The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 114
“Today, you’ll be guiding Esban instead of the busy Duke Apharantes.”
As I had my blood drawn in the morning, I was informed of today’s schedule, thinking the timing was quite lucky.
Moreover, the person who came to collect my blood today was the butler, not the usual head maid.
‘Maybe the head maid went out with someone.’
That would certainly work to my advantage.
For the first time, I felt genuinely pleased to see Esban coming for guidance.
I was led to the room where Esban was waiting, still wearing my veil.
Though not much time had passed, it felt like an eternity for some reason.
“Lord Esban.”
Left alone with Esban, I bowed my head in greeting.
Esban, observing me closely, furrowed his brows.
“…You’ve lost a lot of weight.”
“Is it that noticeable?”
I hadn’t done much, yet the weight had fallen off.
Who would have thought dieting could be this easy?
As always, he was dressed in his uniform. His well-built physique starkly contrasted with my now-gaunt body.
Esban approached me with long strides and silently removed my veil.
Upon seeing my face, Esban’s eyes widened, and he bit his lip.
‘…Do I look that pale?’
Even though not much time had passed, I thought I still looked somewhat human.
“You’re…”
Was I hearing things? Esban seemed to be trembling.
“Sir Esban, I have a proposal for you.”
But his emotions didn’t concern me now.
Since I had the opportunity, I needed to speak my mind.
“How long is my safety guaranteed?”
It would be too much to ask for lifelong protection for just one guiding session.
He must have a timeframe in mind.
“Why do you ask?”
“Because I want to request extended protection in exchange for guiding.”
“For how long?”
Esban didn’t answer my question but instead asked his own.
‘Nothing wrong with that.’
Since this was my main point, I decided to get straight to the matter.
I knew explaining the situation without first hearing his answer might put me at a disadvantage.
But in my exhausted state, I didn’t have the luxury to strategize further.
“Until I reach the island and Lady Hedonia succeeds the Duchy.”
By the time Hedonia takes over the dukedom, all power dynamics will revolve around him.
‘There’s no way Hedonia will leave Robert Apharantes unchecked.’
If Robert became incapacitated, I wouldn’t have to fear dying at his hands.
“…This isn’t like you. Explaining the situation without knowing what I’ll ask for in return.”
Esban’s voice was as expressionless as ever.
But his unchanging tone, even after hearing my situation, oddly reassured me.
“…I thought a noble like you wouldn’t deceitfully stab me in the back.”
Esban was certainly rigid, but he wasn’t the type to commit fraud.
“First, have a seat.”
With a sigh, Esban gestured towards the sofa.
Maybe he needed time to think.
I nodded and took a seat as he instructed.
“I’ve come here today at the behest of the Cairoze family to deliver a message.”
“…What?”
“Lady Hedonia Apharantes has staked Karina’s life as part of the contract for cooperation with the Cairoze family.”
I recalled the conversation between Hedonia and Cayden.
It seemed he had accepted Cayden’s proposal.
‘As expected.’
Hedonia hadn’t abandoned me.
…I was grateful he hadn’t dashed my unspoken hope.
Smiling as I thought of Hedonia, I realized something important.
“…You didn’t have to tell me this.”
Esban frowned at my words.
“Why wouldn’t I?”
He spoke as if he genuinely didn’t understand.
“As you said, how would that make me any different from those of lower stature?”
His proud voice reflected the pride he took in living as a noble.
For the first time, I found Esban’s confidence to be admirable.
“…And you don’t seem to be in any condition to guide right now.”
Esban muttered as he examined me.
“Let’s finish discussing first.”
