The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 139
‘Robert needs to see this.’
It was unfortunate that he wasn’t here.
I wanted him to see how far the stand-in he despised so much had come, and what it had accomplished.
I looked towards the front gate with a pleasant feeling and then my mouth fell open.
“……That’s.”
In front of me, people were swarming like a hive of bees.
“Ah, they are the private soldiers of Cayden Cairoze.”
“……It seems Cayden Cairoze has opened the gate.”
As soon as Pheon, who was staring at the crowd, muttered a word, the main gate opened and the soldiers rushed in.
I searched for Hedonia among them.
Knowing how noticeable he was, I was confident I would find him among these people.
No matter where he was, he always stood out.
But Hedonia was nowhere to be seen.
‘How long has it been since the Awakening ended…….’
I felt really disappointed that I couldn’t see even a single strand of his hair.
“Where is Lady Hedonia? She said she was going to talk with Lord Cayden Cairoze…….”
At my words, Shaelock flinched.
“Hmm, isn’t it time to go see Robert? We also need to break the magic circle.”
“Esban is probably holding Robert and talking with him. The young lady must be busy now, so let’s meet her later.”
Pheon and Shaelock changing the subject seemed suspicious.
……But it was true that I needed to see Robert.
With the mansion in ruins and Cayden’s soldiers invading, I was curious about the expression on his face.
“But is it okay for the soldiers to invade like this?”
“Why?”
Well, invading another noble’s territory, especially a duke’s territory like this, seemed like it would set a bad precedent.
I was ignorant about the laws here, so I was more concerned.
I wasn’t sure if this was something I could resolve with rumors.
“If you create a sufficient reason, then it’s justified. Every rule has exceptions.”
“Ah, then the reason must be sufficient.”
Thank goodness. I could be of enough help.
But there was one strange thing.
‘If he’s going to meet Robert……’
And if Hedonia isn’t with Cayden Cairoze…….
The place he would most likely be is with Robert…… but why is no one mentioning Hedonia’s whereabouts?
‘Why do they only talk about Esban?’
Didn’t Esban leave the room with that Esper earlier?
Questions kept piling up.
‘What is that Esper doing here?’
……His presence was really strange.
‘He’s never been mentioned in the novel.’
Is it because he’s just a one-time extra? Or is there something I can’t remember?
I couldn’t understand what kind of amazing ability he had to be brought to a place like this.
‘I hope he doesn’t mess up Hedonia’s revenge.’
I sighed, recalling his unreliable face.
While my worries were piling up like a mountain, the fire that engulfed half of the mansion was steadily burning everything.
The soldiers and servants of the Duke of Apharantes who were scattered by the wind were staggering. I also saw some of them raising their hands high, surrounded by Cayden’s soldiers.
Christopher was rampaging as if it were his last moment of life.
Seeing them act like they were facing a natural disaster, I realized again how formidable an Esper was.
As I watched the mansion being reduced to ashes, I was happy thinking I had landed a solid blow on Robert’s face, but on the other hand…….
The overwhelming force made them seem even further away.
‘I really am just an ordinary person.’
I just needed to check if Hedonia was okay and then go to the island to truly rest.
I clenched my fist tightly and resolved myself.
* * *
The secret underground space in the backyard of the Duke’s mansion was a place where Robert accepted potential guides and brainwashed them through torture.
This space, which existed since the establishment of the duke’s house, also had a magic circle drawn to protect the duke’s house itself.
The existence of a magic circle and a secret space somewhere in the mansion was a hidden trick.
Most guides, once they took on the role, were brought here and held captive for one or two years, unable to leave until they became puppets moving solely on Robert’s commands.
It was the hidden side of Robert’s generosity, which promised to nurture all guides with ample support.
Robert rushed to this place upon hearing the news that Cayden Cairoze was invading.
