Please Don’t Sponsor the Guide - Chapter 58

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“Ensign, you do know how to dance, right?”

“I learned at the military academy.”

“So, just for academy balls?”

“Yes.”

“And now you’re using it here, too.”

Adrien gave a brief laugh, adjusting her grip on his hand.

“It’s a shame. If I’d gone to the academy, maybe we could’ve met a little earlier.”

“…Did you really want to enroll?”

“I did. I always thought it’d be more fun than private tutoring.”

Among nobles, it was almost a rule to enter service through private tutors rather than actually attending the academy. The thought of learning alongside commoners put off most nobles, but Adrien seemed completely unfazed by such things.

Samuel did the math in his head.

A four-year age gap—if Adrien had really enrolled, they could’ve attended together for at least two years.

“…I think that’s a shame too.”

The music started. Samuel recalled his lessons, guiding her through the steps. For the first time, he was the one leading Adrien.

It was a strange feeling, enough to send a chill down his spine. He tried his best to move smoothly, ignoring the nerves prickling at the back of his neck.

‘Everyone must be watching us now.’

Adrien Brillante, famous for never caring about social gatherings, showed up suddenly with a Guide for a partner—a Guide who was neither noble nor high-level, just an ordinary man.

Samuel was practical and realistic. He knew just as well as anyone that if holding Adrien’s hand could take him up, it could also mean falling together.

“You’re good.”

“…Thank you, Commander.”

“So why do you look so stiff?”

Adrien let go of his hand and spun, landing squarely in his arms. Their eyes met. Red eyes, lips only a breath away. Samuel swallowed hard without thinking, and her gaze followed the movement of his throat.

“Shall we just dance this one and go out to the terrace?”

“…Yes.”

For that moment, even the music faded away. When Adrien pulled away and opened up a bit of distance again, Samuel felt reality snap back. The first dance ended, his heart pounding from nerves and excitement.

Adrien took him by the wrist, leading him toward the terrace. Samuel, a bit flustered, tried to offer his arm properly, but Adrien seemed to care little for appearances.

The two stepped out onto the wide terrace, overlooking the garden in the night. Adrien closed the curtain, and Samuel quickly moved to help her. With just a single curtain between them and the brilliant lights and music of the ballroom, the world felt suddenly private.

Adrien, still gripping the curtain, glanced at Samuel with a crooked smile.

“…Why are you looking at me like that?”

“It just feels like I’ve been watching the Ensign be bewildered all day.”

“It was a day full of surprises.”

“Is that so? Well, we’re in sync then.”

Samuel blinked. Adrien let go of the curtain and stepped closer.

“I’m not exactly used to all of this, either.”

Did she mean the ball, or something else? Samuel wondered.

“Have you changed your mind at all? About wanting to be my personal Guide?”

“…What?”

“I asked if you still want to be my Guide.”

“Y-yes! I do!”

His answer burst out before she’d even finished the question, and Adrien couldn’t help it—she burst out laughing. His reaction was even cuter and more earnest than she’d imagined.

She pressed her hand to his chest, bending over in a fit of giggles. Samuel’s face turned bright red. Staring down at his superior’s bowed head, he nervously squeezed and released her hand.

Adrien could see all of it. She could practically hear the frantic beat of his heart as she finally looked up, a wide grin still on her lips.

“It won’t be easy, Ensign. You could end up drained from Guiding, you’ll have to push yourself physically.”

“I’m ready for that.”

“And you won’t be my only personal Guide.”

“…”

“Once you’re registered, my health becomes your responsibility—but as a high-level Esper, there’s no way a single Guide could handle it alone.”

“Then…”

“There’ll have to be at least two of you. It’s for your sake—I can’t let you shoulder the burden all by yourself.”

“…”

“So, I might be able to spend less time with Ensign’s guidance.”

That was a choice for Samuel, not Adrien. He knew it well.

Of course, it wasn’t something any Guide would be thrilled about—having to share the title of personal Guide. Samuel lowered his head, trying to hide it.

“Just the fact that you’re thinking of me at all is enough.”

Adrien frowned, her smile fading as she looked him over.

“That’s another habit you’ll need to break.”