The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 170
Esban blinked at my words, and then a faint smile appeared on his lips.
“After you collapsed… I did some soul-searching.”
Esban replied with an embarrassed look.
“I also regretted not being more honest.”
It felt strange to realize that I was the reason Esban had changed.
Following Hedonia, Esban’s life had also transformed. While I wasn’t sure about Hedonia’s future, it seemed like a positive change for Esban.
I was happy to know that my existence could change someone’s life for the better.
More than anything, understanding Esban as a person made him feel familiar.
Not just as a peer but as a human being.
‘He probably needs guiding too.’
He was likely in a similar situation as the other Espers.
I extended my hand to Esban, but he shook his head.
“It’s fine. You’ve already guided Lord Hedonia and the Princess.”
“I can handle this much.”
Seeing his tired face, I insisted.
“You shared your secret with me, so let me at least do this.”
He looked like he might leave the room if I didn’t make the first move, so I grabbed his hand.
Esban’s ears turned red again.
He had become quite shy since we last met.
I transferred my energy to Esban. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, and then he firmly grasped my hand.
I felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing my guiding was helping him.
‘People do need work to feel fulfilled.’
I was happy living alone, but this also gave me a sense of accomplishment.
…It was now time to get off the island and return to reality.
* * *
After guiding three Espers, I sprawled out on the sofa.
‘Maybe it’s time to head back.’
Having had heartfelt reunions with Hedonia and the other Espers, it was time to return to the island.
As I started to get up, I realized that the noise outside was louder than I had expected.
‘What’s going on?’
I tilted my head in curiosity when Hedonia entered the room.
“Karina, great job.”
He smiled warmly and sat beside me, gently taking my hand. I felt his warmth.
“Lord Hedonia, I have something I want to ask you.”
“Is it about me?”
Hedonia asked with a sweet smile, his eyes sparkling like a blooming flower, making me gaze at him for a moment.
“Oh, no. It’s about Lady Cairoze.”
“Lady Cairoze?”
“Yes, I heard about her background.”
I vaguely mentioned my reason for asking, respecting Esban’s secret.
“Ah… she was a guide raised under my father’s care.”
Hedonia’s comment provided unexpected information. It made sense, though—finding a guide not associated with Robert was probably harder.
“What exactly do you want to know?”
Taking the opportunity, I asked what had been on my mind.
“How did Lady Cairoze pass away?”
“Oh, it was an unfortunate accident in a dungeon.”
…Another dungeon accident?
Could it really be a coincidence? As I frowned, Hedonia rested his chin on his hand and muttered.
“No, that’s just what everyone believes.”
His words were loaded with meaning.
“Everyone believes…?”
“Officially, that’s how the incident was closed, but I don’t think that’s the case. The royal family and Robert Apharantes were involved.”
“…I see.”
If Robert was involved, it was hard to pass off as just an accident.
This made Cayden Cairoze seem different.
I had thought his revenge was solely due to Robert’s tyranny, but it might have been for his wife as well.
‘No, if it’s revenge…’
The royal family was also involved. This increased my suspicion of Cayden Cairoze.
‘Could he be plotting against the royal family as well?’
I pondered deeply.
“Are you thinking that Cayden Cairoze might be behind it?”
Hedonia noticed my thoughts and asked first.
“…Yes.”
I answered honestly, though I wasn’t sure.
“But he is fulfilling his duties as an Esper. He hasn’t shown any suspicious behavior.”
“That seems true. It was just a feeling I had.”
I agreed with him. I only had my suspicions, no concrete evidence against him.
“He’s also been cooperating with me to solve the Esper disappearances.”
“Maybe my intuition was wrong.”
I had to accept this possibility.
“But.”
Hedonia’s eyes narrowed.
“We’re alone and all we’re talking about is the case.”
He gave me a light look.
“What?”
Just the two of us?
“The other Espers have already left.”
That reminded me of the earlier commotion.
…Did they leave, or did Hedonia make them leave?
“Karina.”
Hedonia’s voice, filled with barely concealed warmth, called my name as he tightly held my hand.
