The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 182
“The Emperor’s approval did come rather quickly.”
Hedonia frowned and nodded in agreement with Pheon’s statement.
“Did he anticipate my return?”
“No, not that. Our visit was planned secretly by all of us. However…”
As Hedonia trailed off, Pheon continued,
“It would be correct to assume there is a royal informant in the mansion.”
The cool composure he displayed was hard to reconcile with the person who had just been engaged in petty arguments with the other Espers.
“We need to weed out the informants again.”
Hedonia narrowed his eyes.
“How dare they think of spreading rumors in my mansion.”
Hedonia’s gaze was as cold as a northern wind. The murderous intent in his golden eyes made him look unfamiliar.
“Karina.”
I turned to Shaelock.
She had a serious expression as well.
“Don’t associate with that man.”
Shaelock’s evaluation was merciless.
“What kind of person is the Emperor?”
I wanted to hear directly from Shaelock. She seemed the best person to tell me how to prepare.
Shaelock thought for a moment and then frowned.
“…He’s just someone who shares my blood. He only acts in his own interest. Just look at his association with Robert Apharantes; doesn’t that give you an idea?”
Shaelock answered without batting an eye. Her concise explanation was enough reason.
“If I didn’t have abilities and bloodline, he wouldn’t have properly placed me in the position of princess.”
Mentioning bloodline indicated that the Emperor values lineage highly.
“The Cairozes also had a hard time. He’s not someone you want to meet.”
Esban added from the side. His words were a definite warning.
Maybe it was because of Cayden Cairoze’s wife.
“Don’t say anything unnecessary when you go. And if the Emperor tries to get you to do something, refuse.”
Shaelock said, making eye contact with me.
“He only knows that you’re talented; he doesn’t know that you’re the only one who can guide us perfectly. I haven’t told him.”
One thing was clear. The Emperor was not someone I should get involved with.
But given his status, I was also worried.
“Won’t I fall out of favor if I don’t follow his words?”
The moment my resolve to work hard as a guide, earn an estate, and stand by Hedonia’s side seemed to crumble.
“You’re under the Duke’s protection, so it’s fine. The Duke of Apharantes is useful sometimes.”
Shaelock grumbled in response to my words.
“……I’ve been building my strength for moments like this.”
Hedonia responded to her grumbling with ease, but his gaze at me was serious.
There wasn’t even a chance for anxiety to take root.
We were talking about the Emperor, yet Hedonia showed no urgency. I still couldn’t fully grasp how much power he had accumulated.
“Just let me know the date when you enter the palace. I might be able to accompany you.”
Shaelock continued to reassure me.
“He told me not to tell anyone.”
I subtly relayed the Emperor’s warning as well.
“I plan to coincidentally visit His Majesty that day, so don’t worry.”
Of course, this posed no problem for Shaelock. She nodded, exuding confidence and reassuring me.
“I’ll also make preparations for that day. Esban, we might need to postpone the Cairoze visit by a day, is that alright?”
“Yes, I will inform my father in advance.”
Esban nodded readily.
“I’ll also make sure… to be in the palace that day.”
…Even Pheon and Esban.
I realized I hadn’t wasted my time as a guide. The decision to avoid the Emperor was clear. However, there was still more to discuss.
“Why do you want to hear about the Esper incidents?”
Pheon, who had been watching me with his chin resting on his hand, asked.
“I was thinking I might be able to provide some clues to resolve the situation.”
“Clues… The situation is indeed still grim.”
Pheon agreed.
“Since the culprit hasn’t been caught.”
Shaelock sighed and added.
“We didn’t think it was an Esper, but lately, who knows?”
“We were considering starting the investigation from scratch.”
Esban nodded in agreement with Shaelock’s words.
“I’ll share the clues we’ve gathered so far, Karina.”
Hedonia took the lead, and I was able to hear the full details of the current situation.
The locations where Espers disappeared were random, but the incidents mainly occurred in crowded places.
This was the primary reason for the growing dissatisfaction among the people.
The number of missing individuals continued to rise.
Espers, initially confident in their abilities, were now gripped by fear or anger.
Fear stemmed from the possibility that they could be the next to disappear, while anger was directed at those who criticized them for continuing to work hard despite the circumstances.
“It does feel like something is about to explode soon…”
Shaelock concluded her explanation with a sigh.
“…I think the answer to this problem might be closer than we think.”
I cautiously shared my opinion.
“You know the saying, ‘It’s darkest under the lamp.’ The fact that the four of you have worked so hard to solve this and still haven’t found the culprit…”
I swallowed hard.
“I believe the culprit might be someone close to the four of you.”
