Chapter 68

“Everyone, withdraw for now. I’ll handle the rest.”

“Understood. In that case, I’ll rejoin Team One since they’re dealing with another rift.”

Dexter nodded. He called Alec over and gestured toward Bianca. She remained in that state, and it bothered him so much that he couldn’t bear to stay by her side. He’d thought that seeing her like this would bring him some relief, but it seemed that wasn’t the case at all.

Annoyance welled up inside him, yet at the same time, a spiteful urge kept bubbling to the surface. He felt that if he kept her by his side any longer, he might be tempted to do something cruel.

“Lady Bianca. Won’t you return with us?”

He watched as the others began to climb into the carriage, one by one. Left alone, he could finish things quickly enough. And if luck was on his side, he might even find Asilian.

‘It’s better she doesn’t see for herself, since I have no idea what might have become of him.’

Whether it was from a rampage or at the hands of a creature, the body would hardly be intact. As it was, she could barely keep herself together. If she were to see Asilian in such a state, she would be swept away by sorrow beyond all reckoning.

‘Isn’t that what I wanted?’

Now, he found himself confused. He’d thought he was doing all this to get what he wanted. And yet, to be thrown into such thoughts over something so trivia… wasn’t that a sign of weakness?

He gazed languidly toward the rift.

It felt as though he were staring into an abyss where nothing could be seen. He wouldn’t have been surprised if something were to leap out from its depths, but from the swirling energies, it was clear that something was indeed lurking there.

“You’re all in the way, so move aside. Must I look after every single one of you as well?”

“My apologies. We’ll move quickly. Lady Bianca, this way, if you please.”

“…I think I’ll stay here. I don’t wish to leave His Highness the Crown Prince alone.”

“That’s enough.”

Any further guiding would have been too much for her. She had already expended so much energy adjusting the condition of everyone here, and it must have taken quite a toll on Bianca’s body as well.

“But…!”

“Lady Astri. Must I spell it out for you that your presence here is only getting in the way?”

Her eyes wavered violently once more. Was it only when sharp words left his lips that she was moved to act?

“Even so, I still wish to remain here.”

“It seems you’re misunderstanding. Asilian isn’t the only one here with family. Do you think none of those present have suffered the loss of loved ones?”

“….”

Only then did she seem to come to her senses, turning her head to look at those already seated in the carriage. Because she refused to leave, everyone else remained as well, unable to depart, their eyes fixed on her.

“Because of you, no one is leaving. Is it really just for the sake of guiding?”

Dexter approached her. He pulled Bianca, who stood motionless, to her feet by the arm before wrapping his arm around her waist and pressing his lips to hers.

“Mmph!”

He forced open her tightly closed lips. His tongue drew hers in, greedily sucking as if he meant to pull it out by the root, while she pushed at his chest, struggling to break free.

Neither of them closed their eyes, they gazed straight at each other.

Tears welled up in her blue eyes, spilling down her cheeks, like ripples spreading across the surface of a once-still lake. The only times she ever showed such intense reactions to him were moments like this, when he planted shame and humiliation in her. Only then did she seem truly alive in his presence.

“Gh—”

A metallic tang spread through her mouth. Desperate to break free, she bit down hard, as if she meant to sever his tongue, but he didn’t relent. Instead, Dexter gripped her waist even more tightly, seized her chin, and forced her mouth open. Their tongues tangled, making a wet, sordid sound.

The eyes of those nearby fixed on the two of them, but soon enough, everyone turned their gaze to the ground.

“Ah.”

Once again, she bit down hard on his lips. Now, at last, a glimmer of life sparked in her eyes. Only then did Dexter release her, wiping the blood from his lips with his thumb.

“Haa, ngh…”

Watching her gasp for breath, tears streaming down her face, only made his irritation grow.

“Be honest with yourself, or else act selfishly. Ah, but is it easier on your conscience to pretend you’re doing everything for others?”

He couldn’t help but laugh as he saw the humiliation burning in her eyes.

“No, that’s not it. Your specialty is pretending to be selfless, all the while acting out of self-interest.”

“What… do you think you’re doing?”

“Why? You insisted on giving guiding. You begged to be of help, so I merely obliged you. If you insist on staying, I can always continue.”