Chapter 158
His remark caused a low stir among those nearby. It seemed there were quite a few who agreed with him.
This, after all, was the very reason why Lea had been unable to approach people of the Cantabria Empire freely in the past.
They hated werebeasts. They looked down on them as if they were filth, something she hadn’t felt directly in this life until now.
Perhaps it was because there were people who cherished her this time.
Lea smiled gently at the werebeast Guide, who was trembling so hard she looked about to faint.
“You look very tired. Having to guide and record everything in a way you’re not used to must have been mentally exhausting as well.”
“…Yes, it wasn’t easy.”
As Lea spoke kindly in a gentle tone, the Guide’s trembling gradually subsided. The Guide, who had been staring blankly at Lea standing so close, glanced at the hand resting on her shoulder.
As Lea’s small hand gently patted her shoulder, she oddly felt reassured.
“If you push yourself to guide, it will only hurt you. You don’t have to do it today if it’s too much. The reason we guide every day is for stabilization, and that’s not just for Espers.”
Lea didn’t only address this Guide, but raised her voice a little so that all the nearby Guides could hear.
“Guides also expend a lot of energy when guiding Espers. But if you get used to a set amount each day, you’ll use less energy than if you suddenly have to guide all at once.”
As she explained this to the other Guides, Lea’s words grew more purposeful. She deliberately met Lucy’s eyes, as if making a vow to herself.
“What the Commander-in-Chief wants is the stability of both Espers and Guides.”
If that was what Calix wanted, she wanted to help him however she could. That meant she could no longer afford to be trapped by the past or fear Lucy.
Watching those pink eyes flicker briefly with an unreadable look, Lea turned her gaze and stared coldly at the Esper who had cursed at the Guide.
“From now on, you’ll be excluded from guiding.”
“…What?”
“The temple’s holy water is available, so I hope you make noble use of it as you wish. Since you won’t have to touch a commoner’s hand, or the hand of an enemy, I’m only helping you get what you wanted. So I’ll decline any thanks.”
Lea made sure all the nearby Guides could hear as well.
“Guiding is finished for today. Gather up your records and stand.”
As she finished speaking, she took the hand of the Guide who’d been sitting in front of her and helped her up. The other Guides, who’d been staring blankly, hesitated and then stood as well.
“The Commander-in-Chief has set aside a tent in the barracks for meetings. Go there and report anything unusual or notable you’ve recorded.”
Lea softly looked at the Guide whose hand she was holding and whispered,
“Shall we go?”
“…Ah, yes!”
As the dazed Guide moved to follow Lea, an Esper who’d been sitting in front of them suddenly jumped up, cursing.
“You b***h! Who do you think you are to give orders, when you’re just a commoner!”
He grumbled threateningly, stepping toward Lea.
“If a Guide doesn’t do her job, what’s the point? Do it properly!”
His actions didn’t match his words. Lea moved the Guide behind her and lifted her chin.
“I didn’t know it was the Esper who determined a Guide’s worth.”
“Not all Guides are the same. There’s a world of difference between a noble like Her Majesty the Empress and a commoner Guide like you.”
His words reminded Lea of what she had forgotten. It was likely Bianca who had sent this man to the battlefield. She had been too complacent.
As if doused with cold water, her mind cleared. She gripped her own shoulder tightly and met the eyes of the Esper threatening her. His merciless grip hurt her shoulder, but she didn’t let it show.
It would be a lie to say she didn’t fear physical pain, but she knew all too well that psychological pain was worse. All the more so, she didn’t want to lose to an Esper who might have been sent by Bianca.
More than anything, it was just so ridiculous. Unconsciously, Lea let out a short laugh.
“Pfft.”
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