The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 107
Inside the carriage on the way back, Robert asked his question.
The carriage Shaelock prepared was just as luxurious as the one we arrived in.
Yes, it would have been perfect if we were alone inside.
But now, in front of me, with arms crossed and legs folded, displaying his displeasure, was the Duke of Apharantes.
…In short, it was a bed of thorns.
“So, what questions did the recorder ask?”
I had been complacent.
Robert hadn’t dropped his suspicions; he had just shifted his target.
Since questioning Shaelock further was difficult, he decided to interrogate me instead.
‘Did Shaelock foresee this?’
Though surprised by the sudden question, the answers I prepared with the recorder flowed smoothly.
“The size of the dungeon, descriptions of the creatures inside, whether there were any differences in the air or smell….”
There was an endless list of things to discuss.
Robert listened to the details about the dungeon, stroking his chin.
I explained my capture by Blackbird as a result of my own carelessness.
For Robert, who looked down on Karina and believed I was incapable of anything, it was the perfect explanation.
It seemed his suspicions were lifted, but his thoughts were directed elsewhere.
“So Hedonia was active in such a place.”
Robert’s face brightened upon hearing that Hedonia, who had not yet awakened, had taken the lead among the Espers.
It was ironic to see that he genuinely cared for him, despite being the one who had thrown his life into such turmoil.
He bore the brunt of Hedonia’s hatred.
‘Can the Duke of Apharantes really survive?’
Would Hedonia, once he took control of the Apharantes family, spare him or kill him?
Either way, I had a feeling that Hedonia’s life wouldn’t go the way he wanted.
The Duke of Apharantes, resting his chin on his hand and exhaling heavily, spoke in his deep voice.
“I’ve had a lot on my mind, so I’m tired. You handle today’s guiding as you see fit.”
It was clear who I would be guiding.
However, there was a puzzling aspect.
‘Pheon seemed to know that I would be guiding him.’
The appointment he had made was with Robert, not me.
‘How did he know Robert would switch to me?’
Was he reading minds or something? I’d have to ask Pheon when we met later.
First, I needed to respond to Robert.
“Yes, understood.”
“Oh, and after the guiding, follow the head maid.”
So, it seems I would be going to give blood to Hedonia later.
‘But why specifically tell me to follow the head maid?’
It felt like there was something else planned.
I felt uneasy, but I couldn’t ask more questions here.
After getting off the carriage, I was immediately taken to the reception room.
As expected, Pheon was waiting there.
“Long time no see, Miss Karina.”
Pheon seemed to specialize in shameless remarks, considering we had just seen each other a few hours ago.
“How did you know I would be handling the guiding instead of the Duke of Apharantes today?”
I asked what had been on my mind. It was quite curious.
“Oh, that? It was obvious as day. All you have to do is irritate the Duke a bit, and he’ll switch targets. It’s not the first time I’ve done it.”
Thinking of Pheon’s usual behavior, it was easy to imagine how well he could provoke Robert.
“I really dislike Robert Apharantes.”
Seeing Pheon speak with such a sinister voice, I felt a tiny bit of pity for Robert.
“Shall we start by removing the veil? Since we know each other’s faces.”
He then promptly removed the veil from my face.
Indeed… it had become customary to converse face to face now.
“It seems you arrived safely.”
“Yes, and how is Lady Hedonia?”
“Well, isn’t my part more important? You do know that I have your money, right?”
“But Lady Hedonia holds my life in her hands.”
“Ah, indeed, nothing is more important than one’s life.”
Pheon nodded at my words and took a seat.
He gestured to the seat next to him.
“Then let’s start with the guiding. Will you sit here?”
Following his words, I obediently sat down and extended my hand.
“You probably guided Esban on the way here too.”
“Oh, I’m used to guiding, so it’s fine. Besides, I can’t just turn away someone who came for guidance.”
“True. I can’t leave without it either.”
“…Then why did you ask?”
“Just being polite.”
Pheon widened his eyes as he spoke.
…I could see why Hedonia would be frustrated with him.
