Becoming the Guide of the Mysophobic Villain? Absolutely Not! - Chapter 151
I grimaced and immediately denied it.
“Demona, I think you’re misunderstanding something. I’m not that great of a person. You know that.”
“Maybe the Guides don’t know you well enough. But they’re thinking, why does it have to be you?”
“What…?”
“It seems like a life to be envied from the outside. You get everything you want without much effort, and everyone adores you. But I don’t think it’s entirely true. They lack a sense of purpose in life, a mission on how to live.”
“Ah.”
I suddenly remembered similar words from Epine and Simeyez. They had given me 70,000 Berks after saying something of that sort.
Thinking about it, it seems they started showing me inexplicable affection after that.
Seeing my realization, Demona gave me a look as if to say, ‘See?’
“Espers are better off in a way. They have missions to perform, like eliminating mutants, which gives them a sense of challenge. They have admirable role models to look up to, like Lord Claude.”
“…”
“There wasn’t anything like that among the Guides. It’s a smooth but dull life. Comfortable, yes, but sometimes filled with a sense of emptiness. They might wonder if guiding Espers upon request is all they’re meant for. And then you appeared, a Guide unlike any other.”
“…”
“You gave everyone a new vision for life, and yet you think calling you the idol of Guides is too much?”
I couldn’t outright deny it. I felt the same way, after all.
I quit my clerical job. There was an Esper capable of providing for me, who actually preferred I didn’t leave the house.
Yet, I diligently attend Guide training at the Guide Division because I want to be of help to him.
After some thought, I admitted,
“…I understand what you mean.”
“That’s good. So, Rose…”
Demona, who had been serious, suddenly started giggling.
…What now?
“You know, Rose. The Guide Division’s education sector is a bit of a scapegoat… No matter how much we improve the educational programs and offer scholarships, the Guides won’t even think about reading a book… The public criticizes us for wasting taxes on Guides who remain foolish… There are even rumors from above about shutting down the education sector because of falling performance…”
“Uh, that’s unfortunate.”
“But! Those Guides! They start sitting in class even before it begins, trying to emulate you! They even bring books! And take notes during class!”
“…”
“Hehe, so I submitted a project proposal to the higher-ups. It’s called ‘Project to Increase Average Academic Achievement of Guides by 10% with Genius Idol Rose’!'”
“…What?”
“Let’s survive together, Rose!”
Demona suddenly grabbed my hand.
The look in her eyes was… a bit off.
“Um, Demona…”
“If this project succeeds, I think I’ll be guaranteed a promotion next quarter. You have a social status now, so it would be nice to start helping and taking care of those around you, right?”
Greed sparkled in her feverish eyes as I was at a loss for words.
At that moment, I remembered Demona’s nickname.
A face cute as a squirrel, perfect for nicknaming, yet amongst our peers, Demona was known as the ‘Next Center Director’.
Not that anyone seriously thought Demona, a mere entry-level clerk, would become the next director.
Demona was known for her immense ambition. Ready to eat dirt if it meant a better performance review.
If Demona were actually seen eating dirt one day, her peers wouldn’t be surprised; they’d just assume it was for a performance review.
To Demona, I must seem like a godsend for her promotion.
Truthfully, Demona had always been one of the hardest workers among us. It was heartbreaking that despite her efforts, her department might be shut down.
But…
“Demona, I really appreciate you seeing me in such a great light and saying all these nice things. But you know, I… I’m too scared and timid. Just adapting to my current situation is overwhelming. I’d rather just keep things quiet and stay out of trouble for a while.”
I cautiously conveyed my refusal to her.
