Chapter 73
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Adrien’s nerves were on edge from the lack of proper guiding. Even Alex’s usually gentle tone sounded as loud and brassy as a trumpet.
“Are you really going to be all right? Of all people, why Captain Linton? That’s not a good choice.”
“It was the best choice.”
“For whom—Ensign Samuel?”
“For both of us.”
For once, Alex fell silent. In his gaze, Adrien could almost hear the words he wasn’t saying.
“Is it common for subordinates to look at their Commander with such disappointment?”
“I’m let down by both of you. Especially that Ensign—I thought he wouldn’t give up so easily, but here he is, stepping aside.”
“Ensign Samuel made the right decision.”
“Regardless, if you’re going to keep Captain Linton as your exclusive guide, you should take on another guide as well.”
“….”
“As I said before, guide-compatibility is like an allergy. If you keep getting exposed to the wrong match, things will only get harder for you.”
“I feel so nauseous every time I get guided, it’s like I’m coming down with gastritis.”
“That’s the least of your worries. The absorption rate is bad, too. We don’t even know what kind of reaction you’ll have with continued exposure.”
Adrien glanced at Alex, who looked so serious he seemed about to crack his brow in two.
“But that’s what you’re here for, isn’t it, Doctor?”
“Oh, honestly.”
For the first time in a while, Adrien managed to irritate Alex, and she let out a short laugh and adjusted her posture.
“Anyway, is there any way to feel less disgusted when I’m being guided? Maybe I should take motion sickness pills or something?”
“As if that would work. Just take some stomach medicine afterward. Or drink something hot.”
Alex was nearly fuming now.
Adrien Brillante was the best supporter in Alex’s career, but by far the worst patient.
What kind of high-born, high-level Esper takes care of their own body like this? Alex half expected to witness a full-blown breakdown someday.
And that wasn’t the only worst-case scenario he could imagine.
“Just to be clear, don’t ever take any medication that hasn’t gone through me.”
“What are you worried about now?”
“There are some strange rumors going around. Not about illegal hallucinogens, but illegal guiding supplements.”
“Is that even possible?”
“That’s what I’m saying. There’s only one facility in the Empire that can actually make guiding substitutes, and it’s extremely difficult to manufacture. I can’t imagine how anyone could replicate it.”
“You haven’t come across any samples, right? I should look into this.”
“I’d appreciate it if you did.”
Lately, there had been a slight uptick in arrests of Espers behaving erratically. Adrien’s expression turned grave—it was a bad sign.
“When people rely too much on guiding d***s, this is what happens if something goes wrong. You need to be careful, too, Commander.”
“What do you take me for?”
Alex swallowed a laugh, worried Adrien would really blow up if he let it out.
“I’m kidding, I’m kidding. But seriously—keep getting guided, okay? For now, keeping your guiding levels up is more important than long-term side effects. Call Captain Linton in as soon as you leave here.”
“All right.”
Adrien agreed, but somehow even that didn’t sound convincing. Alex kept nagging until Adrien was all the way out of the infirmary.
* * *
Each day crawled by painfully slow.
Samuel started another endless day by turning off the shower, letting the water drip from his hair in the steamy bathroom. He grabbed a towel, dried his head as best he could, and wrapped it around his waist.
He realized the change of clothes was outside. Catching a glimpse of himself in the mirror, he noticed the last mark on his upper chest had faded completely.
“…Ah.”
Samuel ran his hand over the now-unblemished skin. It felt like every trace of his time with Adrien had finally disappeared.
Now, there was nothing left—not even proof to remind himself that those days were real.
With a gloomy smile, Samuel hurried out of the bathroom. If he lingered, he knew he’d just stand there staring at his empty chest.
“God, I’m losing my mind!”
When he came out, Peter was sitting on the opposite bed, clutching his head.
“Peter, what’s wrong?”
“…Nothing. Really.”
“What is it?”
Samuel, still not dressed, sat down on Peter’s bed.
He couldn’t ignore how strange Peter had been acting. Ever since coming back from an outing yesterday, he’d been sighing all night, then spent today moping around.
“It’s just… honestly, it’s not something I should be whining to you about.”
“What, did someone propose to you or something?”
Peter flinched, then slowly nodded, avoiding his gaze. Samuel gave a wry smile, trying to comfort his friend.
“It’s fine, you can tell me. Doesn’t seem like it was from someone you actually like.”
“Yeah… you’re right.”
Which meant it didn’t really matter.
Samuel Norah never wanted to be everyone’s favorite guide.
He only ever wanted to be the guide for one person.
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