Chapter 46
Espers were truly unpredictable beings.
So, to soothe him, Lea released a gentle radial guiding. Just as aromatherapy calms ordinary people, radial guiding brought Espers an even deeper sense of tranquility.
“Haah… It seems I’ve behaved disgracefully in front of you, my lady. Is there anything you desire?”
He drew Lea’s hand to his lips and kissed it respectfully as he asked. Even if she asked him to get rid of that man, he was ready to do so without question.
“Hmm, I’d like you to help Young Master Felitier.”
“…Pardon?”
“No matter how I look at it, he seems like an Esper.”
“May I ask why you think so?”
“Because he reacted to my guiding. Guiding shouldn’t affect anyone except Espers, but he clearly responded to it.”
“…So you’re saying he might be a new type of Esper.”
“Please look into it, Sir Zion. I can’t stand seeing another Esper suffer alone in pain.”
“To think someone so kind exists…”
With a sigh, Zion gently rested his forehead on the back of her hand and muttered. The way he looked, it was as though he were offering a prayer to a god, and it made Lea’s face heat up for no reason.
“Yes, leave it to me. Just give me the order, whatever it is.”
“…Thank you. I’m counting on you.”
Lea felt conflicted. She knew Espers were weak to their Guides, but was this level of devotion normal?
This kind of unconditional goodwill, which she’d never received before, was just as frightening as it was touching.
“I’m sorry it took so long, Lady Haisley. I tried to prepare something light on the stomach, so…”
As Rose entered the bedchamber, she trailed off when she saw Zion. And she saw clearly—Zion holding Lea’s hand with respectful care.
At the oddly intimate sight between the two, Rose hesitated for a moment, then offered a polite greeting as if she had seen nothing.
“Hello, Sir Zion.”
“I’d like you to help Lady Haisley eat and prepare a comfortable change of clothes.”
“May I ask what the occasion is?”
“Her Majesty the Empress has summoned Lady Haisley.”
“In that case…”
“No, I’ll go report that it may take some time, so help her get ready while I do that.”
“Yes, understood.”
Lea wanted to stop him—he was about to return to Bianca to report on her behalf, all because of her, but he firmly declined.
“It’s all right, my lady. Her Majesty the Empress will surely understand. I’ll explain it well.”
That’s exactly the kind of thing I don’t want you to do.
Before Lea could say anything more, Zion had already left the palace. A sense of unease crept up on her, so she quickly finished her meal, washed, and changed her clothes.
“…You’ve only just regained consciousness. Is it really all right to go out without even seeing the physician?”
Even Rose couldn’t help but say something, leaving Lea at a loss. Surely both of them knew Bianca’s temperament well.
If she said come, you had to go. There was no room for delay. She had no desire to experience her mother’s temper any later than necessary.
“Rose, you know what Her Majesty is like. Why would you say that?”
“…Forgive me, Lady Haisley.”
“Mmh, no—it’s not like I wanted that kind of answer… Haah, let’s just hurry up and go.”
“Yes, please allow me to escort you.”
It occurred to Lea that it had been a while since she’d left her palace. The sweltering air and blazing sunlight made the walk far from easy.
In any case, she made haste toward the Empress’s quarters.
Only to run into Calix right in front of the palace.
Lately, they seemed to be running into each other oddly often. Lea offered a brief greeting and tried to pass by. After all, there was no way he would be entering the Empress’s palace.
“Sister.”
“…Yes, Your Highness.”
“If you’re heading to see Her Majesty, let’s go together.”
“Pardon?”
“I was summoned by Her Majesty as well.”
At Calix’s gentle smile, Lea felt confused. He looked strangely cheerful.
Normally, whenever Bianca summoned him, Calix never looked happy. She was used to seeing him with the expression of someone chewing something bitter whenever he visited the Empress’s palace.
Then why did he look so pleased?
She got her answer the moment they entered the Empress’s quarters together.
“It’s nice to see the hunting tournament’s winner and his supporter arrive together.”
The blatantly pointed praise was anything but pleasant. It was more likely to make one uncomfortable.
Only then did Lea realize why her mother had summoned her.
She wanted the silver-furred fox.
Even though she’s a fox herself, she sure covets one desperately enough.
Lea suppressed a sigh and instead lowered into a deep bow.
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