The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 189
His tone was displeasing right from the start.
But I needed to uncover his true intentions for summoning me.
“Yes, Your Majesty. What business do you have with me…?”
I got straight to the point, not wanting to prolong the conversation with this man.
Emperor Adron. What could he possibly gain from me?
Adron was a frail, skeletal old man. Yet, an unusual aura emanated from him.
“I am offering you a chance to receive a title.”
he said as if bestowing a great favor.
His opening line was filled with the condescension of someone used to wielding power.
Had I not heard about the Emperor from Hedonia or Shaelock, I might have been tempted.
But now, it was different.
I smiled politely and replied.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty. I am someone who knows my place. I do not seek a title.”
It was something I often told the Espers when I was under Robert Apharantes. One must know their place.
Of course, I now believed that seeking a title was within my place, but this was the best reason to reject the Emperor.
He seemed taken aback by my immediate refusal, his pupils trembling.
“Aren’t you a commoner?”
The Emperor furrowed his brow and pointed a finger at me, his rude demeanor astonishingly disrespectful.
“Ah, you must not know how beneficial a title can be, having never experienced it. Typical of your kind…”
He clicked his tongue in disdain, his face full of contempt.
It was clear that the Emperor, not I, was the one with something to lose. Yet, he showed no hesitation in expressing his feelings.
This was the result of a lifetime spent in a position of power.
It’s often said that as people age, their character shows on their faces. His sharp, ill-tempered features revealed how quarrelsome he was.
The diagonal wrinkles across his brow and his greedily glinting eyes were much like Robert’s. It was as if I was meeting Robert all over again.
“I’ll give you another chance out of pity. You’re aware of the festival celebrating the harmony between Espers and people, happening in two weeks, right?”
…No. I hadn’t been keeping up with the world lately.
But I didn’t want to admit my ignorance.
‘…This is new.’
One thing was clear. This festival was a recent development, indicating how intense the conflict between Espers and people had become.
“Since it’s a grand festival held after a long time, people from all over the country will gather. Many foreigners from other lands will attend as well. It’s a significant and honorable event.”
Adron’s elaborate explanation was impressive. Had I truly been an uninformed commoner, his eloquence might have swayed me.
“You would give a congratulatory speech at such an event, sharing how positive your experiences as a Guide have been, and discussing the Espers you’ve encountered.”
On the surface, his words sounded good. If I were to go out and speak, it would undoubtedly create a buzz. However, it also meant my personal information would be exposed to many people.
Taking a public stance could make me a target for those hostile to Espers.
If this festival were purely for the Espers, I might have stepped up willingly.
But would a man who looks down on commoners so much offer a title just for a speech?
There was undoubtedly more to it.
‘I was told that titles could also be awarded based on guiding performance.’
I’d rather earn recognition for my abilities and receive a title that way.
“Along with the title, you’ll also be given the opportunity to work under the royal family’s protection.”
…Adron added with a broad smile. But to me, that smile felt like the devil’s whisper, urging me to step into hell.
“Isn’t it a tempting offer?”
…In other words, he’s asking me to become a slave to the royal family.
Although he called it protection, once the royal family’s interference began, I would have to comply with their demands.
‘He intends to thoroughly use me, knowing my connections with Hedonia and other Espers.’
When I didn’t respond, the Emperor rose from his throne and walked towards me with deliberate steps.
Despite his greediness, the sense of intimidation he exuded was significant. He hadn’t ruled for so long without reason.
“To remain silent after hearing the Emperor’s words—where did you learn such insolence?”
Adron’s face twisted in a scowl. The wrinkles on his face formed naturally, indicating that this expression was more familiar to him.
His bulging eyes staring at me were chilling.
“Is it because of your connection to the Apharantes family that you’re so arrogant?”
Adron extended his bony hand towards me. This was his palace.
‘…His domain.’
