The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 185
Hedonia might have felt his pride hurt.
Given that Hedonia was collaborating with Cayden Cairoze, it was likely he had investigated him.
Mentioning Cayden’s name implied questioning Hedonia’s handling of the matter.
‘Otherwise, it couldn’t be helped…’
From my perspective, he was the most suspicious person.
“Lord Cayden Cairoze.”
At my words, Hedonia blinked.
He seemed surprised but not offended.
“It’s not that I hadn’t considered him.”
Hedonia lowered his gaze.
“But he’s clean, Karina. In fact, he’s been tirelessly working to resolve this situation.”
“I don’t quite understand why he’s so dedicated to this matter. It feels like he has nothing to gain from it. Could he be using this situation to his advantage?”
Not knowing much about Cayden Cairoze and his circumstances, this was a hypothesis only I could propose.
“A mental ability user, you said. He seems adept at brainwashing people, without any visible signs.”
After hearing about Cayden’s abilities, this assumption gained more weight.
“The reason he’s so involved right now is because his son, Esban, and his own honor are at stake.”
Hedonia patiently explained each card I had laid out.
“As a noble, he values his honor greatly. You can see this just by observing Esban.”
“……”
“It’s hard to believe he’s brainwashed people, given the natural reactions of the espers facing the current situation. The factions are too divided; it’s unlikely he planned even this.”
“……Why do you think so?”
“If he used such power……”
Hedonia explained calmly.
“He would almost certainly be driven mad.”
Mental magic, while powerful, had significant effects on the user as well.
But the doubt remained. Hedonia, arms crossed, smirked and spoke to me.
“Ask more if you want. You still look like you have questions.”
…Alright, I decided to seize this opportunity.
I’d ask everything today and settle it once and for all.
“What about your collaboration with him? You have no reason to continue working together up to now.”
“He said it was his way of honoring his late wife.”
Hedonia wasn’t fazed by my question.
“He truly loved her. If it’s reached even my ears, that says it all.”
“That’s why I don’t understand it even more.”
This was my last lingering question.
“Robert is dead.”
“But His Majesty the Emperor is still alive.”
Hedonia blinked at my words.
“Turning the royal family into enemies is no easy task. Cayden Cairoze is a pragmatic man.”
“He waited all those years to take down Robert.”
Wouldn’t he want revenge even more because he loved his wife?
“How can we be sure the royal family will be safe?”
Cayden, having escaped suspicion, might still be preparing.
“A plan to overthrow the royal family is too reckless.”
Hedonia stared at me.
“……But love can drive people to such extremes.”
He muttered in a low voice.
“Nothing is certain yet, but I’ll keep an eye on him. Thank you for your valuable insight, Karina.”
Hedonia accepted my opinion.
He acknowledged the possibility I had seen.
‘So, it wasn’t a baseless delusion after all.’
I clenched my fist tightly.
“……But you shouldn’t focus only on Lord Cayden. It could be someone else.”
Despite him believing my words, I still felt uneasy. What if my instincts were wrong?
“You’ve been involved in this case longer than I have, Lord Hedonia.”
“Sometimes a fresh perspective is more accurate. Don’t worry. I won’t only investigate Lord Cairoze.”
He gestured with his chin towards the closed mansion gates.
“I also need to look into the people who just left.”
…He meant Pheon and Esban.
“Well, shall we end the work talk here?”
Hedonia smiled broadly as he wrapped an arm around my waist. His face came closer until our foreheads touched.
His golden eyes gleamed.
With his hair falling like a curtain, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.
“It’s time to focus on me.”
Hedonia looked at me with the eyes of a predator eyeing its prey, filled with desire.
“I was disappointed when you sent me away.”
His low whisper brushed against my face.
“……You know I couldn’t work otherwise.”
I whispered back.
We were too close to speak any louder.
“I know.”
Hedonia responded shamelessly, unmoved by my words.
“Knowing and being disappointed are different things.”
…There was nothing more I could say.
“Even if it’s absurd, it can’t be helped.”
“……”
“It may seem unreasonable.”
Hedonia must have noticed my changing expression. He turned his head away and burst into laughter, starting with a soft chuckle.
“So, if you ever feel upset, just tell me, Karina.”
After that, Hedonia intertwined his fingers with mine, like vines wrapping around a branch.
“No matter how unreasonable it might seem.”
“……”
“The important thing is how you feel.”
He then gently hugged me and gave me a light kiss. It felt ticklish, like down feathers settling on my heart.
