Chapter 82
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“As you wish.”
Adrien looked straight at Linton and swallowed the guiding pills.
Only then did it feel like her tangled-up body was starting to settle. She shook her head slightly. Still, the world in front of her eyes seemed stuck in black and white.
There was nothing she could do about it. This wasn’t a problem that a few pills could solve.
There had only ever been one person who brought color into Adrien’s dull, gray life—and now he was gone.
It didn’t matter who was standing next to her anymore. She didn’t have it in her to care.
* * *
It had already been four days since Adrien was cleared from the risk of going into overload.
She should have returned to work at her best, especially after her imprint, but the Commander’s office remained empty.
Rumors swirled about Adrien’s sudden leave. The most popular theory was that she and Linton—who was also on leave—were locked away somewhere, swept up in passion.
“No way, I don’t buy it. If things were ever going to get heated between those two, it would’ve happened ages ago.”
Brenda said, wagging a finger confidently.
“Why not? Loads of people start as friends and end up lovers.”
“Listen, Peter, do you know what’s really needed to ignite that kind of heat?”
“What is it?”
Brenda grinned at Peter, who blinked blankly.
“You need a spark—a strong emotion, whether it’s love or hate. Doesn’t matter which way, it just has to be intense.”
“…What are you talking about?”
“I mean, unless Commander Adrien absolutely hated Captain Linton, it doesn’t make sense for two people who barely even looked at each other to suddenly get all passionate.”
“That’s a pointless story, Brenda Lancelot. Peter Rudd’s not nearly mature enough to get that kind of talk.”
“What? Ricola! Isn’t that a bit harsh?”
Ricola gave Peter a long look, snorted, and walked off.
Left standing there, Peter could only rub the back of his neck in protest after the unexpected jab.
Bailey, who’d been watching the junior officers gossip, strolled over with a chuckle.
“Peter, you’re a bit innocent, huh? You should listen to Brenda—you’ll thank her later.”
“What do you mean by that, Captain Bailey?”
“Don’t get too worked up about Ricola. Otherwise, you never know where all that pent-up heat might go next!”
“Wha—Captain!”
Peter shuddered dramatically, which only made Bailey laugh even harder. Just then, Lieutenant Michelle spotted them as she entered the lounge.
“Looks like you’re all taking it easy. Has anyone seen Dr. Alex?”
“Why? Did someone get hurt?”
“No, I just had some questions about that last esper incident. He was off to visit Commander Adrien’s house yesterday, and now he’s not in again today.”
“Dr. Alex went to the commander’s house?”
Bailey’s eyes widened, and so did Peter’s and Brenda’s.
“Yeah, probably just to check up on her health.”
Michelle had no idea why the others exchanged such knowing glances.
“Wow… Looks like Brenda was right.”
“See? No matter how rare it is to be an unmeasurable esper, once you’re imprinted, you should be back on your feet in no time.”
“But if the army doctor had to visit her house…”
“…Then what?”
Peter’s wide-eyed question made Brenda and Bailey exchange slightly exasperated looks.
“Why, what is it? I’m honestly asking because I have no idea!”
“Think about it, Peter! Maybe the imprint didn’t work out so well—maybe that’s why she hasn’t fully recovered yet.”
“Is that even possible?”
“Of course! Now that we know about guiding compatibility, it’s not so far-fetched. And it’s not like Commander Adrien isn’t known for her passionate streak. I still remember that night…”
“That night? You mean the night she imprinted with Captain Linton?”
“No! I’m talking about the night Samuel Norah was in her room! Even from outside, it was—well…”
Bailey shut her mouth mid-sentence, her face suddenly going pale. Everyone in the lounge followed her gaze—and froze.
Standing in the doorway was none other than Linton himself, who was supposed to be on leave.
His arms were crossed, one corner of his mouth twitching with irritation. There was no trace of his usual charming mask.
“Having fun, are we?”
“N-No, not at all, sir!”
Bailey stiffened as if she’d just run into a superior officer. Linton might have held the same rank, but their reputations and backgrounds were worlds apart.
“So, who’s been saying my imprint was a disappointment?”
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