Becoming the Guide of the Mysophobic Villain? Absolutely Not! - Chapter 145

“Even if you guys are actually inseparable, living together under one roof is a different matter altogether. Especially since you, with your temperament, can’t stand having someone by your side. Experiencing cohabitation for the first time might have brought its own set of discomforts.”

“No. Living together has been perfect.”

Claude, who had been tight-lipped until then, drew a firm line.

The moment he was certain of Rose as his Guide, he had already concluded they would live together.

The reason was clear. Rose had to be within his sight at all times, wherever and whenever.

Rose, as unpredictable as she was…

He never even considered letting her out of his control.

He was willing to endure her hatred and resentment. In fact, that was the only reaction he had anticipated.

But…

Unexpectedly, every day has been fulfilling.

Not just because of guiding. Guiding has long become a secondary concern for him.

Surprisingly, what fills him with such warmth were the trivial moments.

Waking up in the morning to see Rose sleeping soundly, oblivious to the world.

When he would gently touch her head, she, barely able to open her eyes, would unconsciously seek warmth and snuggle into his embrace.

Being able to watch her busy cheeks move non-stop with every meal.

Touching Rose was still something he’d approache with caution. Ridiculously, he didn’t want to see her shrink back in fear again just because his touch had reached her.

Yet, unable to resist the impulse, whenever he cradled that small face, it had come to a point that she’d bury her soft, warm cheeks in his hand, rubbing against it happily.

These were very trivial but intensely private moments, permitted only to those who shared their daily lives closely.

Claude had never believed in the emotion called happiness.

But if feeling reluctant to fall asleep at night, and waking up with a heart full of anticipation for the new day that unfolds, and if that’s what people commonly refer to as happiness…

…Then he must admit.

Living with Rose has made him happy.

Lost in thought, Claude was suddenly asked by Oscar.

“What’s so perfect about it? Let’s hear it.”

Claude immediately became stern.

“…Why are you curious about that?”

Oscar grimaced in response.

“…Claude, you’re making me feel a bit slighted. Lighten up.”

“…”

“Do you think I would covet a friend’s Guide, let alone the imprinted Guide of an S-Class Esper who could effortlessly crush my skull like modeling clay if provoked?”

Claude sighed.

It’s not that he doubted Oscar. Given Oscar’s firm preference for Espers and his generally flippant demeanor, yet with no interest in tampering with another’s partner, Claude knew discussing his problem and seeking advice wouldn’t be a bad choice. However…

Knowing something and being inclined to do it are entirely separate matters.

It took months for her to face Claud without avoiding my eyes. Yet from her first meeting with Oscar, she blushed and acted shy with him.

Even when angry or scared, Rose never really listened until Claude following Oscar’s advice. That’s the only time she started opening up to him.

He had to admit it was helpful, but each time Oscar’s advice proved effective, Claude felt a twinge of discomfort.

If he had really set his mind to it…

…He imagined Oscar easily pushing him aside and taking his place next to Rose.

“…”

After indulging in such childish thoughts, Claude was overwhelmed with emotion.

“Oof, suddenly felt a chill… Maybe it’s the beginning of a cold…”

“Anyway, living together has been perfect.”

Unable to voice such childish sentiments, Claude deflected smoothly.

Oscar, clueless about the real issue, grumbled.

“Yeah, if everything’s so perfect that you’re seeing through rose-colored glasses, you should be walking around with a big smile, not looking even more terrifying.”

“…”

“Ah, maybe you’re satisfied with living together, but Rose isn’t? She hates how you restrict her too much, wants to call it quits and leave?”