The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 153
I was able to use the money in my bank account directly through the delivery service.
It seemed possible because Pheon’s magicians were running the delivery service. Although I couldn’t meet him, I was grateful for Pheon’s considerate gesture as a friend.
Spending time alone every day, I bought various things.
Most of these were items I never had the courage to purchase, both before and after I got into the novel.
Now, I had the financial means to do so!
For example, luxurious jewelry decorations, a music box that played long melodies, and even a pristine white grand piano that I never thought I could afford in my lifetime.
For the record, the only piece I could play was “Chopsticks”… but it still made me happy.
I now had the leisure in life. I could relax on my private island without any worries about dungeons or money for the rest of my life.
It did bother me a bit that I hadn’t guided in a long time… but with the now-awakened Hedonia taking care of everything, I had no worries.
‘I wonder if things worked out with Shaelock.’
Although a part of me hoped that nothing would come of my flirtation with Shaelock, time had made me indifferent.
What should I ask for dinner tonight?
‘Maybe I’ll ask for grilled lobster.’
The lobsters occasionally caught on my island were plump and chewy.
Just thinking about a well-steamed, bright red lobster made my mouth water.
I strolled leisurely towards the magic circle located in the basement of the mansion.
…And then I encountered unexpected guests.
Standing there were the Espers I thought I would never have to see again.
* * *
I was stunned.
“Karina!”
“Karina.”
“…I was trying to come alone in secret. But these people followed me.”
Why on earth were Esban, Pheon, and Shaelock standing in the basement of my humble mansion?
I was shocked, but I felt I had to ask the reason. Frowning, I asked,
“What brings you all here?”
Being out of touch with the outside world, there might have been something significant happening that I wasn’t aware of. Something big enough for them to leave Hedonia and come looking for me.
“Is something wrong with Lord Hedonia?”
“No, that’s not it.”
At my words, Shaelock gritted her teeth and muttered.
She seemed to have a lot of unresolved issues with Hedonia.
‘…It doesn’t seem like things worked out between them.’
Should I be happy about this? I wasn’t sure how to react, so I just blinked in confusion. Then Esban, who was standing next to Shaelock, stepped forward.
It had been a while since I last saw Esban, and he still had the handsome features befitting a male protagonist. His black hair gleamed with a glossy shine, showing that he had put in a lot of effort.
His neat features and the uniform he wore matched his aura perfectly.
‘Does he have something to say to me?’
I tilted my head at Esban’s uncharacteristic behavior. Clearing his throat, he loosened his neck and spoke with a serious face.
“I have come to receive your choice at last.”
At first, I thought I had heard wrong. Or maybe I was dreaming.
“…Pardon?”
I blinked and took a deep breath. During this, I noticed Esban’s face turning bright red. Hmm, if he’s blushing, this probably isn’t a dream.
After a brief cough, Esban spoke again.
“I have longed to venture into the dungeon with you once more.”
…He wants to take me back to the dungeon?
What about Hedonia?
Shaelock approached, calling my name.
“Rini…”
She didn’t even use my full name, just a vague abbreviation.
Was she trying to sound more familiar?
…Why? Questions kept popping up in my mind.
What was even more surprising was Esban stepping in again.
“Princess, please wait your turn. I spoke to Karina first.”
Since when were we close enough to be on a first-name basis? And why is he suddenly using formal speech?
…On top of that, Shaelock and Esban were glaring at each other.
A chilly north wind blew.
Wait… wasn’t Esban dressed up to impress Shaelock?
“No, I will be the one taking Karina!”
The next to appear was Pheon. With his red hair slicked back, he looked even more anxious than the last time I saw him.
Flames were swirling around Pheon.
‘Using that power here would be disastrous!’
My house would burn down!
