The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 133
He absorbed my strength greedily, like someone who had found an oasis in the desert, reminding me of my first encounters with Esban and Shaelock.
“…Ugh.”
What’s the point of holding my hand if this Esper is going to drain every bit of my remaining strength?
“Ah.”
The Esper seemed to realize his mistake and quickly let go of my hand.
“Karina!”
…Oh, it’s the first time Esban has called my name. I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes tightly before opening them again.
Esban supported me as I nearly collapsed to the floor.
When I opened my eyes again, I saw the Esper looking at his hands in turn, a confused expression on his face.
“…Are you alright?”
Esban checked my condition, his voice filled with concern. I exhaled and shook my head in his embrace.
“No, I really feel like it’s getting dangerous. I need to rest. But over there…”
“Oh, that’s…”
“He’s an Esper I brought along, hoping he could help.”
Pheon glanced at Shaelock as if seeking agreement. Shaelock nodded reluctantly, clearly displeased.
“Oh, I see.”
Something about this didn’t sit well with me.
“Is he the one who activated the magic circle?”
Supported by Esban, I pointed at the unfamiliar man.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Then where is Lady Hedonia? Where is she now?”
I felt relieved knowing that Hedonia hadn’t been attacked.
I still questioned Pheon’s judgment for bringing such a novice Esper, but…
‘He must have some power I’m not aware of.’
I glared at the man who was still standing there staring at me, unsure of what to do.
“Shall we take Miss Karina and get out of here first?”
Pheon blocked my path and smiled.
I stared at him in disbelief. Esban and Shaelock seemed similarly irritated.
It angered me that they had forgotten what was truly important right now.
“What about Lady Hedonia?”
We don’t even know where Hedonia is!
I couldn’t care less about this Esper.
“Oh, Lady Hedonia…”
Pheon trailed off, then smiled.
“She woke up safely and went to meet Lord Cayden.”
“Is her awakening finally over?”
I had been worried since Hedonia collapsed sooner than expected.
‘I wondered if things were diverging from the original story again.’
I wondered if my actions had caused a butterfly effect, making Hedonia’s awakening pains come sooner.
The thought that my presence might have made things harder for him worried me a lot.
“She has successfully overcome the awakening pains.”
“I feel a bit sad that she left without showing her face. But I’m relieved. It seems the plan is still on track.”
I pouted, expressing my subtle disappointment.
He must have known I was coming through Rodite, so he could have shown his face.
It had been quite a while since I last saw him, thanks to Robert’s interference.
‘He was the one who said we should meet face to face outside.’
What was the point of missing the chance to see each other?
“How do you feel about hearing that Lady Hedonia’s awakening pains are over?”
Pheon suddenly asked.
I tilted my head, sensing something off in his tone.
Was Pheon trying to test me again?
Did he think I was aiming for Hedonia’s position?
“Of course, I’m happy. Now Lady Hedonia doesn’t have to suffer anymore.”
“…Right.”
Pheon’s tone was peculiar. There was something in it I hadn’t noticed before.
I glared at him, suspiciously.
Hedonia had worked so hard to become a guide.
‘Could Pheon be doubting Hedonia’s abilities?’
It seemed the sudden awakening pain had triggered some doubt in him.
If he knew the original story, he wouldn’t think that way.
I remembered how fiercely Hedonia had defended me.
‘Now it’s my turn to stand up for him.’
I glared at Pheon and protested.
“Lady Hedonia will become an exceptional guide, and if you doubt her now, you’ll regret it.”
“An exceptional guide, huh?”
“Yes, she will be capable of guiding all the Espers here and more.”
You’ll all see that you can’t live without Hedonia’s guidings.
My confident words made Pheon smile, but it was a strange, satisfied smile.
His face was unusually pleased, it was super suspicious.
“Why are you looking at me like that? Do you think you’re that handsome?”
Pheon quipped.
“…You do realize the situation is serious, right?”
“Rodite is holding them off, so we’re fine for now. And we’ve delayed the activation of the magic circle.”
A spark flickered at Pheon’s fingertips.
“Hedonia!”
Robert’s voice reached me clearly.
“Are you in there?”
He must be losing his mind. The panic in his voice was satisfying.
“What are you discussing with the princess…!”
Shaelock shrugged at his continued shouting.
“We’ve been found out.”
