Side Story 20
The first thing Claude did after having his revelation was summon Irene.
“Stop guiding Rose from now on.”
It was a petty demand, but he said it firmly.
Irene, who had been dragged out without warning, looked utterly bewildered.
“What does it matter to you whether or not I guide Rose?”
“It matters. If you stop guiding her, Rose will have no choice but to get it from me.”
“…Ah, so this is all because of Rose?”
Irene finally understood the intent behind the eyes that had been following her so persistently lately.
For the past few days, every time she turned around sensing a gaze, she’d meet Claude’s eyes.
She hadn’t dared think it was any kind of interest, especially since Claude was a Guide, not an Esper… and because the look in his eyes wasn’t one of affection—it was more like he wanted to tear her apart.
She had been wondering what kind of grudge he held against her when she’d never even spoken to him before.
Now it all made sense—it was all because of Rose.
Irene scanned Claude from head to toe.
Most of the Espers at the Center would line up just for a chance to be guided by him, but Claude dismissed them all with a scoff.
He’d even defied mandatory attendance for regular guiding sessions, famously refusing any opportunity that might involve physical contact with an Esper.
He was known for wrapping himself up completely, leaving no exposed skin to avoid even the slightest accidental touch.
And now, this same Claude had offered to be Rose’s exclusive Guide—a mere F-Class Esper—only to be rejected.
Now, he was here threatening Irene as a way to vent his frustration.
Irene had been guiding Rose regularly ever since she’d awakened. Even though Rose felt burdened by it, Irene couldn’t explain why she’d been so consistent in helping her.
…Maybe it was because she didn’t want to see that naive girl groveling at the feet of other Guides like so many Espers did.
She had gone out of her way to protect Rose from falling into the hands of other Guides, keeping her precious and sheltered.
So how had she caught the attention of an S-Class Guide?
And not only that, she received an offer to be the exclusive Esper of an S-Class Guide.
Though Rose had refused immediately, in reality, it wasn’t a bad proposal. It was such an unexpectedly good offer that it was almost suspicious.
But if that offer was only motivated by Claude’s desire to conquer Rose because she wasn’t showing him attention, then Irene couldn’t allow it.
If Claude’s shallow curiosity led him to discard Rose afterward, Rose would never be satisfied with any other Guide’s guiding again.
…She had worked so hard to protect Rose’s innocent, flower-filled mind. There was no way she was going to let this dark, brooding man ruin it.
With a firm decision in mind, Irene spoke.
“No.”
“…What?”
Claude raised an eyebrow. Irene smiled brightly and repeated herself.
“I said no.”
“You…”
“Don’t take your frustration out on me. You should give up. Even if I stop guiding her, there’s no way Rose will accept guiding from you. You may be objectively handsome, but you’re definitely not her type.”
“……”
Irene thought that would be the end of it. Surely, after having his pride as the lone, untouchable S-Class Guide thoroughly trampled, he would walk away.
But to her surprise, he asked something else.
“…What is it?”
“What?”
“What’s Rose’s type?”
Irene was taken aback. She hadn’t expected that.
Claude gritted his teeth as he spat out the question, but there was genuine curiosity behind it.
It was as if he was actually considering changing himself to match Rose’s preferences.
Irene found it oddly fascinating.
…Maybe she could do him this small favor.
“Rose’s standards are pretty low. Also, she’s afraid of guys who are big, have sharp features, and look intense like you. Sure, she might think you’re objectively good-looking, but she wouldn’t be attracted to you. She’d see you as someone from another world.”
“…”
“She likes people who are rounder, softer, and cuter, like herself. For example… see Oscar over there?”
“Oscar?”
Claude repeated incredulously.
Irene shrugged.
“She’s told me a few times that Oscar’s handsome.”
“…”
Claude suddenly felt a bit distant, as if lost in thought.
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