Chapter 5
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If the sponsor was grateful, he could give anything if he was needed.
“Oh? That’s quicker resolve than I expected.”
It wasn’t resolve — it was a decision made long ago.
“Hey, hey, but this isn’t something you can just take lightly.”
One senior waved his hand.
“You think they’d just want to hold hands or hug? They had already invested money.”
The closer the contact, the stronger the effect of guiding. So it was obvious what sponsors who had invested money would demand in return.
“That’s why they don’t let students meet sponsors. If you go there naively, it’s better not to go at all. I don’t want to see you get hurt and run out crying.”
“I’m not naive.”
Samuel’s low voice drew everyone’s attention. Peter glanced at him and sighed deeply.
Samuel smiled faintly in a way that was unexpectedly enticing, so much so that even the seniors who had no interest in men found themselves swallowing hard.
“I’m prepared for all that.”
* * *
“Lesadian Empire Special Forces, 2nd Battalion Commander Adrien Brillante reporting back.”
“Well done. How’s your health?”
“I’m fine.”
“How much medicine have you taken?”
“Not to a toxic level.”
“Don’t say that. You know how your mother would scold me if she heard?”
“Sorry.”
Lesadian Empire Esper Special Forces Corps Commander Rozanna Macgis chuckled softly as she received Adrien’s formal salute.
“After seven years, you’re still as stiff as ever, Battalion Commander.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“From how you respond, you’re not completely closed off.”
Adrien’s skill was as steady and exceptional over the years as her rigid demeanor.
She was the empire’s second-ever immeasurable esper above Gold rank.
Despite all the attention and rising popularity, Adrien remained unshaken.
If anything, she found it bothersome. She seemed to prefer battle over invitations from celebrities or lavish parties.
No one had really asked if she truly preferred combat — perhaps out of fear of her answer.
“Your contributions in this war were great.”
“Thank you.”
“So, I’m thinking of granting you a reward.”
“A medal?”
“A rest.”
Adrien’s eyes briefly flashed in displeasure, a rare clear expression for her.
“This war dragged on too long. It’s time for you to rest.”
“I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not. It’s a miracle you’ve held out this long without a personal guide as an immeasurable esper.”
Adrien pressed her lips tightly shut.
She had no words on the subject of personal guides. At her rank, age, and position, not a single esper is without a dedicated guide.
It wasn’t that there were no volunteers. If someone shouted right now, recruiting Adrien Brillante’s personal guide, even guides already attached to other espers would rush over.
Lower-ranked espers posed no problem — a shortage of guiding could be covered by numbers. It was common for high-level espers to have several guides assigned.
So this vacancy existed solely because of Adrien’s stubbornness.
“Rest?”
“I know you don’t like to leave.”
“Then am I being transferred somewhere easier?”
“You’re quick to catch on.”
Rozanna handed over some papers.
“You’re assigned as battalion commander of the Capital Security Guard.”
“…”
“You know the Security Guard reports directly to headquarters, right? It’s considered a promotion. How do you like that?”
“I don’t.”
Adrien glanced over the papers with a reluctant expression.
Rozanna laughed cheerfully at the predictable reaction. She knew Adrien would dislike it, but health mattered more than preferences.
Rozanna cared for Adrien as a capable subordinate and wanted her to live long.
“Brillante, you know it’s a soldier’s duty to protect the people of the empire, yes?”
“Yes.”
“The Security Guard’s no different. You’ve been fighting on the frontlines, now you’ll do the same work in the city. Nothing changes.”
Adrien took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling heavily.
She might have been angry, but never showed it. Instead, she cast a cold, impassive gaze.
“How long is this assignment?”
Rozanna smiled knowingly, the question she’d been waiting for.
“Until you find a personal guide.”
“…”
This time, Adrien couldn’t hide her expression. Her brows twitched, and Rozanna swallowed her laughter.
“If you bring one now, we’ll transfer you somewhere else immediately.”
“What if I never get one?”
“You’ll guard the capital your entire life.”
“Did my mother order this?”
Adrien’s tone was sharper now — the same tone she used with her mother’s junior and close friend.
Rozanna smiled and maintained her composure as a superior.
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