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.