Becoming the Guide of the Mysophobic Villain? Absolutely Not! - Chapter 235

“…It’s something to consider.”

Claude, now engrossed in the case, momentarily forgot the unpleasantness of being summoned away from Rose.

He then noticed Hermann looking at him with a peculiar expression.

“…What is it?”

Claude’s brow furrowed deeply.

Despite Claude’s disrespectful tone, Hermann maintained his smile and responded generously.

“Nothing. It’s just… I get the feeling that you and your Guide have more in common than I expected.”

“…You’ve met Rose?”

For the first time, Claude’s perpetually harsh expression softened a bit.

Seeing Claude’s eyebrows rise in surprise, Hermann chuckled warmly.

“Yes. I met her briefly while selecting personnel for the collaboration. She has a lovely and innocent appearance, but she gave a similar answer to what you just did. I thought she was quite insightful despite how she looks.”

“……”

“In addition, she proposed an impressive hypothesis regarding the situation. She suggested there might be someone pulling the strings backstage, secretly raising large mutants in the capital. That person could be kidnapping victims to feed to the mutants and then scattering the bodies around the city to fuel conspiracy theories.”

Claude couldn’t help but smile. It was a whimsical and creative response, characteristic of Rose.

Although he hadn’t seen it, he could picture the scene clearly in his mind. Rose, with her bright and confident demeanor, speaking her mind to Hermann, who was known for his intimidating presence.

Despite seeming timid and fearful at times, it was moments like these that made her nickname ‘honey badger’ so fitting.

Thinking about Rose, a smile unconsciously formed on Claude’s lips.

Watching Claude, Hermann spoke softly.

“It seems even you are powerless in front of your Guide.”

“…What did you just say?”

“Don’t be so defensive. I only mean to say that it’s a good look on you.”

Hermann waved his hand and laughed.

“Anyway… Since you returned at the right time, how about leading the investigation of this case? Is there anyone in Arteon with more knowledge and experience regarding large mutants than you?”

“No. I don’t want to.”

Claude answered flatly, not even considering it.

Then he sarcastically said,

“Is it not enough for me to teach people how to walk? Must I also hold people’s hands and lead them each step of the way? Are there no capable people left in Arteon?”

“Sir Claude…!”

“Ah, let it be. He’s not wrong. I find it regrettable, but…”

The Director was horrified by Claude’s rude and arrogant behavior, but Hermann laughed it off as if it were nothing.

“Let me know if you change your mind at any time.”

“That won’t happen.”

“There’s always a chance.”

Hermann left the Director’s office, leaving Claude scoffing behind him. The Director hurriedly followed to see Hermann out.

Finally, Claude had no more obstacles. It was time to return to his Guide.

But as soon as he left the Director’s office, someone was waiting for him. It was none other than Wilhelm.

Claude barely acknowledged him as he walked past. Wilhelm quickly followed behind.

“Lord Claude, I have something important to tell you.”

“I already told you to leave earlier, didn’t I.”

Claude was in a hurry. There was someone at home waiting for him endlessly.

But as Claude left without hesitation, Wilhelm called out to him.

“It’s about Lady Rose.”

Claude’s steady pace faltered for a moment.

His steps slowed, and eventually, he stopped and turned around.

With a curt nod, indicating for Wilhelm to speak, Claude gave him a stern look.

Wilhelm’s lips quivered as he began to speak.

“While you were away… unpleasant rumors about Lady Rose have been circulating. Livener wanted to keep it quiet, but as your trusted aide, I felt I must…”

“Get to the point.”

“Lady Rose… is rumored to be overly intimate with another Esper.”

Claude’s face turned cold and rigid.

Wilhelm stammered nervously as he continued.

“It’s not just a few people saying this! They say it’s not a light relationship. There are claims that they flaunted their closeness in front of everyone, and some even claim to have seen them alone together late at night…!”