Chapter 43
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“Give it to me.”
“Wow, you really are something else, aren’t you?”
Without another word, Samuel infused his guiding energy into the gem. Instead of changing color, the gem glowed with a subtle light. Alex’s expression shifted to one of clear satisfaction as he accepted it.
“So, is it your dream to become the Commander’s exclusive Guide?”
Samuel suddenly remembered Adrien’s late-night visit. It had been a half-asleep conversation, but every word was etched in his memory.
He’d admitted then that he wanted to be Adrien’s exclusive Guide. He was terrified that, after seeing him collapse from guiding depletion, Adrien might decide not to take his guiding at all
That would be exactly the kind of decision she’d make. Samuel knew her too well after years as her sponsoree.
“If I ever get the chance, yes. I’d like that.”
Everything he had now was thanks to Adrien’s light. If there was anything he could do to repay her, he’d do it—no matter what.
“But you’re a Silver, right? There’s a huge gap between you and the Commander. Think you could handle it?”
“She can always have more Guides, if needed.”
“Not even jealous, huh? I like that.”
Alex was sizing him up like a future son-in-law, and Samuel’s gaze turned a bit wary. Whether Alex noticed or not, he just grinned wider.
“You seem like you’d hold up well even with Linton Vionne breathing down your neck. Anyway, I’m rooting for you! If the results are good, I’ll cheer you on even harder.”
“What results?”
“Oh, I’ll tell you later. Just pray for good news, Ensign Samuel!”
Leaving Samuel with nothing but cryptic encouragement, Alex dashed off down the hall.
* * *
“Damned bastard…”
Linton slammed open his office door, grinding his teeth. Kate, who had been sorting files, quickly stepped back. Dragging his chair out roughly, Linton fixed Kate with a glare.
“Samuel Norah figured it out.”
“What?”
“How the hell did he know? It’s not something you’d guess easily.”
Kate’s eyes widened at Linton’s curse.
Who would ever imagine someone using a defensive shield as a weapon? Even most seasoned combat vets wouldn’t come up with that.
“Is he planning to tell the Commander?”
“Strangely enough, it seems not. Is that smart, or just lucky?”
Even if Samuel had figured out how he’d been attacked, there was no evidence. Esper abilities leave no trace. If Samuel went running to Adrien claiming Kate had bounced him off a shield, who would believe it?
So maybe, quietly warning Linton and letting the tension build was the smarter move.
‘Could he really be that calculating?’
If so, this opponent was trickier than expected.
“I suppose we can’t let our guard down.”
Kate handed over a folder.
“Here’s the paperwork you requested on Ensign Samuel Norah’s sponsorship.”
“…Wait, Adrien was his sponsor?”
“The Commander was the sponsor for a guide named Sammy Norah.”
“Sammy Norah? Does Samuel have a sister?”
“He does, but in this case—it’s him.”
“What?”
Linton frowned, not understanding.
“Sammy Norah is Samuel Norah. Himself.”
“So, he’s been using a fake identity to get sponsorship all this time?”
“It’s common among commoners. Some young people who don’t qualify for sponsorship create fake identities to get on the list.”
“Guess experience speaks for itself.”
Kate fell silent. Linton glanced at her, then straightened in his chair and began to read the sponsorship documents carefully. The corners of his mouth started to curl up.
“Kate, remember how much Adrien hated sponsoring Guides?”
“Yes, I do.”
“And now her sponsoree is in the unit—and turns out to be a fraud. How do you think she’ll react?”
He seemed to have found an unexpected opening.
Linton’s grin only deepened.
* * *
“Oh, what a gorgeous jacket—this must be made from that imported fabric from the east!”
“That’s right. The luxurious patterns are so unique, aren’t they?”
“It’s beautiful. I’d love to have a dress made from this material myself!”
Adrien desperately wanted out of this kind of pointless social gathering.
Wearing a fancy dress for the first time in ages, she sat in the corner, sipping wine. The women around her were excitedly discussing new fabrics and this season’s trends, but none of it interested her.
All she could think was that she was glad she’d taken plenty of guiding pills before coming. At least the mindless chatter wouldn’t give her a headache.
“Adrien! You’re killing the mood again, aren’t you?”
“Oh, Sister.”
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