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How to Avoid an SS-Rank Esper 81

A Guide who awakened belatedly upon reaching adulthood arrived at the Center. Her name was Seira Rokless. The Rokless family was also among the oldest noble lineages. Though she was a daughter of a prestigious house, she had been frail since childhood and had never debuted in high society.

A sickly young lady who convalesced in the family’s villa, known to no one by face.

The report stated that this was her first time stepping outside since manifesting as a Guide. A photo was attached. Light brown hair, neatly dressed, and a pair of deep green eyes that left a strong impression—a striking female Guide.

Turning the page, the familiar Guide assessment sheet appeared. The initial test results weren’t unusual, but the more tests were conducted, the more surprising the outcomes became. She had matched with every tested Esper at exactly 60%.

A 60% match rate—that number was all too familiar. It had been the same when Delroz first came to the Center. Was it merely coincidence that something so unprecedented had occurred twice in the same era? Or perhaps a twist of fate? It felt as if this woman had been introduced into the world for Delroz’s sake. If Banteon felt that way, surely others did too.

Given the circumstances, the Center Director had only one proposal: whether it would be permissible to test this new Guide with Delroz. To see whether their match rate would be another 60%, or possibly 0%. There was always the chance that the rate between the two might be even higher.

What was the best course of action?

The proposal was undeniably tempting. As Banteon leaned back against the sofa, the pain in his still-recovering body throbbed. Since that chaotic night, he hadn’t seen Delroz even once. Yet in the mornings, the occasional repositioned chair or the rumpled edge of the bed hinted that someone had come and gone. He often sensed a hand brushing his forehead in his sleep, or eyes quietly watching him. It wasn’t just his imagination.

By some twist of fate, an unexpected bond had formed. Though Banteon had enjoyed the company of strangers outside the Center while concealing his identity, nothing like this had ever happened before. More than anything, it was the first time in his life he had been embraced by someone—by Delroz. A worst-case scenario had unfolded into reality.

He recalled how Delroz had cautiously observed him the next day, a concerned expression unable to hide the faint satisfaction underneath. There was no going back to how things were before. And even if he tried to keep his distance now, Delroz wouldn’t simply accept it.

‘Maybe it’s better to put some distance between us, for now.’

This might be a good opportunity. It was already too late, but if there was any chance of turning the situation around, it was worth the attempt. Having made up his mind, Banteon gave a firm nod.

“Do as you see fit.”

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

The Center Director took back the neatly arranged documents. He looked at Banteon with a knowing gaze.

“And on that note… Banteon-nim, may I ask one more favor?”

With only the two of them in the room, the Director lowered his voice, as if wary of anyone else overhearing. Banteon’s brows furrowed as he heard the request. He clicked his tongue at the firm and demanding proposal. As always, the Director’s suggestions were never without weight. After a moment’s hesitation, Banteon nodded once more.

Delroz would probably cause a scene once he found out, but for Banteon right now, it was the best choice he could make.

 

***

 

Warm sunlight filtered through the glass windows. The light shattered against the wall in a prism of colors, fragmented by the finely carved crystal that adorned the house. Beneath the beautiful refractions of the sun, pages turned gently.

This level of comfort was something he could never enjoy at the Center. No matter how well-decorated a sterilized space might be, the difference in quality was stark. The inner walls and window frames didn’t grow cold even in winter winds. The elegantly curved pillars and lights were richly ornamented.

The family estate, which he returned to after a long time, had already been completely restored—no trace of monsters remained. The repairs had left it in even better condition than before, with various areas reinforced and improved during restoration.

“Looks like the damage wasn’t too severe.”

“Only the northern wing was partially destroyed. While we were at it, we also repaired older sections, so a lot of the estate has changed.”

“Submit a revised budget report later. Did we contract the repairs to an outside firm?”

“No, Pellato-nim personally selected the workers and oversaw the process.”

“Then it should be fine.”

The old man had always been meticulous with calculations, and he wasn’t the type to pocket anything for himself. That part was nothing to worry about.

“It’s truly good to have you back. Are you staying for good this time?”

“You’re being too obvious. I’m only here for about a month.”

“That’s a shame.”

The Esrante family’s treasurer showed overt disappointment. He probably wanted to be free from the hassle of constantly sending paperwork to the Center. Banteon felt sorry for not meeting those expectations, but this vacation was only going to last a month—and even that was because he had accepted the Director’s proposal.

The last thing the Center Director had requested before they parted was that Banteon leave the Center for a while, in order to better observe how Delroz reacted to the new Guide. Lately, Delroz’s behavior had changed so drastically it was nearly mistaken for Guide Awareness Syndrome. They needed to determine whether those reactions were solely directed at Banteon, or if they extended to Guides with high match rates in general. Distance was essential for an accurate read.

Since he had come to the estate without a word, it was hard to imagine how Delroz would react now. Would he be angry for disappearing without notice? Or perhaps he was already enjoying his time with the new Guide.

A few days after his quiet retreat, a letter arrived from the Center. Delroz and the newly awakened Guide had undergone a matching test, and the results were surprising.

The match rate between Seira and Delroz was 85%. Until now, Seira had recorded around 60% with every other Esper, making this her highest score. Though it fell short of Banteon’s initial 98%, considering the recent decline in guiding efficiency between Banteon and Delroz, it might be comparable.

Without realizing, he had pressed his pen too hard—thick ink leaked from the fountain pen, staining the page black. With an irritated motion, he crumpled the ruined paper and tossed it aside.

A female Guide with a high match rate, just as desired. The perfect partner Delroz had likely always dreamed of. At this rate, there was a good chance he had already forgotten about Banteon.

Well… that too would become clear once he returned to the Center.

Upon returning to the estate after a long time, there was a mountain of backlog waiting for him. Reviewing things on paper and inspecting them in person were worlds apart. The responsibilities that required Banteon’s direct attention had only grown with time, and the elders who had managed the family’s affairs in his stead were now well advanced in age. Sooner or later, he might need to wrap up his work at the Center and return fully to his family.

“So, is this the end of the backlog?”

“Pellato-nim has requested a meeting at 2 p.m.”

“Postpone it.”

“Then I’ll cite your health and push it to 4 o’clock.”

“Can’t we delay it a few more days?”

“I’ll move it to tomorrow morning. Any later is impossible.”

He let out a sigh at the reply. Delaying it by just a day wouldn’t change anything. Avoiding someone who came to the estate daily for business was pointless. It would be obvious Banteon was walking around just fine—he couldn’t use illness as an excuse. Since he had to face the man eventually, it might be easier to just get it over with.

“Keep it at 2 o’clock, as planned.”

“A wise decision. Anticipating that, I had tea prepared in the conservatory garden. The chef likely went all out upon hearing you’d returned after so long.”

“Keep it simple.”

He felt a little guilty toward the overly enthusiastic staff, but he probably wouldn’t be able to eat much anyway—his stomach felt too uneasy. As he stretched his arm, his upper body extended and his shoulders loosened with a satisfying release. The clock on the wall pointed to one hour before the meeting.

Not much time to rest, then. Hoping for a brief stroll in the garden, he grabbed his outer coat.

With winter approaching, the winds were growing sharper. Between the pale, leafless branches, the conservatory shimmered with its vivid greenery. Though the air was cold, the sunlight reflecting off the glass scattered into dazzling fragments. Inside, where warm air circulated, it felt as mild and pleasant as a spring day.

Filled exclusively with rare and ornamental species, the conservatory was as splendid within as it was on the outside. Tropical plants were cultivated at the warmest center, gradually transitioning outward to temperate and then frigid-climate flora. A simplified display of the kingdom’s entire botanical landscape, the conservatory was a proud emblem of the Esrante family.

As he walked toward the warm center, he saw the prepared tea set and refreshments laid out. And standing before them was a middle-aged man with dark auburn hair.

Banteon greeted the man before him.

“You came early.”

“I heard you might arrive ahead of schedule. It’s been a long time.”

“…You may speak informally, if you prefer.”

“I couldn’t possibly. I’m still a member of House Esrante, after all.”

Bowing stiffly and speaking with formal decorum, the man was Pellato Radern. Younger brother of the previous head of House Esrante, and Banteon’s uncle—who, after marrying, had taken on the surname Radern and established his own household. During Banteon’s absence, Pellato had long served as a central figure in the family’s council of elders, overseeing much of the household’s affairs.

“You grow more refined each time I see you.”

“…And you haven’t changed at all.”

Levia
Author: Levia

How to Avoid an SS-Rank Esper

How to Avoid an SS-Rank Esper

Status: Completed Author:

"Ever since I came into contact with you, I haven’t been able to control my heart."

Banteon, a teacher affiliated with the Royal Esper Center, leads a double life—hiding his identity while enjoying secretive nights out. One such night, he ends up guiding Delroz, an SS-class Esper collapsed on the roadside.

The next day, Delroz begins searching for the person who guided him that night. Not wanting to be entangled with him, Banteon tries his best to avoid any involvement. But Banteon’s efforts prove futile, as fate keeps bringing them face to face...

An Esper desperate to find his Guide, and a Guide desperate to escape—what future awaits the two?

[Preview]

For some unknown reason, Delroz was absolutely convinced that the Guide who saved him was a woman. So convinced, in fact, that he couldn’t even doubt it when the person stood right in front of him.

Realizing that he hadn’t been discovered yet, Banteon folded his arms and looked at Delroz. Speaking in a composed tone, as if he were a third party:

"I hope you find your rumored Guide soon, but I don’t believe that has anything to do with me. Now, please return my belongings."

"Hmm…"

At Banteon’s firm statement, Delroz simply fell silent, lost in thought, showing no sign of moving. As time dragged on without a reaction, the first to grow weary was Banteon, who pushed again.

"I heard she was a woman with long hair."

"That's right."

A clean, unwavering affirmation. At this point, even Banteon was curious as to why Delroz was so certain the Guide was a woman. He knew the misunderstanding worked perfectly in his favor, yet he still asked:

"I heard you were in critical condition. Surprising that you remember it so clearly?"

"She was beautiful."

"…What?"

Banteon reflexively asked again, unable to believe his ears.

"The most beautiful person I’ve ever seen in my life. There's no damn way a guy would ever look good in my eyes."

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