Chapter 8
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The figure was not short compared to Captain Bailey Rosem. Their posture was upright, and the Brillante family’s characteristic shining blonde hair brushed lightly over the shoulders.
Ah, no way…
Samuel wasn’t the only one thinking that. The previously quiet Phoenix Hall suddenly stirred.
The one causing the commotion turned on the podium. Everyone held their breath as their face was revealed.
“Greetings, everyone.”
Those distinctive red esper eyes swept across the hall.
“I am Adrien Brillante, newly assigned commander of the Capital Security Guard.”
Samuel’s mouth fell open.
His heart pounded as if it would burst. He could hardly believe the reality unfolding before him.
“I will do my best to ensure the safety of the capital’s citizens, so I hope everyone will follow well.”
Though a typical greeting for a new superior, Adrien’s words sounded magnificent.
In truth, Samuel barely listened to the content. He was simply entranced, gazing at his shining hero.
Adrien Brillante, the admired Light of Justice.
She was the one who had pulled Samuel from the brink of despair into the light.
* * *
The Security Guard’s four-story building located in the busiest district of the capital buzzed with excitement.
Espers discussed Adrien’s past achievements with pride, while guides blushed, overwhelmed by her magnificent aura.
Though their interests differed on the surface, they shared one hope.
Adrien Brillante’s arrival would bring change to the dull routine of the Security Guard.
“He seems out of it.”
“He’s been like this ever since meeting the new commander.”
“Well, did he at least exchange a word?”
“No, no. He’s the farthest away, but still like this.”
“Wow, that’s serious.”
Lieutenant Michelle Grace clicked her tongue but Samuel was still dazed.
Lieutenant Grace was almost as young as Samuel, the youngest lieutenant and an outstanding esper in the Security Guard.
She had showed the new recruits Peter and Samuel around, and thanks to Peter’s sociability and offer to provide guiding, Samuel had become friends with her more easily than with other seniors.
Even now, Lieutenant Grace was holding Peter’s hand, receiving contact guiding.
“If he ends up handling guiding duties for the commander, he’ll faint.”
“Could, could we actually be responsible for the commander’s guiding?”
“What does rank matter in guiding? We’re short on guides as it is. Being in the same unit, you’ll probably do it at least once.”
A playful smile appeared on Lieutenant Grace’s lips as she looked at Samuel.
“If you’re lucky, maybe even an imprint?”
Samuel finally came back to himself. His eyes wide open, Lieutenant Grace swallowed her smile.
“See how his ears perk up at the word imprint.”
Contact guiding became stronger as skin contact widened and mucous membranes touched more closely. The highest level of contact guiding was called an imprint.
“But… do you think it will really be our turn?”
“Peter, the commander doesn’t even have a personal guide, so there’s no rule against it.”
“But would the Security Guard really use powers that much?”
“Hmm, good point.”
Peter turned away, disappointed, but Samuel remained rooted to the spot.
‘Could I really… with her…?’
Though it seemed nearly impossible from every angle, what if it actually happened?
Samuel might be the first guide whose heart exploded from a berserk episode right then and there.
“Ah, Ensign Samuel. There you are. You’ve got a letter.”
“A letter?”
“Yes. It’s from the Sponsorship Association.”
Lieutenant Jocelyn Page’s words brought a flush of joy to Samuel’s face.
It had to be the reply to the letter he sent recently. Surely, it would reveal who his sponsor was.
Finally, the opportunity to repay his benefactor was coming. It was something Samuel had always prepared himself for while receiving sponsorship.
‘Surely it’s an esper…’
Samuel hoped so. Only then could someone like him, who had nothing, give something back.
Maybe the sponsor would even demand an imprint, just like the seniors said. But that was fine. If a stranger wanted an imprint, he was willing to give it ten times over.
Whether male or female, no matter the age.
Though imprints were secretive and intimate, they were as necessary as oxygen for espers.
Thanks to his sponsor, Samuel and his family had survived.
So Samuel could swallow his discomfort and willingly give what was asked.
But from today, a little regret began to grow.
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