The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 16
It seemed like he was accepting it without resistance, but perhaps my words triggered something. Esban spoke in a tone that felt like he was shooting arrows.
“However, you are just a stand-in, I heard you came from the slums.”
Indeed, Esban was not only a precious son but also a naturally born aristocrat with high pride.
I wore a dull expression at the disdain mixed in his tone.
Ah, that’s right. This is a noble society.
He doesn’t want to interact with me. Maybe in the future as I act, but not now.
I’m just a lowly girl from the slums.
‘That’s all I could come up with.’
Is choosing a hollow pride over pain and dignity the right decision?
If Karina was the protagonist of this novel, there would probably be a drama where Esban falls in love with the girl from the slums, but I’m the villainess.
He will never regret his actions.
‘Yeah, do you avoid shit because it’s dirty, or because you’re scared?’
The idea of wanting to continue this business relationship is canceled. As I was about to withdraw my hand, thinking it had been pierced, Esban smoothly continued his words.
“People are most vulnerable when they can’t sleep. Targeting them right now is…”
His gray eyes flashed.
“Cowardly and vulgar.”
…He knew that I knew he couldn’t sleep?
I mean just looking at his three layers of dark circles, and it’s obvious that he needs guidance!
I retorted bluntly.
“Please consider it as the actions of an ignorant person.”
Being quick-witted is also possible for cowardice. I’d rather take it positively.
But Esban pretended to listen to me and kept expressing his opinions.
“You are but a proxy. Forget about the idea that I’ll take your side, as I’m waiting for Lady Hedonia, who will be my guide in the future. No one here welcomes you.”
It felt like listening to a rerun of yesterday’s meeting with Duke Apharantes, who was blabbering so enthusiastically.
“Know your place, commoner.”
It seemed like he thought such words would hurt me.
Of course, I didn’t give a damn.
Internally, I flipped him off.
‘So what? You noble fxxx.’
What’s wrong with living as a commoner?
You’ll grovel and beg for guidance from that commoner next time!
Fury surged within me. I need to see Esban begging for me at least once.
After waiting for his words to finish, I spoke bluntly.
“Sir.”
Since he didn’t bother to give his name, I just called him “sir.”
“I’m well aware that I’m just a stand-in. Because I’m someone who understands the situation very well.”
Before he could respond to my words, I quickly continued.
“I also come from a poor neighborhood. It’s a bit hurtful to hear words from a hero respected also in the capital’s slums. Are we not, well, also human beings? There are many children there who like you too.”
Just because we’re from the slums, does that mean we’re not people?
Even though I haven’t known anyone from there, I don’t discriminate against children from the same background.
At the mention of “children,” Esban flinched.
It seems like he still has a speck of conscience left. What a surprise.
I decided to slowly bring the argument to an end.
“After all, we can’t choose where we’re born.”
It’s a duty that must continue anyway.
Isn’t it like swearing back at a disliked colleague in the workplace?
The next day, we had to see each other again.
“Well, do as you please. I’ve greeted you, so I’ll take my leave now.”
Esban looked taken aback. Wait, is he giving up this easily? It seemed like he was saying, “You’re giving up already?”
I stepped forward, passing by Esban’s side.
‘…I can’t let it go like this.’
And as I passed by him, I lightly pressed my fingers against the back of his hand.
The fleeting touch was a kind of trick and gamble.
If I truly was a remarkable guide capable of aiding Hedonia’s awakening, then just this touch alone would reveal my strength.
But if not, then I could simply endure another insult from Esban. His insults were something I would gladly tolerate.
Fortunately, my gamble paid off perfectly.
It was clear in an instant.
My hand, which he grabbed, trembled slightly.
‘See this?’
I quickly withdrew my hand as if he were mistaken, but Esban urgently grasped it.
“…Just a moment.”
Standing still, I turned my back to see Esban.
A face notably different from before. A perplexed expression pierced through me.
My intuition was spot on.
In that brief contact just now, Esban felt something.