The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 118
Next message was for Pheon.
Lord Pheon, thank you for considering aspects I hadn’t thought of. I have some additional questions and would like to discuss them with you later.
Then I moved on to the letter for Esban.
Thank you very much for creating this opportunity. The potion you gave me has made me feel much better. It’s all thanks to you, Lord Esban.
‘I find it easier to deal with Esban than Pheon.’
Esban’s clear thoughts and straightforward demeanor made it easier to interact with him compared to someone like Pheon, who was more enigmatic.
It was possible because Esban had first revealed his true self.
Finally, I wrote a general message to everyone in the remaining space in the center.
Please do not interfere with Duke Robert Apharantes’ meeting with the dark magician today.
Adding this note about Robert’s meeting with the dark magician was because I was confident they could stop Robert if they wanted to.
Instead, take this as an opportunity to gather evidence against Duke Apharantes.
The fact that Robert resorted to dark magic to eliminate me was a critical weakness for him.
We needed to make the most out of this opportunity.
I rolled up the finished letters and tied them to the bird’s ankles.
The bird chirped and flew toward the window.
As I opened the window slightly, the bird quickly disappeared from sight.
I closed the window tightly again.
‘I managed to handle this situation with the help of the Espers…’
But there’s no guarantee it will be the same next time.
So, I must deliver a blow to Robert Apharantes to prevent these things from happening again.
‘I need to show him that underestimating me will have serious consequences.’
They say a cornered mouse will bite the cat.
I steeled my resolve.
* * *
The next day was as uneventful as any other.
Early in the morning, I noticed that the Duke had returned safely with the head maid.
‘Did he do it?’
The rest of the day dragged on tediously. It was a day just like any other.
Later in the evening, I returned to my room and waited for midnight.
Although there was no promise of another visit, I had a feeling they would send a message at the same time.
And my intuition was correct.
‘The conversation isn’t over yet, so I doubt they would stop sending messages.’
I could sense this instinctively.
Tap, tap. The sound of tapping at the window made me open it again.
But the bird was completely different from yesterday.
Unlike the pure white bird from before, today’s bird was black.
‘…Is it really from the Cairoze family?’
However, the only messenger that could arrive at this time and place had to be on our side.
Contrary to my suspicion, the bird eagerly scurried inside.
But there was no note attached to its ankle.
As the bird perched on the desk, it opened its beak. Smoke billowed out and formed into the shape of a person.
“…Pheon?”
“You mentioned you wanted to talk to me? I’ve prepared a spot for that.”
It felt like a magical video call.
“Surprised? Magic is quite wondrous.”
“…Are we talking in real-time right now?”
Or was I just seeing a message he was sending? That was the first thing to clarify.
“Yes, you’re talking to me live. This magic is rare and requires a considerable amount of mana, so not many can use it. You made a good choice in giving a deal with me.”
Even in this situation, he didn’t miss a chance to boast about himself. It was very Pheon-like.
Pheon, who had been gazing at me intently, propped his chin on his hand.
“…You’ve lost a lot of weight. Hearing it from Esban didn’t make it seem real.”
“I’m fine.”
I was taken aback that even Pheon was worried about me.
“My guide needs to be healthy. Only in top condition can I receive optimal guiding.”
…Of course, he wouldn’t just worry for no reason.
“Did you really expect me to say something else?”
Pheon smirked as I gave him a dull look.
“First, we need to discuss Robert Apharantes meeting with the dark magician. It’s better to talk about such matters directly rather than through paper, which is why I’m contacting you from the Magic Tower.”
Pheon narrowed his eyes.
“So, what is it you wanted to discuss with me?”
“…That’s something I can’t speak about.”
“Ah, you mean the life-binding contract you made with Robert Apharantes?”
There was no need to beat around the bush.
Pheon seemed to be aware of the situation already.
My look alone was enough to confirm it.
“I suspect our conversation relates to that matter.”
As expected, Pheon was perceptive.
“Yes, I want to use the information you suspect I have.”
