The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 100
Shaelock blinked and covered her mouth at my words.
It seemed like she had spoken without thinking. A brief silence followed, and Shaelock glanced at me nervously.
“Um… but we still need to do the guiding.”
I nodded at her words after a moment.
That’s true. The guiding was still left to do.
“Yes, I’ll come find you later.”
As I responded agreeably, Shaelock nodded as if she had been waiting for that.
Her eagerness made her look like a puppy waiting for my words.
‘Though it feels odd to say this about the heroine.’
For the first time, Shaelock seemed cute to me.
This meeting had certainly allowed me to see various sides of her.
“See you later, then.”
Shaelock waved at me happily before engaging in another silent showdown with Hedonia and then leaving.
Once the cabin door closed, it was just me and Hedonia left inside.
“Did you finish your conversation well?”
“Yes. I’m still not sure what her true intentions are, though.”
Hedonia sat on the chair Shaelock had occupied and exhaled lightly.
“Karina.”
“Yes.”
“What do you think of Cayden Cairoze?”
“Hmm… Someone who does his job? Honestly, I don’t know much. I’ve only seen him a few times.”
I shrugged, indicating my uncertainty.
But one thing was clear.
‘Cayden wanted to talk with Hedonia alone, and now Hedonia is asking me about Cayden.’
Given the series of events… it seems that Cayden Cairoze is destined to become Hedonia’s ally.
With the Duke of Apharantes being overshadowed by Robert, there are many obstacles Hedonia must overcome.
It’s impossible for him to do it alone.
Successful protagonists always have capable friends by their side.
‘Cayden Cairoze is one of those friends.’
Moreover, Cayden Cairoze has a good reason.
It’s practically impossible for a high-level Esper not to have crossed paths with Robert Apharantes.
‘So, he must have suffered from Robert’s tyranny as well.’
As an Esper, enduring the Duke of Apharantes his whole life must have been unbearable.
It made perfect sense for him to reach out to Hedonia.
I had no worries about Hedonia’s choice.
I knew that whatever path he chose, it would be the right one.
‘Even if my presence has slightly twisted the original plot…’
I was confident that Hedonia would surpass the Duke of Apharantes.
“…We don’t need to spend what little time we have talking about Cayden Cairoze. So, what did you want to discuss with me?”
Hedonia looked pleased. It had been a while since we had a conversation, and he seemed to enjoy it.
The problem was, the topic I wanted to bring up wasn’t particularly pleasant.
“Ah, well… I’m going to leave the estate soon.”
“What?”
Hedonia frowned deeply, then quickly composed himself.
“No, I understand that you can’t just stay here since my Awakening Phase is almost over. But what do you mean by leaving?”
“It seems the Duke of Apharantes wants to get rid of me soon. But at least he doesn’t want to take my life, which is something.”
“…What about my Awakening Phase if you leave?”
“I think he’ll want to take some of my blood in advance.”
Hedonia lowered his eyes and sighed at my words.
Seeing his crestfallen face, I couldn’t help but think he looked cute, despite the seriousness of the situation.
‘I’m crazy…’
We were discussing something so serious right now.
“Ever since you came in as the head maid.”
“Yes, it seems he thinks we’ve become closer than expected.”
“Closer…”
Hedonia lifted his head and met my gaze.
“There’s no one who knows me as well as you do.”
My heart started to race at those words.
I couldn’t help it.
I was always weak towards people who thought of me as special.
“To ask you not to leave… things are too messy for that.”
Hedonia spoke with a hint of sadness, and it felt like all the pent-up frustration from dealing with Robert was being released.
“And you’re not saying you won’t go. You’re not even asking for help.”
“It’s just the right time. You’re about to awaken, and I can’t tarnish your reputation with my presence.”
Human emotions are truly fickle.
Even though Hedonia seems so understanding now, he might think differently later.
He could see me as an obstacle if he gains fame as a unique guide and finds my presence cumbersome.
It wouldn’t be surprising for him to feel that way since we occupy overlapping roles.
Hedonia is an ambitious person.
And I’ve already told him that I would leave when the time comes.
That time is simply approaching.
‘It’s time to return to my normal life.’
No more entering dungeons or talking with nobles I wouldn’t usually encounter.
Having mentally prepared myself, I felt calmer than I expected.
…Though it might be because we haven’t parted ways yet.
“Karina, once you leave the Apharantes family…”
Hedonia paused and looked at me intently.
His golden eyes were so dazzling, shimmering like sand warmed by the sun.
“Will you really never see me again?”
He asked, almost pleadingly.