(BL) Hunting The Field Guide novel Chapter 230

Chapter 230: A pair’s duty

After Rhys had set down the Esper, and the door had been closed, it was clear that she was very uncomfortable. Kellen had a few guesses as to why, but planned to just ask her outright what it was.

There was no use guessing in this situation when he needed her help.

Esper Blake looked very nervous, and was glancing between the other three people in the room. The Captain’s expression was basically unreadable, while Gwen kept herself near the door. Her happy-go-lucky expression had fallen into a serious one, and when she glanced at Kellen’s unsmiling face, it looked as if Esper Blake was resigning herself to her fate.

"Esper Blake, is there something wrong? You went white when you saw me." Kellen asked, and Blake blinked. It was clear she was shocked by the question, and how genuine Kellen was being.

"S-Something wrong?" She gave a confused look to the Captain, who shrugged.

"I’m curious as well, so don’t look at me for clarification." The Captain said, and Kellen watched as Esper Blake seemed even more confused. Her mouth opened and closed several times, and Kellen gave her the time to gather her thoughts. They had some wiggle room, and he had a feeling that it was needed for her. Rushing her didn’t seem to be the right call.

Worrying her fingers, she finally gathered her voice. "A-Aren’t you mad at me?" She asked softly, and Kellen frowned. Shifting his weight, he leaned against his cane more, an ache deep in his thigh.

"Mad at you? Why would I be?" Kellen asked, confused, and she swallowed. She looked away from his gaze, her expression grim.

"I...I failed. I was supposed to protect you and-" Kellen waved his hand, halting her words.

"Hold on. What on earth have you been worrying about for the last few days?" Kellen shot a glare towards the Captain. "You are supposed to check in on your teammates, even if a serious situation happens. Did you forget to check on Esper Blake?" The Captain gave Kellen a hopeless look.

"Kellen, you’d been shot. Do you think I would have had the presence of mind to do so? I told one of the lieutenants to make sure that everyone was okay. I don’t even remember who." Rhys defended himself, and Kellen sighed, closing his eyes. He shook his head. He couldn’t get mad at the man. He couldn’t even say that he wouldn’t have reacted the same way, or would have neglected his people too.

It was just unfortunate that she’d been left with these thoughts for even a moment.

Shifting, Kellen moved towards Esper Blake until he was in front of her. She looked nervous, and ready to dart at any sign of danger. Kellen knew that Rhys wouldn’t let that happen, and nor would Gwen. Well, she would try and that was the important part.

"Blake, you did an exceptional job protecting me." Kellen told her, and watched as her jaw tightened.

"No I didn’t. You-"

"But I was hired to protect you, Esper Woods! And neither I, nor anyone else realised you’d also been hurt!" She protested and Kellen let out a hard, joyless laugh. _{free𝑤ebnovel.com}