The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 150
When Shaelock was that resolute, there was nothing Pheon could do.
“Give me the information about the island,”
With a sigh, Pheon relayed all the information to Shaelock.
‘There are quite a few people to watch out for.’
Why are there so many people around Karina?
After receiving the information, Shaelock, holding Karina in her arms, immediately set off for the island. Watching Shaelock leave without looking back, Pheon tilted his head.
“…She seemed a bit different than usual.”
When rebuking Hedonia or responding to her own words, Shaelock had more bite than usual.
“This isn’t the time to worry about that.”
Hedonia, uninterested in Shaelock’s mood, cut off Pheon’s words cleanly.
No one else in the world would dare to treat the princess like that, but then, no one else had Hedonia’s status or power.
There was a mountain of tasks to be done for Karina.
Hedonia, with a cold expression, looked at Pheon.
“I need to meet Cayden Cairoze.”
“Have you already met with Robert Apharantes?”
“He’s half out of his mind. But… if necessary, I can bring him back to his senses.”
Hedonia paused as he spoke about his abilities.
“…If necessary.”
The guiding he could receive from Karina was close to being the last.
Therefore, he hoped that her energy would linger in his body for as long as possible. He didn’t want to waste such precious power.
“You’re a mental-type esper, aren’t you?”
“Yes. I have a lot to discuss with Cayden Cairoze.”
Cayden was the only other mental-type esper besides Hedonia.
‘Then I’m an S-rank mental esper.’
It was the birth of a monster.
“Let’s take a look around the mansion.”
As soon as Hedonia finished speaking, the two espers began to move.
As Hedonia surveyed the area, he muttered,
“So, what did Karina request?”
“Ah, it’s about the island.”
“If Karina needs anything, I’ll provide it without hesitation. Make sure she can live comfortably on the island without lacking anything. All expenses should be billed to me.”
Pheon’s eyes flickered at Hedonia’s words.
He turned to Hedonia and smiled brightly.
“That won’t be necessary. That is what friends do for each other.”
“Friends?”
Hedonia frowned, and Pheon displayed a victorious smile.
“Yes, I’ve decided to be friends with Karina.”
“…There’s a big difference between friends and romantic interests.”
“Well, starting is half the battle. So, I won’t be charging anything.”
Pheon’s eyes narrowed.
“I’m not stupid enough to give a rival an opening.”
His low voice struck like a blow.
“You seem unaware that we’re starting from completely different places.”
Hedonia laughed.
Deflecting such blows was his specialty.
* * *
Shaelock, having summoned both Rodite and Christopher, arrived at Karina’s island.
‘The location isn’t bad.’
It was a place where delivery services could reach easily. The mansion’s condition was good, and the garden and environment were well-maintained.
‘…It’s unlikely the Duke of Apharantes put in this much effort.’
Pheon’s influence was evident.
Upon entering the mansion, they were greeted by someone.
“Welcome… Your Highness.”
The woman, realizing Shaelock’s identity, was startled but calmly greeted her.
“The room?”
“This way.”
Shaelock barely acknowledged the greeting as she headed to the room. Once inside, she gently laid Karina on the bed and finally let out a heavy sigh.
‘…This was exhausting.’
Shaelock had always trusted her abilities.
Her bond with her summons was strong, and their powers were formidable.
But in the face of Hedonia’s abilities, she had been powerless.
‘Up until now, everything was fine.’
There had never been a dungeon where she felt helpless. She had always performed brilliantly, showcasing her skills.
But this time, she could do nothing.
‘…’
Her ability required memorizing historical facts and being able to recite information about the person she wanted to summon as naturally as she breathed.
She had thought that with Christopher and Rodite, there would be no problems.
Until today.
She knew Hedonia was strong. It was rare for someone to take this long to awaken.
‘I need to be prepared for any situation.’
But what if a monster with similar abilities appeared?
She needed the power to control her summons more strongly.
Or the power to summon even more powerful beings.
Shaelock grasped the necklace around her neck.
It was the necklace made from the fairy’s tears that Karina had given her.
She vividly remembered Karina guiding her, despite her poor condition.
Even then, Karina had tried to protect her from harm.
Gradually, Karina had become precious to her.
