The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 102
Instead of answering, I naturally grabbed the back of his neck.
His hair, slipping through my fingers, felt as soft as silk.
Our faces drew closer.
His tongue delved between my parted lips, seeking me out. It teased the sensitive lining of my mouth and brushed against tender flesh.
“Ah…”
A moan escaped me, the sound unfamiliar and embarrassing after such a long time.
But I had no time for other thoughts.
Hedonia didn’t allow it, pressing his lips more firmly against mine.
He supported me as I staggered, not forgetting to let me breathe.
While my kisses remained the same, his grew more skillful each time.
…Does he learn this quickly too?
“What are you thinking now?”
Hedonia, like a mind reader, caught my wandering thoughts again.
“N-No—”
But my denial was swiftly swallowed by his lips.
* * *
As the kiss prolonged, I wondered if this might turn into foreplay, or even go beyond that.
But both Hedonia and I held onto our rationality.
Of course, it made sense.
Having s*x while we were both in our right minds wouldn’t be appropriate, would it?
…Or so I thought.
“Such a shame.”
The moment Hedonia muttered in a lowered voice, I realized that was just my misconception.
And I didn’t mind his words.
…But admitting it out loud felt too embarrassing.
So instead of responding, I leaned into Hedonia.
I felt his warmth, the rhythm of his heartbeat mirroring mine.
An unexpected sense of happiness grew within me.
Moments I would never forget were piling up one by one.
So, I…
Even if Hedonia changes, even if I can no longer see him, I feel like I could live on these memories alone.
* * *
After that, we waited in the cabin for Shaelock to return.
But the person who opened the door was not Shaelock.
Hedonia frowned slightly.
“Esban?”
“Lady Shaelock has been detained by the Duke of Apharantes.”
“Ah.”
Of course, rumors about the chaos and the building collapsing would have spread.
Naturally, it would have reached Robert Apharantes’ ears.
Searching for Hedonia’s whereabouts would be the logical next step.
“I came along too.”
Pheon suddenly appeared from behind Esban.
“You have to move separately. Oh, Karina, is that your real hair color?”
Pheon waved cheerfully. Then he turned to greet Hedonia.
“Nice to meet you. Today, I’ll be escorting you, Hedonia.”
“…And Esban?”
“He’ll be taking Karina back to where she belongs.”
“How was it decided who would take whom?”
“I had an unexpected appointment with the princess, so I offered to help on the way.”
Pheon explained carefully.
An appointment between Shaelock and Pheon?
As I tilted my head in confusion, I remembered the Marquis of Shepherd from earlier.
Despite the risk to his life, the Marquis of Shepherd couldn’t speak out.
Hedonia thought there must be a good reason for that.
‘A power beyond one’s will.’
It was reasonable to suspect a magician’s involvement.
Shaelock’s swift handling of the situation was impressive.
“I wonder what’s so urgent that I was summoned like this,”
Pheon mused.
Of course, it seemed he was still unaware of the true reason.
Esban hadn’t mentioned it to him, and neither Hedonia nor I spoke up.
But Pheon was perceptive.
“It must be related to what happened today.”
We didn’t respond, but that alone would have been enough of an answer for Pheon.
After that, Pheon and Hedonia exchanged polite farewells with us.
“Shall we go?”
Hedonia glanced between Esban and me, pressing his temple in frustration.
“…Let’s go.”
He knew that lingering here would be pointless.
So, Hedonia gave me one last look before walking away.
“Let’s set our appointment for later. We still have things to discuss.”
Pheon’s words were vague in front of others, but he was clearly referring to the payment with the gem and everything.
Thinking about the money I was about to receive, I felt a surge of happiness.
‘Money earned with my own strength, not relying on Robert’s power.’
Thinking that way made me feel proud.
‘What should I do with the money?’
The thought of decorating the island I’d receive later filled me with excitement.
“Yes, I’ll be waiting.”
‘It’s about time to go.’
Smiling, I looked up and was startled by what I saw around me.
‘…What’s going on?’
Esban and Hedonia were glaring at Pheon.
“…Let’s go quickly.”
Hedonia then firmly pushed Pheon’s back.
“…We’ll go this way.”
Esban gestured for me to follow as he pointed to the path leading out of the cabin.
