Chapter 67

“Have you calmed down now?”

“…Something still feels off. I don’t understand how the results could have changed just by adjusting the classification.”

No matter how she pieced it together, none of it made sense. The imperial family was nothing if not meticulous, so a mistake like this was unthinkable. Dexter didn’t seem to have any idea what was happening either, but accepting the situation wasn’t easy.

Bianca fixed her gaze on the man in front of her.

‘What if he’s the one who orchestrated all of this?’

It wasn’t as though such a possibility could be ruled out entirely. He’d tried to bind her to his side through a contract, and his possessiveness ran so deep that he couldn’t bear the thought of anyone else coming near her.

“Is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

He placed a hand on her forehead. Seeing the genuine concern in his eyes, Bianca realized she might have let her imagination run away with her.

She gently moved his hand aside and shook her head.

“I need to know if my brother is alive or dead. I have to tell our parents…”

“I’ve already sent word to the estate. You’ll be able to see him once we return to the estate. I think it would be best if you went back and got some rest first.”

“But isn’t it easier for Your Highness to use your abilities when I’m here? You said you needed guiding, so please make use of me as you wish.”

Earlier, she’d noticed him raising the spirits of everyone around them. Even the surrounding forest, which had been in disarray, had been restored to order. She couldn’t help but be astonished by the almost unbelievable nature of his abilities.

‘I never imagined his ability would be control.’

So that’s why the rift was subdued so quickly. It was obvious, even without needing to weigh the details, just how much of a difference his presence made. If only there had been someone with control when the creatures poured out, none of that devastation would’ve happened.

With Dexter here, maybe the Empire truly was safe now.

What if he had arrived sooner? Even if only Two Two had arrived instead of Three… perhaps there would have been no need for Team Four at all. Watching the people bustling about around her filled her with a strange feeling. She’d thought she would never witness such a scene again, yet now, faced with it once more, her heart was thrown into turmoil.

‘What happened after I died?’

She had never once considered it. The thought that something might have happened to her brother made her heart pound wildly in her chest. She hadn’t spared a thought for those she’d left behind.

‘Mikhail.’

Once again, his face came to mind.

She found it almost absurd, how in moments like this her thoughts always returned to him. Back then, and even now, what difference did it make, remembering him only after everything had happened? What could have become of him? Maybe if she searched, she might find some trace left behind. But she lacked the courage to do so.

‘Did he ever feel this way too?’

No, that couldn’t be. What connection had ever truly existed between them? Surely, she was letting her thoughts run away with her.

“Lady Astri.”

But what did it matter now? It was all in the past. Was this her punishment, then? If not, why else was she being made to endure such trials again?

Everything about the situation pulled her further into despair. How was she supposed to face her parents now? What expression should she wear? Should she smile, or should she weep? Everything was in ruins. Yet, even so, she had to hold herself together, because if she didn’t, she wouldn’t be able to endure it.

“Bianca Astri!”

“Ah…”

Lost in her thoughts, sinking as if into a marsh, she was suddenly pulled back to the surface by an unexpected voice.

“I’ve managed well enough without your guiding before. So even if you go back first, there’s no need to worry.”

“I’ll stay here until the end.”

She had no choice but to watch the situation unfold with her own eyes. Bianca clenched the name badge in her hand.

“Are you even capable of proper guiding right now?”

“I can do it.”

She had to. Otherwise, she feared she’d be cast out of this place.

“Then pull yourself together.”

She nodded.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

Though the situation around them had settled, there was no sign of Team Three or even Team Four. Dexter frowned as he watched Bianca, who stood staring blankly into the rift.

‘So this is how much family means to her.’

Would it have been different if I had been her family?

He ran his tongue over his dry lips, a bitter smile touching his face. In the past, no matter what he tried, he could never get what he wanted from her. Of that much, he was certain. Even if he were given another chance, she would never give him what he desired.

Even though he had wished to see her fall into despair, he hadn’t expected her to break so completely. Dexter gave Alec a brief nod.