The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 124
The three minimized their power usage.
They had to conceal any abnormal strength, as the barrier would detect it.
“Leave no evidence behind.”
Since Hedonia had not yet taken control of the Apharantes household, they had to consider the possibility of needing Robert’s guidance.
Once they decided to infiltrate the mansion, a perfect crime was impossible.
Thus, the issue wasn’t getting caught, but how to disguise their actions.
“As long as our powers aren’t detected, we can pass this off as the work of mercenaries or criminals seeking loot.”
However, there was one significant problem: the current condition of the Espers was worse than anticipated.
The three nodded, teetering on the edge between reason and instinct.
“See you outside.”
The group split into two teams and moved swiftly.
* * *
‘I really don’t want to go.’
Though it varies for each person, the final stage of the awakening pains usually lasts a full two weeks.
The body and brain continuously search for the link between Esper and guide, for the sake of survival.
He had awakened as an Esper at the tender age of eight.
He still remembered the confusion from the sudden appearance of magic and a different kind of power.
Pheon shrugged as he recalled his own awakening pains.
There was one crucial fact about the awakening pains.
A newly awakened Esper could lose control of their powers and go on a rampage… subsequently becoming a beast that craves guiding.
‘But Hedonia will awaken as a guide, not an Esper.’
So, there should be no problem.
Pheon used force to break the window to Hedonia’s room.
Due to the powerful barrier protecting the mansion, the actual security seemed surprisingly lax.
At least from an Esper’s perspective.
It was Pheon’s first time entering Hedonia’s room.
Most details about Hedonia were shrouded in secrecy.
Suspiciously so.
Hedonia was lying on the bed.
Thanks to Hedonia previously informing him of the caregivers’ schedules, the room was empty.
Pheon stared at Hedonia.
‘Am I mistaken?’
…It felt like his physique had significantly changed since the last time they met.
Though his long platinum hair and delicate features still gave off an androgynous image,
‘She shows no sign of regaining consciousness.’
It was best to inform Caiden Cairoze to wait for the next opportunity.
‘We have to make the most of the little time we have.’
Pheon turned his head without hesitation and was about to leave through the window again.
“Ugh…”
Pheon turned back at the sound of a groan and saw Hedonia starting to rise.
‘…Not only did the awakening pains come early, but she’s up after just a week?’
Perhaps he was always destined to become a guide.
However, Hedonia’s demeanor was different from usual.
Normally irritable yet approachable to some extent, now he was…
“Hedonia…?”
“A face I haven’t seen before.”
Hedonia’s sharp golden eyes gleamed with a hint of madness. However, it seemed he hadn’t fully regained his consciousness, as he didn’t immediately recognize Pheon.
“It’s Pheon. While you were unconscious, we’ve been working to bring out Karina.”
“Ah.”
Hedonia’s face lit up at the mention of Karina’s name.
“Where is Karina?”
Hedonia slowly stood up. Still drenched in sweat and feeling the aftereffects of the awakening pains, he wobbled.
“Careful.”
Pheon caught his arm before he could fall and blinked.
Up close, Hedonia’s condition was worse than he had thought…
‘Has she gone mad from not receiving guiding?’
“Back off.”
Instead of a thank you, Hedonia pushed him away with a shudder, but Pheon didn’t have time to be offended.
The difference in physique, which Pheon had initially dismissed, was now unmistakably evident. Broad shoulders, a towering height that made him look down on Pheon, a sharp jawline, a prominent Adam’s apple, and fingers marked with pronounced veins. He appeared to rival even Esban in stature.
The secret hidden behind a frail body and an androgynous appearance had become too obvious.
“Hedonia.”
“What is it?”
“You’ve been hiding your gender all this time?”
The words slipped out almost like a declaration.
Who could mistake this person for a woman?
“It wasn’t by choice.”
Hedonia didn’t deny it.
“Ha ha…”
Pheon had suspected there was more to Hedonia Apharantes, but this…
This was a secret he hadn’t anticipated.
Only now did Pheon begin to see the strange possessiveness Hedonia displayed towards Karina in a different light.
“Your actions towards Karina…”
“This isn’t the time to discuss that.”
Hedonia, barely managing to continue speaking, clutched his chest with a pained expression.
“My condition…”
“…Yes?”
“It’s not good.”
With a low voice, Hedonia opened his previously tightly shut eyes, but his gaze was unfocused.
