Chapter 62

“I understand what you’re worried about, but as long as you’re covered in the Crown Prince’s scent, I won’t lose control. So there’s no need to be so cautious around me.”

“That’s a relief. Please go ahead, Marquis. I’ll leave a little later.”

“…Alright. I apologize if I startled you. Then, have a good evening.”

“May Asteria’s peace be with you.”

Bianca gave him a polite farewell and stepped aside, pressing herself against the wall. The Marquis slowly walked away.

She only started toward the Crown Prince’s palace after he had completely disappeared from view.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

Dexter looked at Eliaden, who was sitting and eating her meal as if nothing had happened. The fact that she showed up here after everything she’d been through was honestly remarkable.

“So, my lady, you’re joining the rift expedition again?”

“Yes, of course. How could I sit out? I have to be ready to guide His Highness the Crown Prince whenever he needs me, so I must be ready at all times.”

The way she kept insisting on guiding him, even after seeing his personal Guide was already chosen, gave Dexter the creeps.

‘We hadn’t gone through imprinting or any matching tests, but Lady Eliaden’s obsession with me is beyond imagination. If only Bianca were even half as fixated on me as she was.’

If it were Bianca, he wouldn’t mind if she were even more obsessed than this. He’d actually welcome it.

‘If that’s what real feelings look like without the influence of imprinting, it’s almost frightening.’

Dexter took a long drink of water and set down his fork and knife. He wiped his mouth with his napkin before glancing at his watch.

Time crawled unbearably slow.

He was worried about Bianca, who had gone back to the palace alone. When she first returned, he was filled with anger and resentment, but the more time he spent with her, the more those feelings faded away. Instead, his feelings for her only grew stronger.

“Oh, right. I heard from my brother. He said there was some trouble not too long ago… It’s a little embarrassing to mention, but did everything get resolved?”

Her intent was transparent.

“You seem rather hopeful it wasn’t.”

“I was merely concerned… I heard that recently, among all those in the palace, only Lady Astri’s maids were dismissed.”

“Dexter, what’s the meaning of this?”

“There’s no reason to keep anyone around who breaks the rules. So I handled it myself.”

“How odd. It seems many incidents have occurred since Lady Astri came to the palace.”

“That’s why people always say you need to pick the right people. I already have enough on my mind. It hasn’t even been that long, and there have already been two incidents, so of course, I’m worried about what’s ahead.”

“I’ve noticed Her Majesty the Empress seems a lot more worried lately. I brought some tea leaves that are supposed to help with headaches. Should I ask a maid to bring them in?”

“Your thoughtfulness alone eases my headache, Lady Eliaden. So, is there any problem with Lady Astri?”

“You’re awfully interested, my lady.”

“I’ve always taken great interest in matters concerning His Highness the Crown Prince. Surely you knew?”

“I know it all too well, it’s almost creepy. There’s nothing wrong with Lady Astri, so you don’t need to worry. If you’re that curious, I can set up a meeting, though my scent would be reeking off her. Will you be okay with that

Eliaden smiled, the corners of her lips curling upward.

“It doesn’t bother me. She’s only the Your Highness’s Guide, not your companion. I’m generous enough to tolerate that much. Anyone who is going to become Crown Princess must possess broad magnanimity, after all.”

“Lady Eliaden. The guiding won’t last much longer, so don’t worry. Once the Crown Prince’s condition improves, that position too shall be yours.”

“You’re tougher than I thought, my lady. If it were me, I wouldn’t want that position even if it were handed to me. It seems you truly desire the position of Crown Princess. I didn’t realize you were this ambitious.”

“…There’s no way Your Highness could ever love Lady Astri. So it’s alright.”

Dexter let out a dry chuckle at her words.

“And why do you think that?”

“When you look at Lady Astrie, there’s no affection in your eyes. All I see is a desire to possess her for guiding, nothing else.”

Unfortunately, Lady Eliaden was mistaken. Dexter did have a desire to possess her, but beneath that lay an affection so deep that no one else could even begin to fathom it.