Please Don’t Sponsor the Guide - Chapter 108

Curious what happens next? Read more here

The meeting had been called to formally address the illegal enhancer incident in the capital and request broader support.

Most reactions, however, were lukewarm at best.

“Illegal guiding d***s, esper enhancers—it’s all the same. Just scammers selling ineffective fakes. What kind of grand conspiracy could possibly be behind it?”

“I already told you—the blood of the injected espers turned green. And you still think this is some ordinary fake d**g?”

“So what if some unknown substance causes unusual side effects? That’s hardly unprecedented. Besides, you said the criminal den has already been dismantled.”

“Frankly, I think those espers were just experiencing symptoms similar to pre-rampage instability. I’m not sure this needs to be escalated to such a degree…”

“Wouldn’t it make more sense to research the enhancer from a different angle instead?”

Adrien paused.

The one who spoke was Colonel Elix Vionne—Linton’s father, bearing the same sharp features as his son.

“I hear the so-called unmeasurable guide who reawakened recently was injected with the same d**g. If it has an effect on guides as well… wouldn’t that make it a tremendous weapon?”

“Colonel Elix, the d**g’s origin is unknown. It’s extremely dangerous. We should first eliminate those distributing it before considering research.”

“On the contrary—if dangerous enemies possess such a substance, isn’t that even more reason for concern? Imagine if they had several unmeasurable guides at their disposal.”

“……”

“An esper is a weapon that cannot function without a guide. You’re well aware of how scarce guides have become across the Empire in the last decade.”

“Yes, and if it proves effective on other guides as well… it could be a discovery of the century.”

“I believe investing in enhancer research would serve us better in the long term than bolstering capital defenses.”

The tide of opinion began shifting toward Elix.

Adrien bit the inside of her cheek.

She excelled in tactics and on the battlefield, but rooms like this had always been difficult. There was a reason Adrien, with her formidable background and unparalleled power, had spent seven years on the front lines.

Part of it was duty to her house.

But another part was simple: she was never good at politics.

Thanks to her overwhelming ability, she had risen to lieutenant colonel at a frighteningly young age. The Special Forces’ senior officers feared her, but they also envied her.

“I’ve heard enough from those comfortable behind their desks. Battalion Commander Ullina—what’s your perspective?”

The room, on the verge of devolving into chaos, finally fell silent as Corps Commander Rosanna Macgis spoke.

“Battalion Commander Ullina has actually fought monsters. I imagine her view differs.”

“I don’t think there’s harm in preparing for the worst. No one truly knows where monsters originate from.”

“You’re suggesting they could be artificially created, as Commander Adrien proposed?”

“I see no reason to dismiss the possibility.”

“And Commander Adrien, you’re requesting an investigation across the entire Empire into illegal enhancers and abnormal esper symptoms?”

“Yes, Commander. The Security Guard will take responsibility for investigating the capital incident.”

“Very well. Do it.”

Rosanna nodded. Adrien’s expression brightened slightly.

Rosanna allowed herself the faintest smile before issuing her orders.

“Focus on major cities—but don’t neglect the small towns. It’s better to waste effort now than leave a spark smoldering until it burns down the Empire.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“Oh, and Commander Adrien. Does this mean you’ll now have two dedicated guides?”

Curious eyes turned toward her at once.

Adrien hesitated. Beside her, Ullina leaned forward, clearly eager for the answer.

“…Nothing has been decided.”

“What a shame. Ah—my previous offer still stands. If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.”

Rosanna’s amused tone clearly referred to the Defense Force command position she had once offered Adrien.

She had said Adrien must remain in the Security Guard until she secured a dedicated guide. But given the current crisis, there was no chance Adrien would suddenly abandon her post.

Rosanna knew that perfectly well. Which somehow made the question all the more irritating.

“Once this matter is resolved, I’ll consider it.”

* * *

She was exhausted.

Adrien rubbed her stiff neck as she walked toward her office. Most of the personnel had already gone home; only the night shift remained, and the corridor was dim.

Today’s headquarters meeting had been twice as draining as usual.

It wasn’t new that senior officers and high command refused to bend to her will—but today had been especially noisy, thanks to all the rumors and controversy swirling around her.

“I won’t need to worry about my son, will I?”

And then there had been Colonel Elix Vionne’s thinly veiled warning.

Adrien felt utterly depleted.

If she hadn’t received that unexpected surge of radiation guiding from Samuel at the promotion ceremony recently, she might not have endured it at all.

Perhaps because she was thinking of him now, her body felt slightly lighter.

“…Samuel?”

Without realizing it, Adrien spoke his name into the empty corridor.