After I Died, He Died After Me Too - Chapter 30

Chapter 15.2

“I’m glad you said that. To be honest, when I first arrived at the palace, I was curious to see who had caught the Crown Prince’s eye… Oh my, I hope you’re not upset? I just never expected it to be someone from the Astri family, so I hope you understand.”

Whether it was because she had said something unnecessary or because Bianca’s response had encouraged her, Elris started talking even more.

She already knew that Elris didn’t think much of her. It had been obvious in her words and actions, so it didn’t bother her much. No matter what Elris said, all she really wanted was to walk through the garden and clear her thoughts.

“People are talking a lot about you, Lady Bianca. I’m not the only one who came here as a maid. Most of the others are daughters from influential families, and whenever they get together, you become the topic of conversation.”

Elris didn’t seem to have any intention of softening her words. All those girls were likely on the list compiled by the imperial family. Among them, those with the highest compatibility would be considered candidates to replace Bianca after her one-year contract ended.

“Lady Sophia, in particular, was said to have fallen ill when she found out so many were summoned to the palace by the Emperor. It’s a shame, considering her matching rate was as high as 80%.”

“An 80% matching rate is quite high, isn’t it?”

“What good is it, though? Lady Sophia has already guided someone else. Fortunately, I haven’t done any guiding through contact yet.”

Elris explained without being asked. This made it clear that the people staying in the palace were high-ranking Guides who hadn’t yet made any physical contact guiding.

“I see.”

Bianca’s indifferent reply made Elris furrow her brow. She tugged at the corners of her lips and continued.

“But I’ve heard that Lady Eliaden, who holds a high rank, hasn’t done any physical contact guiding either. Everyone seems to think that if her matching rate is high, she might have a chance.”

“Is that so? That’s good news.”

It was good news for Bianca. If someone to take her place appeared, she could leave peacefully when her contract ended.

Elris’s face twisted further at the sight of Bianca’s relieved smile.

“…You seem quite at ease, Lady Bianca. Even though you’re not an official Guide, you have the Crown Prince’s favor. And from what I hear, no one even knows you’re staying here.”

But Bianca wasn’t at ease. From the moment she arrived at the palace, she had been through hell. The awakening fever that could trigger at any moment, Dexter’s attitude that made her feel miserable, and the unfamiliarity of palace life weighed heavily on her.

That, along with the unnecessary hostility directed toward her.

“So, what’s the secret to staying by the Crown Prince’s side? I heard you suddenly disappeared from the banquet hall. Did you perhaps try to seduce him with your body at that time?”

At Elris’s remark, which clearly crossed the line, Bianca’s steps came to a halt once again.

“Lady Elris.”

Bianca’s blue eyes turned cold.

Her voice, as she addressed Elris, was steady and calm, devoid of emotion. Yet even Elris, standing in front of her, could feel the shift in the air.

“I had high expectations, given your reputation in social circles, but I must say, I’m deeply disappointed.”

“…Excuse me?”

“Is this the kind of conversation you always have in high society? I had many illusions about it, but now I’m glad I never attended. I’ve heard rumors about secret affairs at banquets, but to think you’d suggest seducing someone with your body… I never imagined you’d have such a lowly thought.”

“Did you just call me lowly?”

Elris’s face flushed with shame, her voice rising in indignation.

“Lady Elris, I think you should be more careful with your words from now on. What you just said implies that the Crown Prince could be swayed by something as shallow as physical seduction. That’s a rather reckless thing to suggest, don’t you think?”

“I wasn’t talking about the Crown Prince, but about you, Lady Bianca…!”

All of a sudden, a low voice interrupted from behind.

“If it had been Lady Astri, she might’ve been able to seduce me with her body. Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem to have any interest in me.”

Bianca turned around to find Dexter standing there.

“…Y-Your Highness.”

Elris’s face turned pale in an instant. In the meanwhile, Bianca’s expression hardened as Dexter’s voice, laced with amusement, reached her ears.

“But it seems Lady Fair is confident she could seduce me with her body. Perhaps you should work on having a more objective view of yourself.”

At those words, Elris’s face flushed bright red, on the verge of exploding. Her eyes reddened, and tears began to well up, threatening to spill at any moment.

“I only accepted you as a maid because Count Fair was so confident. But to behave so recklessly, without knowing your place.”

Tsk.

Dexter clicked his tongue, looking down at Elris, who had lowered her head. His eyes were filled with such disdain that even Bianca, standing nearby, couldn’t help but feel a flicker of pity for her.