Becoming the Guide of the Mysophobic Villain? Absolutely Not! - Chapter 225
Even now, Hermann holds significant influence, but he was once considered as the most powerful figure in Arteon.
That was until fourteen years ago, when a young politician suddenly emerged.
Gaining public favor with progressive policies like the establishment of the Center, that politician was eventually elected president. He succeeded in being re-elected for another seven-year term and continues to serve.
As a result, Hermann, who was the leader of the conservative faction, saw his position greatly diminished.
Nevertheless, it couldn’t be denied that Hermann remained one of the most powerful figures in the current administration.
Upon learning that I was a Guide, Hermann did not withdraw his proposal to me.
“I seek individuals who can think innovatively and have the courage to express those thoughts to me honestly. Whether one is an Esper or a Guide… what does it matter? I needed a Guide anyway, so having her as one of them wouldn’t be a problem.”
However, the Center Director, who usually seemed willing to pluck stars from the sky to please Hermann, desperately tried to dissuade him this time.
“Still, you might want to reconsider… The truth is, she already has an imprinted Esper. And that Esper is… Sir Claude.”
“…Oh? So, she is that one…?”
“Yes, she is that Guide. And he cherishes her so much… that he even left her behind when he went on his expedition to avoid causing her hardship. If we were to send his Guide outside the Center while he is away… well, there would be quite an uproar!”
The Center Director waved his hands frantically, his face turning pale. Just imagining it seemed to make him shudder.
Meanwhile, Hermann looked me over several times with a curious expression.
He even let out a few inexplicable sighs of admiration.
“Truly surprising… Him…? With such a preference…?”
Why… what’s so wrong with me…?
I felt somewhat aggrieved at that moment.
“Oh, please don’t misunderstand.”
Perhaps trying to console me, Hermann said something unexpected.
“I’ve known that rascal since before he joined the Center. Back then, he was just a boy of about twelve or thirteen. When I heard that this boy had grown up, imprinted, and taken responsibility for his Guide, I felt once again how quickly time passes.”
“Oh, Lord Claude as a boy?”
I couldn’t help but brighten up and ask.
Stories of Claude’s childhood were a must-hear for me.
What was Claude like as a child? Was he always big, fierce, and intimidating…?
Of course, that couldn’t have been the case, but it was hard to imagine. A younger, smaller Claude with chubby cheeks still full of baby fat.
Is this how people feel when they visit their significant other’s home and eagerly ask to see their childhood photos?
As Hermann looked at my eager, expectant eyes, he suddenly burst out laughing.
And then he said…
“Now that I think about it, even back then, he was probably taller than you are now.”
“…?”
…Did he just attack my height out of nowhere?
I was caught off guard and took a hit.
Seeing my expression falter in real-time, the old man seemed even more amused.
“For over a decade, you kept Guides at a distance, yet suddenly, the world was abuzz with your imprinting. It seemed mismatched, yet strangely, there were similarities, making you quite a fitting pair!”
“……”
“Haha. Right, indeed. It’s said that people are attracted to those with opposite traits. There’s also the saying that couples grow to resemble each other over time.”
The Center Director hurriedly agreed while rubbing both hands together in flattery.
Ignoring the director’s sycophantic remarks, Hermann looked directly at me and asked clearly.
“What do you think, Miss Valentine? Isn’t it true that he is currently away?”
“Pardon?”
“The choice is ultimately yours. Even your Esper can’t make that choice for you. And in my opinion, you are too talented to remain confined in the greenhouse of the Center.”
“……”
At this point, I couldn’t help but realize why today’s session was so different from usual.
The purpose of today’s session became clear.
