Chapter 226
The center is a place where many talented Espers gather. Thus, if a problem arises in Arteon, the Center often receives various support and cooperation requests from the government.
In such cases, government agencies may send representatives to select the necessary personnel, and today seemed to be one of those days.
…It was surprising that the one who came was the Prime Minister of Arteon, and even more surprising that he was extending an invitation to me, a Guide, over countless Espers.
After pretending to ponder for a moment, I finally responded. The answer was already predetermined.
“I am honored, but I must decline.”
Hermann looked surprised. He seemed to have expected me to accept his proposal without hesitation.
I calmly explained my reasons.
“I have no combat abilities, and since I’ve already imprinted, I can’t guide other Espers. I would only be a burden to the team members.”
The reason I had been so eager to go on missions was solely because Claude was there. He is my lover and the one I need to guide.
On the other hand, whatever project Hermann was recommending, it was unlikely I could contribute much.
There was a time during an outdoor mock training when I had led a team motivated by prize money. But that was only possible because my team members were inexperienced.
This project is different. If the Prime Minister himself is involved, surely experienced and skilled Espers and Guides will participate. How could I be of any help?
…Besides, I am already criticized for talking nonsensically whenever I open my mouth.
Hermann seemed quite disappointed by my firm refusal.
“That’s a pity, truly a pity…”
“Now, now, Prime Minister, there are many other outstanding talents in the Center…”
The Center Director quickly stepped in to divert Hermann’s attention.
Finally, I was able to escape Hermann’s regretful gaze after a long while.
* * *
“Rose, weren’t you scared?”
After the session ended, Epine fussed over me as she asked this.
“Huh… what do you mean?”
“How could you speak so confidently to Lord Hermann Caulo? I was too scared to even make eye contact!”
…Was I?
Sure, his appearance and presence were extraordinary. It wasn’t about looks, but he was the first person to make such a strong impression on me since Claude.
But…
“Well, I didn’t find him that scary.”
“…?”
“He actually gave off a vibe like a kind grandpa who acts stern but slips you extra pocket money when you part ways…”
People who appear intimidating on the outside often have a surprisingly soft inside.
Plus, he listened to my words, which everyone else dismissed as nonsense, with genuine interest. He even smiled and joked with me.
He even gave me something akin to a compliment. Doesn’t that make him a kind person?
It’s not because he favorably assessed me as ‘the kind of talent he wanted’ or anything like that.
However, Epine’s face turned strange when she heard my words.
“…What’s with that face?”
Epine didn’t respond. She just mumbled to herself,
“Seriously, a honey badger through and through…”
I felt wronged. If Epine had seen Claude when he was really angry, she would never say Hermann was scary.
Anyway, as we left the Guide Division together, not quite understanding each other…
Something felt off.
There were too many people in front of the Guide Division’s building.
Guides aren’t numerous, and even fewer attend the sessions. Yet today, there was such a crowd that it was hard to move forward.
I had seen such a large gathering in front of the Guide Division only twice before.
The first time was when Claude came to pick me up, and the second was when Daniel, who had been avoiding the Guide Division due to his guiding allergy, finally returned.
But Claude wasn’t at the center, and Daniel had been coming to the Guide Division so frequently that there was no reason for such a crowd. What was going on?
Confused, I looked around…
And spotted him. In the distance, a figure towering above the others due to his height.
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