After I Died, He Died After Me Too - Chapter 13

Chapter 7.1

Count Astri, who had been summoned by the imperial family, stood anxiously in front of the door.

‘What is happening all of a sudden?’

The banquet began, and Bianca suddenly disappeared. It was Asilian who had returned home and told the whole story.

…An awakening after reaching adulthood.

The Count felt a lump in his throat at the unexpected turn of events. He might be accused of treason at this rate. When the door opened as the gatekeeper announced his arrival, the Count swallowed his dry saliva and bowed his head in greeting.

“I greet His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Dexter diverted his gaze from Bianca upon the Count’s greeting. He, who was sitting with his back in his chair, rose and walked towards the Count.

It was rare to be invited into a room other than the drawing room.

“Count Astri. Can you guess why I have summoned you here?”

“…I apologize. I dared to think that it might be related to my daughter’s business.”

“You know well.”

As expected.

Count Astri closed his eyes tightly. He dropped straight to his knees and tried to plead his innocence. Neither Bianca nor the Astri family had any intention of deceiving the imperial family.

“Your Highness! We didn’t intend to deceive the imperial family. It happened suddenly.”

“I suppose so. Lady Astri said the same.”

“…Yes?”

As the Count raised his head with a bewildered expression at his words, Dexter grabbed his arm and lifted him up, gesturing towards the bed.

“Your daughter is currently lying in my bed.”

“W-What is…”

“She’s suffering from an awakening fever and pleaded for help, so I couldn’t refuse.”

“By any chance…”

The Count’s ears pricked with suspicion.

Could it mean he had imprinted Bianca already? Even though he knew that he was looking for a Guide, Bianca was just a Guide who had just awakened. Moreover, the Astri family had never produced a high-ranking Guide. Wasn’t what the imperial family sought a high-ranking Guide who hadn’t been touched by anyone else?

In that moment, the Count felt as though he had been struck in the head.

Just because they hadn’t produced one so far didn’t guarantee they wouldn’t in the future. If the Crown Prince had summoned him while Bianca lay on his bed…

“You catch on quickly.”

Dexter smirked and nodded to the Count.

“Count, I hope you wouldn’t think of refusing. I don’t show mercy to those who take what’s mine.”

There would be no family that could refuse the Crown Prince’s command. Count Astri closed his eyes briefly before responding.

“As you wish.”

“The Count’s decision will bring good things to the Astri family. Don’t worry, I’ll inquire about Lady Astri’s wishes.”

Whether she had a choice in the matter was uncertain.

Dexter smiled satisfactorily, like a satisfied lion.

…A Guide that existed only for him, for him alone. He had no intention of sharing her with anyone else. Unlike her, he was a very possessive person.

“No one will meet Bianca without my permission.”

“…Understood.”

As Dexter’s red eyes glowed, the Count felt a lump in his throat at that gaze.

‘…This is quite a predicament.’

He hadn’t expected Bianca to catch his eye. He had never been interested in women until now, so there were even rumors suggesting he might lean the other way. However, Dexter had never been involved in any scandal. There were many marriage talks, but none of them came to fruition.

But it was curiosity that drew him towards Bianca.

“It’d be a good idea if the Count returned to your estate now. I’ll be busy starting tomorrow. If you stay here, it’ll only attract bothersome people.”

He hated that.

“I’d prefer if the Astri family refrained from responding until there’s an official announcement from the imperial family.”

The Count had no choice but to nod helplessly.

“Then, please forgive me for leaving first.”

“Of course.”

Dexter watched the Count’s retreating figure as he rode his carriage back to the mansion from the terrace.

“Your Highness.”

“Lancelot.”

“Are you really planning on having a Guide?”

“Yes. The moment I’ve been waiting for has finally arrived.”

A lot of things happened before he announced that he would select a Guide at this banquet. Despite opposition from the imperial court, he didn’t back down. He wanted to search throughout the entire Asteria Empire to find her. It was because, just as he had come back to life, he believed she would, too.

And he confirmed today that his thoughts weren’t wrong.

There were limitations as it only received radial guiding without contact, and he needed a Guide with a high matching rate.

“Didn’t you have a high matching rate with Lady Sophia?”

“That’s right, but I need a Guide that’s just for me. Someone who hasn’t been in contact with anyone else.”

In fact, there was only one person he wanted. He had bought some time, but that was only until this year.

Five years after reaching adulthood.

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