The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 116
“Exactly, without any regard to restricted contracts or curses.”
Hearing his explanation, I began to understand the current situation.
‘So, he’s trying to kill me without triggering the contract at all.’
If he kills me using dark magic before the contract is activated, he avoids a troublesome situation.
“That’s why the Duke went out today.”
Esban’s words made me realize why the Duke had suddenly left today.
He must have been in a hurry to resolve things.
Seeing my face darken, Esban hesitated.
“Unfortunately, I can’t take you out of here right away. The Duke of Apharantes still has too many places under his control, and if you disappear, I will be immediately suspected.”
“I understand.”
I hadn’t expected to escape today.
“And could you convey to Lord Pheon that I accept his proposal?”
“…Pheon’s proposal?”
Esban frowned, clearly displeased.
‘I thought they had a good relationship.’
Esban glared at me.
“The safety of the Cairoze family can guarantee your protection. There’s no need to rely on Pheon’s power.”
…But I can’t exactly ask the Cairoze family to cover my shipping costs for the island I’ll be staying on, can I?
“…It’s a matter more important than my life. I would appreciate it if you could convey that.”
I spoke politely, and Esban, who had been frowning, muttered under his breath.
“…Alright.”
Despite his displeasure, he seemed willing to listen to me.
‘I think I’m starting to understand how to handle him.’
Since Esban agreed to pass on the message, I just had to wait for Pheon’s next visit.
“You can’t use magic or Esper powers in this mansion without being detected. So, I brought this instead.”
He must have anticipated that I wasn’t in great shape.
Esban pulled out a potion.
“This will help restore your stamina. I use it regularly myself, so you can trust its effectiveness.”
“Thank you!”
Is it like a nutritional supplement?
I was feeling exhausted, so I gladly accepted and drank the potion.
“…What if I had given you something strange? You drank it right away.”
Though his face was puzzled, his voice seemed pleased.
“You said you don’t lie.”
At my words, Esban nodded quietly.
“Is your room at the very end of the hallway, two doors down from this drawing room?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I’ve weakened the barrier there. At exactly midnight, a bird will deliver a note to you. It will contain information about the current situation, so don’t forget to check it.”
“Understood.”
I had thought I’d have to face this situation alone, but it was more reassuring than I expected.
“…What promise did you make with Pheon?”
It seemed Esban was concerned about it.
“He offered me advice regarding my financial situation.”
“…It’s true that he’s well-known for managing money.”
Esban couldn’t deny that fact and nodded.
“But don’t trust him too much.”
He muttered a warning.
“He’s not the type to do anything without gaining something in return.”
Isn’t that true for everyone? I tilted my head and looked at him, and Esban avoided my gaze again.
Still, I appreciated that he didn’t expect anything in return for his help.
* * *
As midnight arrived, just as Esban had said, there was a tapping sound at the window.
Attached to the bird’s ankles were notes.
The letter tied to the right leg was from Hedonia.
The neat handwriting was unmistakably his.
It was ironic that we had to exchange letters while staying in the same mansion. I couldn’t help but smirk.
The good news was that thanks to the potion Esban had given me, I felt more energetic.
I couldn’t bring myself to ask how you were doing.
The letter began with apologies, filled with his regrets.
It won’t be long before this is over. The time for awakening is almost here.
The scheduled time for the awakening was one week and six days from now.
On that day, I would escape from the mansion.
And I would flee to the island prepared for me.
Although the island, supposedly mine, was under the control of Duke Apharantes… this wasn’t an issue.
I heard you accepted my proposal. Then I will gladly do my best. Once you enter the island, the Duke won’t be able to find you, no matter what he tries.
Because I have Pheon on my side.
But there was more.
On the bird’s left leg, there was a postscript in messy handwriting beneath Pheon’s message.
A friend should help in times like this. I will come to pick you up myself on that day.
It was Shaelock’s handwriting.
