The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 184
“Oh, you heard that? My mistake. My inner thoughts accidentally came out.”
When I frowned, he responded nonchalantly.
“The tower is still open. Whatever you need.”
“I’m only here to guide you.”
It’s a battle between a determined spear and an unyielding shield. There’s a limit to flirting for the sake of guiding.
When lines are crossed, a proper warning is needed.
“I’ll guide you well, so please stop saying things like that.”
Pheon shrugged at my words.
“I’m not saying it to get better guidance.”
“Then you must really enjoy teasing me.”
“It’s not that either.”
Pheon’s eyes flickered like flames. His lips were pursed in a way that revealed an unexpected anxiety.
A different thread of emotion from his usual calm was visible. He looked at me intently and said,
“We decided to become friends.”
His eyes curved into a gentle arc.
“Friends can worry about each other like this.”
The hand holding mine seemed to tremble slightly.
“I’ve even seen Lord Hedonia longer than Karina.”
That was an undeniable truth.
“I’m just creating a place for you to return to anytime.”
Pheon’s voice seemed to soften, but the sincerity was palpable.
Resting his chin on his hand while holding mine firmly, his face exuded an inexplicable sense of aura.
“Come find me anytime you need me.”
The face behind his usual mask was darker and gloomier than I had expected, but perhaps this was his true self.
“…Okay.”
When I nodded, Pheon’s usual bright demeanor returned.
Yet, the previous image of his face remained deeply etched in my mind.
* * *
I thought I could maintain my usual composure. I was ready to tell her that I liked her because of it.
If the opportunity arose, I was prepared to tell her to leave Hedonia and come to me.
But when I met Karina’s earnest gaze, my words suddenly failed me. Not a single word came out.
It wasn’t like me. But sometimes, in front of Karina, I felt unlike myself.
“That’s unfortunate.”
I never expected Hedonia, whom I thought was the farthest from the starting line, to make a move like this.
“I thought I had more time.”
Before meeting again, I prepared myself. While receiving guidance appropriately, I built patience and honed my strength further.
Though not as much as Shaelock or Hedonia, I aimed to prevent Karina from collapsing again.
I even set up a place for her to visit the tower if she wished.
I thought my feelings were lighthearted.
I believed I responded just as lightly.
“How bittersweet.”
He was just a fool who couldn’t even understand his own heart.
“Never mind about me.”
Pheon spoke to Esban, who was staring at the mansion like himself.
“What about you, Esban? I remember how happy you were when she spoke informally to you.”
It was obvious to anyone that he was dealing with someone he liked.
“…It’s enough that I’m not hated. I just wanted to clear up any misunderstandings from the start.”
Esban replied calmly. His face showed no expression.
Tsk tsk. Pheon clicked his tongue and patted Esban on the shoulder.
“Cheer up. If they are lovers, we still have a chance too.”
“…I told you I am fine.”
“Anyway, Esban seems like a more suitable opponent than Lord Hedonia. I should bring a gift when we visit the Cairoze family.”
“That’s not necessary—”
Pheon lightly ignored Esban’s resolute response and asked,
“But why does the head of the Cairoze family want to see me?”
“It seems he wants to support the invention of a magical tool to address the recent disappearances. He thinks that if mages combine their efforts, the situation might improve.”
Cayden Cairoze was the most active person in trying to resolve the current situation.
Pheon always admired Cayden Cairoze for his relentless efforts.
Living like that must make life exhausting, he thought.
“Oh, sponsorship is always welcome.”
Pheon nodded and waved his hand.
“Then let’s see each other later.”
The two Espers exchanged glances and parted ways.
* * *
As Esban and Pheon walked away, Hedonia stuck close to my side.
He still regarded Pheon and Esban as persons of interest.
I watched the two leave, then Hedonia spoke.
“Are you participating in the investigation as well, Lord Hedonia?”
“I’ve been cooperating with the royal family, though sometimes I proceed independently.”
Hedonia crossed his arms and turned his gaze to me.
“You have someone in mind, don’t you?”
He figured I wouldn’t have brought it up for no reason.
“Yes.”
“…It seems likely it’s someone around us.”
Hedonia’s words made me swallow hard.
