The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 158
“…”
“We’re friends, after all.”
…It had been a long time since I heard the word “friend” from her.
Facing Shaelock and talking like this, one thing was clear.
She didn’t come to see me because the stand-in role was over.
‘There must be a reason.’
I need to find out what it is.
“So it’s okay.”
Seeing Shaelock continue to reassure me made me feel sorry for my reaction.
I waved my hand and explained my actions.
“My body moved on its own, remembering the last time I did some guiding. It’s not because I’m afraid of you, Shaelock, so don’t worry.”
Flinch.
At my words, Hedonia’s body twitched.
Pheon, who was next to him, and Shaelock, who was linking arms with me, both smiled.
“Oh, that Esper.”
Shaelock understood exactly what I was talking about.
“Yes, that time was really surprising…”
I vividly remembered losing all my strength and eventually losing consciousness.
‘It was really terrible.’
I shivered.
“That Esper certainly had issues. We didn’t even get a chance to talk to him directly, sorry about that.”
Pheon muttered, staring intently at Hedonia. It was strange that he kept looking at Hedonia when I was the one talking.
“Let’s hear it from the person involved.”
He pointed at Hedonia.
…He pointed at Hedonia?
I didn’t understand Pheon’s actions.
But Hedonia sighed as if he had expected this and then stared straight at me.
“Karina, there’s a lot we need to talk about.”
…It certainly seemed that way.
“Shall we move to a different place?”
“Where to?”
“I’ve prepared dinner at the Duke’s estate. I also hinted that you might come. But if that’s burdensome, we can eat here too.”
“Hmm…”
No matter what I prepared, it seemed impossible to satisfy the three Espers here.
No matter what I prepare, it seems like they’ll eat it… but preparing it would be a huge stress for me or my personal chef.
‘I’m curious about what the Duke’s estate is like after Robert disappeared.’
I’ve been ignorant of outside news for half a year. It might be good to go out soon.
“Can we go to the Duke’s estate?”
Honestly, I was curious about the food he had prepared.
My chef isn’t bad, but the Duke’s estate has high-ranking chefs.
“Karina, if you want, we can also have a feast prepared by the royal chefs.”
…Was it too obvious? Shaelock immediately read my thoughts and surprised me.
Esban nodded and stood next to me as if he naturally intended to escort me.
“Then we must go to the Duke’s estate.”
…The way he speaks is Pheon, but the voice is Esban’s. Listening to his formal speech gave me goosebumps.
“But why is Lord Esban speaking formally to me? My role as a stand-in is over, and I have no status anymore.”
If he was going to do it, he should have done it when I was living as Hedonia’s stand-in. At my words, Esban blinked. He lowered his head deeply.
“It is not because of your status.”
His muttered words, close to informal speech, felt more familiar.
Esban’s face turned red like the first time he spoke formally to me.
Even from a distance, his flushed face seemed like it could roast a sweet potato.
“If it’s not because of my status…”
“It is because I sincerely respect and acknowledge you.”
My impression of Esban had changed a lot, but I never imagined a day would come when he would speak formally to me.
…What did he feel during the time I was away?
His eyes, devoid of any hint of laughter, were serious.
I liked that Esban respected me. I felt the same about being acknowledged.
I realized he was a much better person than my first impression.
But still… I can’t stand Esban speaking formally.
“Thank you for respecting me. But you can speak casually.”
“No, it’s…”
Esban tried to protest, but I firmly insisted. I usually don’t like interrupting people… but this was really too much.
“Please speak casually. I find it more comfortable.”
When I almost begged, Esban tightly shut his mouth.
“…Truly?”
Esban asked in a tiny voice. I nodded vigorously.
With his face still bright red, Esban shyly smiled.
“Then, that’s good.”
Naturally switching to informal speech.
The freshness in his demeanor, which I hadn’t seen before, left me momentarily stunned.
It was a completely different atmosphere from the burning hot Hedonia or the relaxed Pheon.
The sight is reminiscent of a boy playing sports under the scorching sun, as seen in a youth comic.
A boy everyone might have admired at least once.
‘Was Esban always like this?’
As I blinked and stared at Esban, he spoke with a much more comfortable expression.
“Then I’ll try speaking casually… okay.”
…However.
“Karina.”
That’s not quite what I meant by casual speech.
