esper struggling, she couldn’t help but flinch, her nerves on edge. In the end, although he didn’t need guiding, he grabbed her hand and called out.

“Lady Astri.”

At the sound of his voice, Bianca instinctively began guiding him.

“Haa.”

A cool, refreshing sensation bloomed within her body. At the same time, energy spread from her hands, making it easier for her to channel her abilities. With her support, Dexter was able to effortlessly restore the strength and composure of everyone around them.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

“That’s enough, move quickly. What about the survivors?”

“We’re still searching. The ground collapsed, leaving a massive hole, and it’s made the rescue efforts difficult.”

“Do whatever it takes to save those who are still alive. Has the rift been contained?”

“Yes, Team Two took care of it right away.”

“We apologize, Your Highness. When I first received the report, the incident was rated as low-risk, so I made an error in judgment.”

The leader of Team Two bowed his head. Had they arrived just a bit sooner, the devastation might not have been so severe. Knowing this, Dexter’s expression remained grim.

“I’m honestly curious, what were you all doing that it took you this long to arrive? A misjudgment in the risk assessment, you say? What exactly were you doing when you made that call?”

At the reproach in his voice, everyone bowed their heads.

“It’s just… It seems the rating changed because a similar rift appeared nearby. It was determined to be D-class, so we were only keeping watch…”

Nonetheless, the team leader’s words amounted to little more than an excuse. The real issue was that Team Three had been dispatched to handle what turned out to be a B-class rift.

“Your Highness, may I have a word?”

Alec, who had been investigating the area, approached cautiously. His face, already clouded with concern, grew even darker.

That only made Dexter feel more uneasy.

“Speak.”

Alec glanced at Bianca, hesitating. That struck him as strange. Why would Alec, of all people, look to anyone other than the Crown Prince himself for permission?

Dexter cast a sidelong glance at her before signaling to Alec.

“Is it something important?”

“It may be important to someone.”

Even without saying more, he had a sense of exactly who he meant. Releasing Bianca’s hand, Dexter prepared to step aside with Alec.

“You can speak here. I don’t mind.”

“I’m sorry, Lady Astri. What I have to say is for His Highness the Crown Prince. I ask for your understanding.”

“Lady Astri, would you mind giving us a moment?”

“Is this something I’m not allowed to hear?”

“Even if you did, you might not understand and it’s a matter of protocol. Didn’t you say you had no desire to be tied to the imperial family?”

“Ah…”

Only then did Bianca step back. Dexter walked a short distance away with Alec, putting some space between themselves and her.

“What’s so important that you were watching Lady Astri’s reaction?”

“I think you should see this.”

The team leader handed him a name badge. Although it was caked with dirt, the emblem of Team Four could still be made out.

“Does this mean Team Four was here?”

“Yes… It seems they requested backup due to a shortage of Guides. And here—”

Alec brushed the dirt from the badge with his hand, revealing a familiar name. Dexter gripped the badge tightly, letting out a heavy sigh.

“Do the others know?”

“Not yet.”

He turned to look at Bianca. Her blue eyes, which had been calmly taking in the situation, finally met his.

Dexter, caught in her gaze, found himself looking away without even realizing it.