Becoming the Guide of the Mysophobic Villain? Absolutely Not! - Chapter 351

This wasn’t Claude’s first time receiving a medal of valor. In fact, it was his fifth.

As for the previous four occasions, he didn’t attend any of the ceremonies. The medals were simply delivered to him through the Center.

He accepted them out of formality, but he couldn’t even remember where he had stashed them afterward.

If he wanted, he could pile them up in Rose’s small hands, enough that she wouldn’t be able to hold them all. And yet, Rose had insisted that Claude must receive this medal in person.

There were things Rose could ask for that Claude could grant, and there were things he couldn’t.

Attending the ceremony meant being away from Rose for at least half a day. While Rose might not have seen this as a big deal, for Claude, it was unbearable.

So, as always, he tried to soothe her and brush it off quietly. But…

“I won’t eat until you agree to go.”

“…Rose. Please.”

From experience, Claude knew that Rose’s declarations often lasted no more than a day before she gave up. But she needed to eat and rest well for her injuries to heal, and she remained stubborn, oblivious to his inner turmoil.

After only two hours of her hunger strike, Claude finally gave in, surrendering completely to Rose.

He promised to do exactly as she said, but as the appointed date drew closer, his anxiety worsened. What if something happened the moment he left? What if, when he returned to the hospital, Rose wasn’t there anymore?

Claude tried to persuade her again and again, but Rose remained resolute. In fact, she became annoyed by his attempts and even started threatening him.

If he didn’t go and receive the medal in person, she said she wouldn’t drink a drop of water for an entire week, she would insist on being discharged against his wishes, and she would even stay with Irene in the dormitory after leaving the hospital.

He had to admit it: Rose had started to get the upper hand.

“Claude Denhardt, for your role as the protector of Arteon, in maintaining societal order…”

And so, Claude found himself at the presidential residence, looking completely out of place.

“You see, my Claude always wears dark clothes. Since we don’t know when an opportunity like this will come again, why not try a lighter color?”

“Oh, how about something like this?”

“Ohhh…”

When Claude finally agreed to attend his fifth ceremony, the President’s office was overjoyed and sent over a secretary to assist. She was sharp, as expected of someone who worked for the President.

“And Claude has such a handsome forehead, so maybe his hair should be styled like this…”

“No doubt about it. You’re absolutely right, Miss Rose.”

Claude could only laugh bitterly as they went on. The secretary who visited the hospital paid no attention to Claude, focusing entirely on Rose, knowing full well that she was the one wearing the pants in this relationship.

This was the first time the nation’s hero, who had received four medals via courier, would attend a medal ceremony in person. The President’s office was eager to make the event as grand as possible.

And so, Claude, dressed to perfection by the two women as if he were their doll, stood on the stage. The press, eager for this rare appearance of Claude in such a formal setting, eagerly snapped photos.

“…In recognition of your contributions, we present you with this medal.”

Typically, the President would pin the medal on the recipient’s chest as a gesture of respect. However, in this case, the ceremony was simplified to a salute, taking into account Claude’s discomfort with physical contact.

One other unique aspect of this medal was that it was made of platinum. Although it looked the same as the previous medals, this one was specially crafted in recognition of the fact that Claude was the only person in Arteon to receive five medals.

Whether it was custom-made or not, it was still just a medal to Claude. He couldn’t understand what any of this was truly worth.

He accepted it with a reluctant expression, but his mind was far from at ease.

After the ceremony, a banquet with the President had been prepared.

“Thank you for making the effort to attend. Let’s have a meal without any cameras around…”

“I’m sorry, but I must leave now.”

Claude interrupted the President, kindly but firmly.

“My Guide is still in the hospital. I can’t be away any longer.”

“What? But, Lord Claude, we discussed this. Miss Rose was aware and approved of the schedule. Why this sudden…”

The secretary, who had been watching with a pleased smile, quickly stepped in to calm things down. However, as Claude’s imposing figure approached, she flinched.

“And one more thing… You must never involve my Guide in your affairs again.”