The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 105
There are many instances where people wear masks to survive, but I never imagined Esban would be one of them.
“Is it surprising?”
His gaze was fixed ahead, but he seemed to have already sensed my reaction.
Should I make an excuse?
But I didn’t particularly want to.
“……I can’t say it isn’t.”
Esban’s first impression hadn’t completely faded yet.
But now… I understood that this was the side of him not easily seen by others.
“I apologize for my blunt words when we first met.”
“No, being born a noble and living as one, my mere existence could be unsettling to you. I completely understand.”
Esban’s words made me smile and shake my head. His words were laced with bones and thorns.
What he said to me revealed his true mindset.
People don’t change easily.
Even if he was apologizing now, the likelihood of his thoughts completely changing was slim.
“……I saw myself in you, which made it unavoidable.”
Esban muttered, like he was making an excuse.
However, I couldn’t comprehend his reason.
‘Hmm… there was nothing similar when we first met?’
He was the successful heir of the Cairoze family and one of the few S-class Espers, while I was just an orphan who came to be Hedonia’s substitute.
If Esban elaborated on his reasons, I might understand.
But I didn’t want that.
Because I realized the atmosphere was different than usual.
‘This is dangerous.’
It felt like Esban was about to reveal secrets he wouldn’t easily share with others.
Even though we were usually alone when I guided him, today felt entirely different.
Perhaps the question I asked touched something deep within him.
My heart wavered.
Knowing that someone as high and seemingly enviable as Esban had secrets he couldn’t easily share was dangerous.
It evoked an unexpected sense of kinship.
And that was not good for either of us.
‘Let’s end it here.’
I decided to change the subject.
“Regardless, thank you for keeping your promise.”
I neither accepted nor rejected his apology.
Esban would know this too.
But he didn’t point it out.
Instead, he went along with my words.
“…Lately, the Duke of Apharantes has been acting suspiciously.”
His unexpected display of concern surprised me.
“Ah, yes. He really dislikes me.”
“I doubt there’s anyone who pleases the Duke.”
“That’s not an inaccurate statement.”
It was surprising to agree with Esban on something.
Simply following orders wasn’t all there was to him.
I couldn’t help but chuckle as I found myself gossiping about the Duke of Apharantes with an unexpected someone.
‘They say people bond the most when they complain about their bosses.’
When would I get another chance to talk with Esban like this?
‘I should take this opportunity to say my final goodbyes properly.’
Since we wouldn’t be seeing each other for much longer, it was best to end things on a good note.
A good ending always leaves a positive memory.
Considering Esban had even apologized, it was remarkable.
“Lord Esban, thank you for everything.”
Esban didn’t seem surprised by my words.
“Lady Hedonia’s awakening is not far off.”
“Yes. The Duke might send me away before that happens.”
Esban nodded at my prediction.
To him, it seemed like a plausible scenario.
“Even after Lady Hedonia’s awakening, it would be wise for you to stay on the island for about a year.”
His advice was sound.
“Showing the Duke that you are no longer a threat is the best way to handle this.”
If Esban is saying this much, it shows just how cautious one needs to be with the Duke of Apharantes.
Indeed, he lives up to his role as the villain who brought hardships and adversity into Hedonia’s life…
“I really should do that.”
Staying on the island would certainly distance me from outside news, but… with guaranteed safety and a comfortable living space, it was bearable.
Once Hedonia deals with the Duke, everything will be over.
Everything will fall into place.
“Let’s stop here for a moment.”
Esban, having entered a hunting ground not far from the palace, set me down.
“You’ll need to wear this again.”
He pulled out the veil to cover my face.
Ah, I had left it behind when I came out with Shaelock earlier and forgot about it.
Thinking about putting the veil back on felt stifling.
But it’s better to get the shot over with.
I offered my face to Esban.
“Alright, please put it on.”
Esban quietly approached and placed the veil over my face.
Was it just my imagination?
It seemed like a faint smile appeared on Esban’s face as he did so.
It was another face of his that I didn’t know.
A trace of his true self, which he always tried to hide.
