The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 104
…Did I hear that right? I doubted my ears.
“Hurry up.”
But Esban didn’t repeat himself.
“Me carrying you is the safest and most certain method.”
He explained why he was taking me directly.
Remembering how he held me and ran earlier, his reasoning made sense.
“Then, excuse me.”
I spoke politely and placed my hand on his outstretched arm.
Esban pulled me towards him and lifted me into his arms.
It felt as natural as lifting a feather.
This time, his hold felt more secure, like a princess being carried.
‘This does feel safer.’
Holding me in his arms, he kicked open the hut door and immediately took to the air.
He wasn’t just running; he was literally flying.
His jump was so high that it surpassed the treetops, bringing the sky closer.
In the distance, the royal palace appeared as a tiny dot.
It would take at least an hour by carriage to cover that distance… but at this pace, it seemed like it wouldn’t even take thirty minutes.
The cool wind against my cheek felt refreshing.
Esban kept a keen eye on our surroundings as he moved. Compared to his diligent efforts, I felt too comfortable.
‘What can I do?’
There wasn’t much I could do while being carried.
Just lying in his arms felt awkward, so considering he had saved me and spent time with me today, I decided to offer him some guidance.
“By the way, have you received any guidance today?”
“…No.”
After a brief silence, Esban replied.
Did he not want it?
“I figured since we’re stuck together on the way, I could offer you some guidance… but if you don’t want it, just say so. I won’t do it if you’re not comfortable.”
Esban blinked and then shook his head.
“That’s not it.”
His muttered words made him seem somewhat endearing.
‘Then say so.’
Where did the person who attacked me with blunt honesty at our first meeting go?
Is he now filtering what he says because I’m giving him guidance?
I’d rather he speak openly in front of me.
I focused my strength on the hands wrapped around Esban’s neck. Gradually, I felt my energy draining away, and Esban exhaled deeply.
It was a sign that he was becoming more relaxed.
“Esban, you can express your thoughts clearly like you did at the beginning. It won’t disrupt my guidance.”
“I never thought it would.”
Esban’s response was much quicker than I expected.
“That’s a relief.”
I shrugged and continued the guidance.
The more I guided, the more I could feel Esban eagerly absorbing my energy.
His grip on me tightened and he clenched his teeth.
“I’m not intentionally exerting force. It’s just that it’s been a long time since I received proper guidance….”
“It’s okay. I’ll lean in a bit more. That should help.”
I didn’t complain about his words.
Esban was trying hard enough.
He even looked somewhat pitiable in his effort.
‘I never thought I’d feel this way about Esban.’
Even though he is just an Esper in front of a guide.
‘But considering I suddenly appeared, it’s understandable that he would be hostile.’
Seeing someone who wields powers beyond human capabilities rendered helpless before me…
‘I understand why the Duke of Apharantes tries to control them.’
But I am not the Duke of Apharantes.
I have no intention of becoming like Hedonia either.
‘I will live within my means.’
When you chase vain dreams, the despair of not achieving them only grows.
‘Just like when I was abandoned.’
Unwanted memories surfaced. I bit my lip and closed my eyes tightly.
“Just don’t look down.”
Did he see me closing my eyes?
“I’m fine.”
I said stubbornly, and Esban responded.
“You’re not even good at pretending to be fine.”
I chuckled.
‘Was that meant to be comforting?’
Still, thanks to him, I thought less about it.
I opened my eyes again. The scenery around us rapidly changed.
Perhaps because of our recent conversation, the words I exchanged with Esban came to mind.
[I’ve gotten quite good at pretending to be fine.]
[…That is true.]
There was a genuine feeling in his voice when he replied to me.
What reason could Esban, who seemed to live without a care in the world, have to pretend to be fine?
He was terrible at acting when he was caught off guard.
“You might be better at pretending than I am, Esban.”
I joked, and a small laugh escaped Esban’s lips.
He glanced at me.
“You might be right.”
He didn’t deny my words.
“How did you get better at it than me?”
His grip on me tightened.
But Esban didn’t change the subject.
“Because I just had to survive.”
I couldn’t fully understand what he meant by that.
But I did understand one thing.
He needed someone to confide in, just as I did.
