Becoming the Guide of the Mysophobic Villain? Absolutely Not! - Chapter 177
He left the house without saying goodbye.
I angrily flipped the blanket over my head and gritted my teeth.
I never intended to send him off nicely. That might just make him change his mind at the last minute, or maybe next time such an opportunity arose, he might take me along.
But my stubbornness was nothing compared to his persistence.
“Rose, why are you behaving like this here?”
“Right. If you have a group to see you off, you should be moving forward…”
“Shh, keep quiet.”
Worried about being spotted, I crouched down and covered my pink hair with my hands as much as possible. Simeyez and Epine looked down at me with puzzled expressions.
During major deployments where top-level Espers and Guides are mobilized, it’s common to receive a parade of supporters. Claude’s deployment was no exception.
Various military vehicles and personnel awaited in the center, flanked by a dense crowd waving flags.
Espers and Guides receiving farewells from acquaintances were in full swing. Oscar was clearly the most popular, surrounded by twice as many male Espers as Shana.
Claude was no exception. Although I couldn’t tell who, several groups were offering him words of encouragement. Claude responded reluctantly, obviously annoyed by the attention.
Yet, his gaze wasn’t on those standing before him but was scouring the packed crowd of supporters. He was looking for me.
It pained me to see him searching, wondering why he stubbornly refused to take me along.
“Rose, it seems he’s looking for you. Go ahead.”
As I resisted going out, Simeyez and Epine became even more restless. I pretended to be indifferent and snapped back.
“What’s so big about parting for just a month that requires a farewell? Just go, that’s it.”
“Rose, but still…”
As I stubbornly stood my ground, Claude’s gaze finally settled on me. Despite the crowd, it was clear his unwavering focus had locked onto me, leaving no room for doubt.
How does he never fail to find me amidst so many people?
“Rose, it looks like he sees you.”
“….”
Ah, well. Can’t help it…
Resigned, I asked for room to pass and moved forward through the crowd. Recognizing me as Claude’s Guide, Espers and Guides parted like the Red Sea, clearing a path for me.
Finally standing before him, he grinned slyly and swiftly lifted me up.
Now face-to-face, his face was right in front of mine.
“I’ve been waiting, Rose.”
“Hmph, I thought you’d already left.”
Embarrassed and awkward, I retorted as sharply as I could, yet Claude just kept smiling knowingly.
“Your eyebrows are drooping.”
“….”
“Your cheeks could burst.”
“…What?”
As I looked up in surprise, Claude playfully poked my cheeks with his fingertips, soothing me.
“I’ll be back soon.”
“…”
“There’s a specialty jerky famous near the border. Should I bring some back?”
He said this as if this was the shiniest ace up his sleeve to cheer me up.
Honestly, it was tempting, but after a moment’s hesitation, I shook my head.
“No.”
“Why. Is it because the jerky is too tough?”
He raised his eyebrows as if it couldn’t be the case.
Not really. It’s not that I can’t eat it because it’s not available. But I could give it up because…
“Just…”
“…”
“Just come back soon…”
I mumbled gloomily, head drooping.
Jerky or not, I wish he would return swiftly without any delay.
“Alright.”
Claude chuckled, lifting my drooping chin. As his hand guided, I weakly raised my head, but in the next instant, I jolted with shock. He was trying to kiss me!
Right there in broad daylight, in front of so many people!
“Ah, people can see…! Absolutely not!”
I hastily covered his mouth with my hand and flustered, his expression soured as if annoyed by such trivial concerns.
But soon, his face softened, and he gave me that mischievously playful look I knew all too well. I instinctively felt a sense of dread.
“…Don’t.”
“What?”
“Whatever it is, just don’t.”
“And look, Rose, you were worried about other Guides coveting me, weren’t you?”
“Stop, I said…”
Ignoring my mumbling, he whispered,
“Don’t you want to show everyone who your Esper belongs to?”
‘I know what you’re thinking.’
Exactly the look on his face. I wanted to hit him, it was so annoying.
Yet, why do I lose the will to fight against such obvious tricks?
