The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 151
Feeling powerless in a place that wasn’t a dungeon was a first for me.
I relied too much on my summons. I was complacent, thinking being an S-class Esper made me invincible.
I didn’t anticipate such danger.
Thinking that Karina might die made me feel strange.
Is it because she’s my friend? I kept wanting to see her. Sometimes, I just wanted to meet Karina, do things together, or have conversations.
Karina was the first person to talk about the future of Espers and Guides. I cherished the times we enjoyed card games together and appreciated how she comforted me when I felt embarrassed about needing guidance.
Shaelock carefully voiced what she had only thought in her mind.
“Karina, I want you by my side too.”
But I wanted her to be in a safe place.
Above all, I hoped Karina wouldn’t feel any resentment towards her role as a Guide.
Once Hedonia and I ascend to the ranks of the Duke of Apharantes, the treatment of Guides will improve. But it won’t be an easy task in a short time.
‘I think I’ll need to keep an eye on Hedonia Apharantes too.’
Robert Apharantes, who put Karina in this state, must also pay for his crimes.
Given the extent to which she exhausted her powers, it will take longer than usual for her to wake up.
‘I should have saved you.’
Shaelock blamed herself for not separating Hedonia and Karina in time.
Honestly… I really don’t like Hedonia Apharantes.
‘…But Pheon and Esban are suspicious too.’
None of the Espers around Karina sat well with me.
Hedonia Apharantes nearly killed Karina.
‘Or maybe it’s not just Apharantes.’
Bloodlines can’t be ignored.
‘…No, maybe it’s not that either.’
Shaelock shook her head, recalling her relationship with the Emperor.
‘And then there’s Pheon.’
On the surface, he pretends to be elegant and noble… but wasn’t he constantly throwing advances at Karina?
From suggesting they become friends to preparing this entire mansion… wasn’t it all filled with ulterior motives?
‘I need to check Karina’s feelings first.’
She didn’t seem to like Pheon that much, but I should ask her.
‘Esban is the same.’
Although he follows Cayden Cairoze and claims to protect Karina, his unusually considerate behavior and cautious actions were concerning.
He is the only person who has shown genuine feelings. So, I hoped she would meet someone better.
Karina had said she would end the friendship once her role as a stand-in was over… but now I’ve changed my mind.
I was suddenly scared.
‘What if I’m the only one thinking this way?’
Karina seemed to have no lingering attachments after her role as a stand-in ended.
In that case… I just need to create a reason to keep being friends.
Improving the treatment of Guides needs to proceed quickly.
So that Karina can live a safe life even after leaving the island.
If I achieve that, Karina will have no choice but to accept it.
Karina is firm, yet she has a vulnerable side.
If I can use that well… maintaining our current relationship should be possible.
‘I need to carefully note down what to do when we meet.’
There would be a lot to do once Karina wakes up. For the time being, I might not be able to see her due to being busy.
‘If I can’t meet her, I can’t let other Espers meet her either.’
I’ve heard that friends help each other out. This is exactly the kind of situation where power comes in handy.
I need to strictly manage Pheon, Esban, and Hedonia from meeting Karina.
It’s time to use the power of the princess.
‘I can’t be the only one not seeing her.’
Shaelock slightly raised the corners of her mouth. Of course, Shaelock didn’t know at that moment.
That the other Espers had similar thoughts.
Hedonia also wanted to ensure that if he couldn’t see Karina, other Espers couldn’t see her either.
Pheon felt the same way.
Esban, knowingly or unknowingly… had similar thoughts.
The interference among the four Espers lasted for almost half a year.
Until the moment Hedonia could fully control his abilities.
