The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 135
The Apharantes Dukedom is a place that captures everyone’s attention.
What happens here inevitably affects people.
Even Robert has been working hard to manage his image.
If rumors spread that Espers attacked this place, it would only worsen the public perception of Espers, creating a vicious cycle.
‘Hard-working Espers must think it’s incredibly unfair.’
As the hostility between Espers and citizens grows, the conflicts will escalate.
However, I hoped this incident wouldn’t become another barrier between Espers and citizens.
“I think this incident will be talked about for a long time after it’s over.”
I shared my thoughts while looking at Pheon, Esban, and Shaelock in turn.
“Even if the identities of Shaelock, Pheon, or Esban aren’t revealed, the fact that it’s an Esper’s doing will be a huge topic.”
When everyone’s attention is focused, we can achieve what we want.
“Isn’t this the perfect time to expose the Duke of Apharantes’ secrets using the evidence Pheon has gathered?”
Robert will try to play the victim to regain the upper hand.
We needed to shape public opinion to prevent that from happening.
“…Secrets?”
The Esper standing behind approached Pheon and frowned.
His furrowed brow reminded me of Hedonia.
Pheon looked at him silently for a moment before speaking.
“The evidence that the Duke of Apharantes colluded with a dark mage. Miss Karina specially asked me to gather it.”
He seems reluctant to share, but he’s telling everything.
That Esper must be a really important figure.
“…Colluded with a dark mage.”
The Esper spoke in a calm voice, but I got goosebumps. The anger simmering within him was immense.
The man, with his fists clenched, looked at Pheon and smiled.
“Tell me what kind of evidence it is.”
No, he was smiling, but it wasn’t a genuine smile. The chills ran down my spine, making me shiver.
“Oh dear, it seems you forgot that I’m your superior. You should calm down first.”
Even in this situation, Pheon was busy teasing the man. The man gritted his teeth and spoke in a menacing voice.
“Please tell me.”
Realizing that continuing his antics could endanger his life, Pheon quickly began to explain.
* * *
‘This is troublesome.’
There was only one reason why I didn’t send the rumor to Hedonia that Robert even used dark magic to kill Karina.
It was because Hedonia would lose his sanity.
So, I delivered Karina’s letters to Hedonia separately, after tearing them up.
I was particularly careful when informing him about Karina’s current situation.
All three Espers knew about Hedonia’s unusual obsession with Karina and agreed to be cautious when delivering messages.
‘But now it’s been revealed like this.’
Hedonia’s gaze felt scorching as he looked at me.
Even though I mentioned the word “superior” to remind him of the current situation, it was useless.
“The Duke…”
Pheon awkwardly smiled at the sound of gritting teeth.
“But at least Karina is in good health, isn’t that a relief?”
“In good health, you say.”
Of course, when Hedonia learned about Karina’s condition, he gave a sinister smile.
His face, which I hadn’t seen in a while, looked more gaunt than I remembered. It was far from being described as good.
‘Robert, you bastard…’
I was already determined not to let him go, but his anger toward Robert doubled.
“So… we need to gather Robert’s energy and blood.”
“That’s right.”
“I’ll do it myself.”
“No, there’s no need to—”
“There’s no need for you to step in personally for something like this, Pheon. I’ll go and take care of it.”
Hedonia spoke kindly, even addressing Pheon with formal language on purpose.
He was warning them not to interfere any further as he would handle this matter himself.
Pheon, being exceptionally perceptive, couldn’t miss this hint and sighed.
‘Karina.’
Hedonia clenched his teeth as he thought of the one who risked her life for him.
Karina hadn’t stopped Robert from meeting the dark mage to gather evidence for him, nor had she removed the curse placed on her afterwards.
‘I feel so selfish.’
In contrast, he was just a fool who was happy that Karina needed him.
He felt deeply ashamed of himself.
What about when he couldn’t control himself and drained her strength when he held her hand earlier? He was nothing short of a beast.
He always felt small when standing before Karina.
His heart sank whenever he saw her defending him, believing he had become a perfect guide.
Really…
Should he bring up today’s topic?
