Charlie’s forced break time.

Only Hector and Tanner remained in the office.

Hector had instructed Charlie to bring the contract. He intended to change the contract itself.

But suddenly, after seeing the contract, he sent Charlie out of the office.

“Tanner.”

A mysterious sneer spread across Hector’s face.

Soon, a black barrier unfolded, surrounding them both. It was a dark power that concealed not only sound but also appearances.

Although he didn’t sense Charlie’s presence, there was no harm in being cautious.

“…Yes, Your Grace.”

Tanner bowed his head with an air of resignation, as if he had expected this.

“Didn’t you say it was specified in the contract?”

“It was… specified.”

“I thought so.”

When Hector moved his fingers, the contract Charlie had brought began to glow.

Then it transformed into a parchment scroll.

“It’s just that she couldn’t see it.”

This was a transformation spell that only those at the upper levels of Master rank could break.

Moreover, the golden case had a preservation spell to prevent anyone other than the contractor from tampering with it.

“…”

Nova was Gold rank. Therefore, the content she read to Charlie wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the original contract either.

However, it couldn’t be considered fraud.

It was clearly stated —This contract is protected by magic for content preservation— in a very kind manner.

Moreover, a magical contract wasn’t just a superficial agreement signed on paper.

It was an imprint on the contractor’s body that lasted until the contract was terminated.

Of course, since Hector, the other contractor, hadn’t signed it yet, it wasn’t in effect.

“…!”

Hector’s eyes widened as he read through the contract.

“Affiliated… guide?”

Affiliated guide.

This was an ancient system created to prevent the harm caused by wars fought to seize guides.

In the case of a mate, they are imprinted on each other, so there’s no problem. But what if they couldn’t be imprinted due to differences in holy power?

The pheromones of an unmarked individual would be effective on others.

In ancient times, when the kingdoms were divided, there were quite a few individuals who had Zero status but possessed Master-level holy power.

They were called the descendants of gods, saints and saintesses. Their pure and clear pheromones were beyond words.

They were attractive and extremely beautiful, regardless of gender. Moreover, compared to those with the same holy power, their purification energy was also strong.

Thus, it was believed that performing the purification ritual with a saint would bring divine blessings. In reality, their power did become stronger, so it wasn’t just a rumor.

That’s not all.

s*x with a saint induced extremely strong pleasure.

Once someone had s*x with a Zero saint, it was said they couldn’t do it with anyone else.

The desire for Zeros with holy power led to obsession and greed, resulting in wars.

Eventually, the high priests of each kingdom created the Affiliated Guide Oath for peace.

It pledged to guide only the contractor, seeking divine permission and receiving divine protection. It had a very sacred meaning.

Moreover, affiliation wasn’t limited to purification. Everything, including rank, followed the contractor.

In other words, it meant the contractor’s guide was like their alter ego.

If someone forcibly tried to take another’s affiliated guide, it was considered defiance against divine will, leading to war with the temple.

Since the establishment of the Graham Empire, such incidents hadn’t occurred.

The imperial family monopolized Zeros with holy power. This also led to the near extinction of Zeros. Furthermore, the imperial family concealed the existence of the affiliated guide contract.

They didn’t teach it to anyone, nor was it recorded anywhere.

Additionally, the contract required the temple’s seal, or divine permission.

But with the imperial family and the temple joining forces, there was no way the pope would approve an affiliated guide.

Yet somehow, Charlie’s contract had everything perfectly in place.

The affiliated guide contract, the pope’s seal imbued with divine power, and even Charlie’s signature.

“For life, too.”

Thus, the affiliated guide contract was about to be established once more.

Specifically, the head of the Hunt Grand Duchy, Hector’s affiliated guide, Charlie.

“The other document.”

“It’s ready.”

A smile spread across Hector’s face.

“Bring it.”

* * *

“…!”

Michael’s head jerked back as he prepared for the period of blessing and prayed at the high temple.

A powerful divine force, unlike anything he had ever felt, overwhelmed Michael.

“Ugh-!”

A groan escaped his mouth as the energy surged through him.

Michael’s gaze passed over the altar and met the purple eyes of Goddess Areis’ statue, causing his vision to flash white.

The cardinals gasped at the pope’s sudden actions.

His wide-open eyes and body bent towards the sky made for a bizarre sight.

“Your Holiness!”

As a priest hurriedly approached, powerful divine energy burst forth from Michael’s body.

Soon, a sweet, melodious voice echoed in Michael’s ears.

{I permit the contract…}

“…!”

{I bestow my blessing.}

It was undoubtedly the voice of the goddess.

* * *

A few days passed.

After returning the contract to Charlie, Hector acted as if nothing had happened.

No, he seemed in an exceptionally good mood.

Staring at me intently…

[Guide.]

He even laughed foolishly after uttering just one word.

It wasn’t as if it was the first day I was his guide.

Moreover, he bought various types of ship models and handed me a map of the resort, asking me to pick a place I liked.

Charlie couldn’t understand Hector’s behavior at all.

In the meantime, new clothes were finished at the Estella boutique, and a new catalog arrived along with the notification.

“Your Grace is coming too?”

Charlie’s eyes widened as she came out after finishing her preparations to go out.

Hector, who was waiting at the door, slightly furrowed his brows.

“Yes.”

“Why is Your Grace coming?”

“Is there a problem with me going to pick up clothes made with my money?”

“It’s not that, but…”

Charlie’s gaze rolled over Hector.

The sharply tailored black uniform exuded an imposing presence.

A red brooch, matching Hector’s eyes, adorned his white high-neck shirt.

The black jacket also had a high-neck collar, and the long black cape draped over his shoulders was majestic.

“If there’s no problem, let’s depart.”

Hector approached Charlie. Without a moment’s hesitation, he lifted her up.

“I can walk too.”

Charlie quickly spoke up. It was one thing inside the mansion, but outside, there were many eyes watching.

However, Hector seemed indifferent to such concerns and immediately activated the teleportation magic circle.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“My guide might fall.”

“Eh?”

With those words, the two vanished.

* * *

“Welcome…”

Isabel, who was about to greet them, froze.

She had been informed that Charlie would visit.

She had even prepared refreshments. But she hadn’t expected the Grand Duke to come in person, carrying Charlie.

“Ah… Hello.”

Charlie, embarrassed, blushed and bowed her head, mumbling.

Isabel and the boutique staff, unable to grasp the situation, hesitated.

Hector’s eyes narrowed, displeased.

Charlie was no longer a Zero.

More precisely, she was the Grand Duke’s, Hector’s affiliated guide.

Soon, a low, deep voice fell like a command.

“Show your respect.”

“…!”

At that moment, Hector’s powerful aura spread out.

The oppressive force made everyone in the boutique bow their heads.

Following Isabel’s lead, they knelt and greeted Charlie and Hector.

“Greetings to Your Grace and the young lady. May the blessing of Areis be with you always.”

“May the blessing of Areis be with you always.”

Charlie, bewildered by the sudden situation, looked at Hector.

Hector gazed steadily at Charlie.

“This is the greeting you should receive from now on.”

* * *