The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 120
“…Why?”
“I was terrified of entering dungeons… and now that my role as a stand-in is over, I want to return to my original life. That’s my answer.”
This was also a response to Pheon’s previous proposal.
“You really didn’t consider my offer at all.”
“No, so even if you want to be friends, there’s nothing you can gain from me.”
“Why wouldn’t there be any benefit?”
I responded as if it were the most obvious thing.
“Because I’ll be just an ordinary person…”
“You could at least write me a letter. With a smiling face and flowers, maybe even draw my face.”
Such a childlike demand was uncharacteristic of Pheon.
“…What kind of benefit could that possibly have?”
“I didn’t think there was any benefit either.”
The way he blinked at me made him look like an innocent child.
“Until I experienced it myself.”
“…”
“Who would have thought?”
He murmured in a low voice, furrowing his brows.
“I found myself wanting it more than I expected.”
It seemed even he didn’t fully understand his own behavior right now.
Perhaps what appeared to be a spontaneous action was actually something he had pondered over all day.
“I concluded that I don’t have any relationships that aren’t transactional.”
…Maybe I still don’t fully understand who Pheon is.
“So let’s call this request a way to become friends.”
There was no reason to refuse him now.
“Or do you not want to be friends with me?”
…Seriously, who makes friends like this?
Seeing my expression, Pheon smiled broadly, having already read my thoughts.
“I think we could be good friends.”
“How could I possibly…”
I was about to refuse, using our respective positions and statuses as reasons.
“Because you’re not someone who would betray me.”
…He must have been betrayed a lot in the past.
“And somehow, I feel I can trust you.”
“What if that trust turns out to be misplaced?”
“I’m pretty good at judging people.”
Pheon shook his head, looking at me.
It wasn’t his usual dazzling smile; rather, it was a twisted expression, somewhere between a smile and a frown.
This seemed to suit him much better, making him appear more comfortable.
“Then let me leave a gift for my new friend. It wouldn’t be fair if only Esban gave you something. This is a potion that helps restore your stamina. I’ll be in touch again.”
As he finished speaking, the bird closed and then opened its beak.
A vial popped out from the bird’s mouth.
“Pfft…”
I laughed, holding the tiny bottle.
I hadn’t realized he could be like this.
Whenever characters defy the preconceptions I held from the novel, it reminds me that this is a living world, not just a story.
‘The overall framework is similar, but…’
It’s kind of fun to see how the characters change because of my presence.
There are many difficulties that come with being involved, but…
‘Seeing Esban, Pheon, and even Shaelock change makes me feel somewhat proud.’
The previously aloof male leads seemed more human now.
I wondered how Shaelock would handle my absence.
Would the butterfly effect I’ve set in motion change the male lead?
‘I don’t think I’ve had that big of an impact, but…’
I’m curious about the world Hedonia will experience in the future.
Honestly, I wouldn’t mind if Shaelock doesn’t end up with Hedonia.
Actually, I hope she doesn’t.
I didn’t have the courage to express this sentiment openly, though.
* * *
Robert Apharantes thought everything was going too smoothly.
‘It shouldn’t be this easy.’
Unexpected events are always bound to happen.
Hedonia’s recent compliance also seemed suspicious.
He had completely prevented Hedonia from meeting Karina, which should have provoked some resistance.
It would have made sense if Hedonia had acted out as before.
But everything around him was too quiet.
It felt like the calm before the storm.
‘Everyone has their own schemes.’
Thus, Robert fell deep into thought.
He was convinced there was a conspiracy he was unaware of.
Anyone who had come into contact with Karina had to be under suspicion.
Even though the Cairoze family seemed to be following him obediently… the uneasy feeling persisted.
The unusually smooth encounter with the dark magician was also unsettling.
He had bribed the soldiers, wardens, and magicians guarding the prison near the Magic Tower generously to meet the imprisoned individual, but he never thought Pheon would be entirely unaware.
No, he had even prepared for a confrontation with him.
Pheon had always opposed him.
Yet, he hadn’t encountered him this time either.
‘Am I walking into a trap?’
The uneasy feeling lingered.
He needed to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.
Just in time, he had a good plan.
