Chapter 61: Setting My Priorities Right

"Did you mean... Ephraim was well aware of this matter as well?"

"He must be. That Golden Boy is the Commander of the Imperial Elite Sentinels, after all. Although given his personality, I believe he would prefer to keep it hidden from you."

That was a new revelation. But Lydia found Zachary’s words to be trustworthy.

Her mind reeled back to the moments when Rishe took her away—when some Imperial Authorities gave reports to Ephraim—after Emily went berserk in the university.

Now that she thought about it, both Rishe and Ephraim never explained this matter to her. Perhaps this was why.

"Did all Sentinels use those drugs? Even Ephraim?"

"...that’s not for me to answer, deerling. Although the chance was never zero. But as a man of his standing, it would be quite an unsavory thing to ask."

"Yeah, knowing Ephraim, some things are better left unknown. Ignorance is bliss, Zachary."

A smile tugged at Zachary at Lydia’s words.

"Now I understand why he cherished you that much."

"What do you mean?"

"You’re an enigma in this apocalyptic world. Unlike those nosy noblewomen, you’re refreshing, Lydia. That’s rare for nobles like us.

"I’ve known Ephraim for a really long time. If he chose to not tell me about it, he must have good reasons for it."

Lydia narrowed her eyes when Zachary put his hand above her head. It was... hovering—as if he was waiting for her permission.

"....And what do you want to do with that hand? You shouldn’t do things half-hearted. Here, go on." Lydia offered her head for him.

Zachary reached over and ruffled her hair, clearly enjoying the way Lydia reacted.

"I just want to return the favor—since you did this to me this morning."

"So you heard me—!!"

"Yes, I am your black panther, after all. That stroke felt really nice. You should do it more often, deerling."

Zachary finally withdrew his hand and checked the time on his bracelet as he scrolled through his schedule.

"By the way, are you free this afternoon? Come with me to my hospital. I want to make sure you’re doing well after you guided me yesterday."

"Sure, the Ludenberg Hospital?" Lydia asked, her smile faltering slightly at the word hospital.

"I mean... I’m fine, Zachary. But if you want me to get checked, I’ll go."

Ludenberg Hospital was located in the downtown area of Illisa. Just like other centers of government, business, healthcare, and almost everything important in the country.

It was basically the safest and most developed place any human and Otherworlders could live in Adelstein.

Thanks to the Sentinels who had completely cleared the area out of Dimensional Rifts a long time ago, and over the years, Illisa had grown into one of the best places to live.

"I’ve already made appointments for us. Dr. Alice and Dr. Hauser will attend to you today, while I have my own appointment. Meet me here again afterward, okay?"

Lydia immediately pulled herself out of her thoughts as Zachary called over a nurse to escort her to the examination room.

They did not have to walk far since Dr. Alice’s room was only a short distance from the lounge, hidden behind a wide glass door at the end of the hallway.

The nurse tapped her access card against the panel beside it. "Dr. Alice is waiting inside."

"Thank you." Lydia stepped through the door after that.

The room looked surprisingly calm. A long white couch stood near one wall, while a large reclining chair sat in the center.

Several small machines surrounded it, connected by thin wires and glowing holographic screens.

A plump woman was standing beside the chair. Her hair was tied in a loose bun behind her, and she wore a simple white coat over a black turtleneck.

"Lydia Valendorf?" she asked.

"Yes."

Dr. Alice gave her a small smile. "I’m Dr. Alice. Please sit down."

Lydia walked toward the reclining chair and sat. Dr. Alice pulled up a tablet from the bracelet on her wrist.

"I’ve already read a report from Lord Zachary. He has updated me that you are his exclusive Guide from now on." She paused and glanced down at her screen. "He stated that you’re also His Highness Ephraim’s Guide as well."

In a world like this, it wasn’t unusual for a Guide to have more than one Sentinel, especially given the 1:10 Guide-to-Sentinel ratio.

Before Lydia could think about it any further, Dr. Alice suddenly spoke again.

"Your birth control implant is still working properly. Everything looks normal."

Lydia blinked several times when she heard that.

Oh. So this was why Zachary asked me to get checked up.

Birth control was basically a must for any Guide and Sentinel who wanted to stay active.

After all, guiding didn’t just connect a Sentinel’s and a Guide’s mental powers. It also heightened their arousal, especially when their Spiritual Animals had awakened.

Especially between Sentinel and Guide with high compatibility, the heat would be impossible to avoid.

So naturally, many female Guides and Sentinels simply used birth control if they planned to keep fighting in Dimensional Rifts.

"If you ever want to remove it, I can help you with that."

"No, I’m all good," Lydia quickly shook her head. "I don’t have any plans to have children for now. Not yet."

Especially not now.

Lydia had only just had her second chance in this world. She had made a lucrative contract with her fiancé and landed herself on a generous sugar daddy.

But that wasn’t enough. Not when she still had so much to do to secure her future. She had barely started enjoying her new freedom.

A baby? Not anytime soon.

Dr. Alice looked at her for a moment before saying, "Well, considering your compatibility with Lord Zachary and His Highness, there was a high chance that you could give birth to an S-Rank or SSS-Rank Sentinel or Guide!"

"I’m good, thank you," Lydia repeated, emphasizing that she really had no plans to have children anytime soon. "That’s not on my priority list right now."

"All right, then." She shoved her tablet back inside her bracelet and let Lydia get up from the examination chair. "Everything else looks fine, Lady Valendorf. You’re good to go. But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."

Lydia got off the chair and fixed her dress. "Thank you, Dr. Alice."

With that, she left the examination room. The moment Lydia stepped into the hallway, she saw the previous nurse was already waiting for her outside.

"Your appointment with Dr. Hauser regarding the Sentinel and Guide’s Compatibility will begin in about ten minutes. Would you like me to escort you to the examination room, Lady Valendorf?"

"Yes, please. Show me the way."