Wait

The group used the rails to reach Floridburg and a soldier escorted them to the place rented by Richard for them.

Natsuo built a garage with the Rockstar System in Floridburg too, so that they could use the teleport to move faster.

In the next few days, they waited for a call from the Anti-Silence Unit and, in the meanwhile, Natsuo was teaching Beatrice how to play the keyboard.

She was trying her best to learn from him to become an official member of Rockstar Isekai. She was a chummy person, so she immediately felt at ease and became friends with the members.

She was a little surprised to know Tristan’s personality. She didn’t imagine him being so insecure, maybe just a bit timid, but not so unsure of himself.

One day, she found him sitting in the garden of the place where they were staying; he was concentrating on practicing with the bass.

Beatrice timidly approached him and sat next to him. She didn’t say anything, she just stared at him while he was playing a song.

When Tristan was done, he realised that she was looking at him and felt a bit anxious.

“Sorry, I didn’t notice you. Do you need something?” he asked.

Beatrice shook his head. “No, I was just listening. You’re very good! Your sound is so deep, I love how you play the bass.”

Tristan lowered his gaze, flattered by her compliment.

“Thank you, even if there’s still a lot of room for improvement. Natsuo is so good with all of the instruments…”

“Right? Natsuo is amazing!” Beatrice replied with loving eyes. “But there’s no need to compare, both of you are extremely good!” she added.

Tristan glanced at her, a bit reassured by her words.

“If you say so.”

Beatrice moved closer to him and moved a lock of hair away from his face.

“Why do you always hide your face? You’re beautiful” she said.

Tristan’s cheeks reddened for embarrassment and he avoided eye contact, feeling anxious.

“I’m more comfortable, it feels like I’m hidden and no one can hurt me” he replied.

Beatrice glanced at him, concerned.

“You should be more confident. I don’t know what happened in your life, but now no one can hurt you anymore. There are a lot of fans ready to protect you at any moment and the members would do anything for you!” she said, determined. “And if someone dares to hurt my prince, I’ll beat them up!” She mimicked the gesture of punching someone.

Tristan chuckled, comforted by her words.

“Thank you… Perhaps, I can try to pull my hair back more often.”

Beatrice smiled. “Yes! Hiding such a pretty face is a crime!”

Tristan looked up and they made eye contact. Her eyes were very big and honey-coloured, they seemed soft and sweet.

Beatrice stared at his deep blue eyes, blushing. Why was his gaze so intense? She looked away, embarrassed.

Tristan picked a pink flower from the lawn and placed it on her left ear. She turned to him, surprised.

“Your rosy cheeks reminded me of a flower” he said.

Hearing those words, Beatrice almost fainted. He was too sweet. She took the flower and brought it to her chest, holding it with both hands. She would have kept it like a treasure.

“Now I have to go, otherwise Natsuo will scold me!” she exclaimed.

Tristan nodded. “I’m sorry if I kept you here.”

“No problem, I liked your company!”

She turned to her back and went back to practice with Natsuo. Tristan looked at her walking away and smiled. He felt his heart warmer after their conversation.

***

After more days of waiting, the group finally received the call from the Anti-Silence Unit. Famine’s territory had been almost entirely purified, only the heart was left.

After being warned, they left the accommodation and reached the place as soon as possible.

Beatrice was shocked to see an infected area up close.

“It’s even more terrifying than how I imagined it” she said.

Famine’s territory looked like a stretch of black pitch. The dust on the ground was dark and the atmosphere was depressing.

“In fact, we’re here to purify it. Are you ready?” said Natsuo.

Beatrice nodded. “Yes, never been so ready!”

The group got on a carriage and Natsuo used his skill SPEAKERS to purify the area. They proceeded directly toward the center of the infected area, hoping to find Famine as soon as possible.

Except Beatrice, they all felt relatively calm, because they already faced other Vassals. Tristan was anxious, but not more than usual.

Olive put a hand on Beatrice’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry, everything will be fine. Trust us and Natsuo” she said.

Beatrice nodded.

Tristan felt reassured to see that he wasn’t the only one being nervous.

“If it makes you feel better, I’ll try to protect you if you’re in danger. But don’t count on me too much…” he said, trying to comfort her.

Beatrice felt moved by his words. “Thank you, Tristan!” she smiled. He was really a prince.

Suddenly, the carriage jolted. Natsuo, who was leading, turned to his back to see what was happening.

The carriage had lost a wheel. After a moment, another wheel came off.

“What’s happening?” Natsuo asked.

One after another, the other two wheels broke away. The reins broke into Natsuo’s hands and the horse ran away.

For some reason, he had a bad feeling.

“Get out of the carriage!” he exclaimed.

The other four did as he told, and, right when Gregory got out last, the carriage’s ceiling collapsed.

Natsuo observed the surroundings, trying to find the author of that disaster.

A gust of wind raised a whirlwind of black dust. Everyone put an arm in front of their eyes, to protect them.

When Natsuo lowered it, he saw a black figure riding a horse coming out of the dust.

The knight was walking slowly in their direction, emanating a frightening aura with every step.