The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 169
I understood Esban’s feelings.
I had also approached Robert to escape from that horrible place.
“I know that feeling too.”
At my words, Esban nodded with a somewhat relieved expression. He seemed reassured by the fact that he wasn’t alone in this.
Of course, Esban’s circumstances couldn’t justify all his actions.
“After being adopted, meeting someone from the same background made me treat you harsher. It was a defense mechanism. I deeply apologize about it.”
Esban seemed aware of this as he quickly continued after letting out a sigh of relief.
‘…So that’s why he brought up our backgrounds.’
What I once thought was aristocratic arrogance now felt completely different.
Hearing his words made me gradually understand the old Esban.
He must have been anxious every time he saw me.
“May I ask when you were adopted?”
I chose my questions carefully.
Since this was an unexpected revelation, I had many questions, but I didn’t want to be rude.
Esban had already made a name for himself when I transmigrated, so it seemed he had been adopted quite some time ago.
Esban hesitated at my question.
…Was it a difficult question?
“I don’t remember my exact age. I didn’t even know how old I was to begin with.”
His words made me feel somber. Perhaps I shouldn’t have asked that question.
I felt a cold sweat on my face.
‘I need to change the topic.’
Learning about his hidden past had darkened the mood more than I expected.
Suddenly, I remembered Marquis Shepherd’s furious outbursts.
He seemed to harbor significant hostility toward Esban, which was unusual for someone who supposedly knew nothing.
“Did Marquis Shepherd know about this?”
“No, the only people who know this are my father and you, Karina.”
What?
This was news to me.
It made sense that Cayden Cairoze, who adopted Esban, knew, but the fact that I was the only other person who knew was surprising!
…Still, it felt good to know he trusted me.
“Thank you for sharing this with me, Esban. I promise I won’t tell anyone.”
I assured Esban loudly to make him feel secure.
Knowing that we shared a similar background made me see Esban differently. He must have lived with a strong compulsion to appear aristocratic all this time.
However, there was still a mystery.
Did Marquis Shepherd dislike Esban for no reason?
It didn’t seem likely, given how he always cowered before Cayden Cairoze.
The image of him invoking Cayden’s name was still vivid in my mind.
“My mother was a commoner guide. That’s why he disliked me.”
…Oops, it seemed my thoughts were written all over my face. Living alone has made me accustomed to not managing my expressions.
“Marquis Shepherd is a thoroughbred purist.”
Having met him, I understood immediately.
However, some questions remained unanswered.
Why did Cayden Cairoze secretly adopt Esban?
‘He’s not someone who cares about bloodlines.’
After all, he had a commoner guide as a wife. He was also at odds with Robert.
‘Or maybe he wanted to protect Esban’s legitimacy.’
But this conversation sparked my curiosity about Cayden Cairoze.
‘Cayden Cairoze.’
Wasn’t he the one who sharpened the blade of revenge while being under Robert Apharantes?
‘Although Hedonia said he talked to him…’
Since I had never spoken directly with him, I couldn’t gauge what kind of person he was.
Thinking further, I felt I might understand why Esban was adopted.
“Can I ask why you were adopted? It’s okay if it’s difficult to talk about.”
“That’s fine.”
Esban nodded readily and explained.
“It was because of my manifested abilities. My father found out by chance and came to take me in.”
“Ah…”
“That part is similar to you.”
Esban glanced at me, then turned his head, muttering.
He seemed to want to hide his expression, but his reddened ears were much more visible.
…But since he didn’t want to be caught, I decided to pretend not to notice.
In hindsight, Esban and I shared many similarities.
From our origins to entering aristocratic society due to our abilities.
“I won’t ask you to stop disliking me immediately.”
Esban turned to me with a serious expression.
“But I hope you won’t dislike me as much as before.”
“Yes.”
I could respond to that immediately.
At my words, Esban let out a sigh of relief.
“But even without hearing your story, I wouldn’t have disliked you, Lord Esban.”
“…Even without hearing it?”
Esban looked puzzled at my words.
“You’ve already changed, Lord Esban.”
