The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 178
A week had passed since I had stayed in Hedonia’s room.
After a week of being teased day and night… I greeted the eighth day in Hedonia’s mansion.
The only difference was that today, I was in a space designated as my room.
It was a room with large windows offering a clear view of the garden and fountain at the front entrance.
I was here today to prepare for guiding Shaelock and the other espers.
Dungeon incidents kept happening… and Hedonia was frequently called away. Each time he returned, I provided him with guiding, but I hadn’t seen the other espers since our first meeting.
“It’s a shame that I couldn’t keep you all to myself.”
I reassured Hedonia.
It was only natural that the other espers were roaming the dungeons. Since they also needed guiding, I offered to guide them.
…Of course, just by holding hands. I wasn’t even considering kissing anymore.
However, Hedonia insisted he would talk to them himself.
“I need to be honest about our relationship. Those other guys are eyeing you.”
Love truly does cloud one’s judgment. Pheon had suggested we become friends from the start, and my relationship with Esban had only recently improved. It seemed premature to think they viewed me romantically, but…
‘…It’s not bad to have him declare our relationship in front of them.’
Anyway, it was good that Hedonia was officially acknowledging our relationship.
Afterwards, Hedonia left briefly to investigate the latest disappearance, and I went to the room to prepare with the maid.
“Hello, Lady Karina.”
Yes, Hedonia had already prepared a maid for me.
A maid for a commoner with no title or position.
I did have five employees and a chef, but they were mainly hired for cleaning and maintaining the mansion.
Having a maid felt very strange to someone used to handling things herself.
“It’s an honor to meet you.”
To think she would use the word “honor” for a branch member of the duchy!
“I’m delighted to finally meet the one Hedonia has been waiting for.”
She introduced herself as Elaine, and her face was genuinely emotional.
It wasn’t an act; it was sincere.
“When I heard that Hedonia had finally taken over the duchy, I was so thrilled.”
Her attitude towards me made it clear she really disliked Robert.
Naturally, my opinion of her improved significantly.
And that wasn’t all. Elaine, upon learning that I was a guide, went out of her way to praise me.
“Everything is thanks to Lord Hedonia and Lord Cayden. I didn’t know before, but they have been doing extraordinary things.”
Of course, this was all thanks to Hedonia. The existence of guides, which had been shrouded in secrecy during Robert’s time, was brought to light by Hedonia.
“And these days, guide welfare is so good. Depending on your guiding abilities and contributions, you can even be granted titles.”
“Titles?”
I widened my eyes at her words. Elaine nodded hastily, startled by my reaction.
“Yes, yes. Just last month, a guide who consistently performed well was made a baron. It’s a small estate on the outskirts, but they were given land too.”
“Oh my…”
Hooray for welfare. Hooray for Hedonia!
I now had another reason to diligently perform guiding. The opportunity to be awarded land and a title!
Of course, I already had plenty of money, but being recognized for my abilities and receiving appropriate rewards was gratifying.
When Hedonia kept me by his side, there were bound to be whispers.
Even though Hedonia didn’t care about such talk…
‘I do care.’
I didn’t want Hedonia to hear such remarks.
If it was something I could do, then more!
After sitting in front of the mirror, Elaine gently brushed my hair.
“Purple hair is so rare… it’s really beautiful.”
“Haha. This is embarrassing.”
It had been so long since I’d received compliments from anyone other than Hedonia that I didn’t know how to react.
As she started applying light makeup to my face, she told me various stories.
“Since the perception of espers has hit rock bottom lately… it seems Lord Hedonia has a lot on his mind.”
“He went to check on it, right?”
“Yes. It seems that there are a lot of differing opinions among espers these days.”
“How do you know so much, Elaine?”
“I’ve always been deeply interested in espers. I think everyone is aware of these things now.”
It’s not good to reveal that they are fighting… but it seems internal division has started.
‘Hedonia will solve it.’
I had no doubt about this.
Unless someone was deliberately sabotaging.
If it’s too difficult for Hedonia alone, there’s Shaelock, Pheon, and even Esban.
“It’s all done.”
Elaine smiled with satisfaction after finishing the blush.
“Shall we go?”
I headed to meet the espers, now ready.
“Oh, and I thought it might be good to deliver this invitation quickly…”
Elaine handed me an envelope as she had just remembered.
I tilted my head when I saw the envelope.
‘It’s the royal seal.’
