The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 193
Shaelock’s concerned tone truly moved me.
‘To care this much.’
Shaelock had certainly opened her heart to me.
She was much more lively now compared to when she was in front of Adron or just her usual attitude.
Her emotional expressions were freer, and the modulation in her voice made her seem truly alive.
Suddenly, I thought Shaelock was remarkable.
In the novel, Shaelock was mainly described for her unique abilities. It focused on the extraordinary individuals she could summon and her deepening relationship with Hedonia.
Naturally, her past was sidelined.
‘…What kind of life has she led until now?’
I couldn’t imagine how much Shaelock had to suppress herself under Adron.
What did my words about wanting to be friends mean to her?
I suddenly felt emotional.
I hugged Shaelock tightly.
“…Karina?”
Shaelock looked at me with a bewildered expression.
“I just wanted to hug you.”
At my words, Shaelock gave me a puzzled look, then hugged me back.
“I don’t mind.”
Shaelock’s embrace was warm as she replied nonchalantly.
Hedonia stood behind us, arms crossed, watching me.
One eyebrow was raised as if he didn’t like the situation, but he didn’t intervene between Shaelock and me.
“Actually, there’s something the emperor said that bothers me.”
“What is it?”
Shaelock, who had just let me go, asked with a serious expression.
“He was talking about the festival and then mentioned that new rules are needed as times change.”
“New rules as times change…”
Hedonia muttered, stroking his chin.
“It was odd that he so easily withdrew his proposal today.”
Shaelock added from the side.
“He’s notorious for being stubborn. There’s no way he’d bend to my words, but he did.”
“There are two possible reasons for this.”
Hedonia raised his index and middle fingers, outlining the possibilities.
“First, he genuinely liked your suggestion, Princess.”
“That’s unlikely.”
“I agree.”
Shaelock immediately shook her head. Esban, who was standing nearby, also nodded.
“Or he already had another plan and was ready to pivot if Karina didn’t accept his proposal.”
“That seems more accurate.”
Pheon murmured as he entered the room.
“The Adron I know is not one to bend easily.”
“Agreed.”
Although Shaelock mentioned the emperor’s name, she didn’t bat an eye. Instead, she nodded in agreement.
“What could his alternative plan be?”
I prompted.
As Hedonia suggested, Adron might have found another way to resolve the current situation.
“It’s unlikely to be peaceful.”
I shuddered, recalling Adron’s demeanor.
“I’ll keep an eye on the emperor’s movements.”
“…And.”
Hedonia, who had been silent, spoke. He looked at Esban.
“What about watching Cayden Cairoze?”
“My father?”
Esban frowned. His voice was louder than usual, filled with confusion.
“Cayden Cairoze?”
Shaelock also tilted her head, curious.
Unexpectedly, Pheon remained silent, as if he had anticipated this situation.
“The timing of his visit today…”
Hedonia began to explain to Esban and the other espers about the possibility I had raised.
He was voicing the difficult topic I found hard to bring up with Esban.
“My father wouldn’t do that. He said he had finished his revenge…”
But Esban’s voice trailed off, and he bit his lip. His face, creased with confusion, showed his inner turmoil.
“It’s true that leaving the emperor unchecked doesn’t align with his character.”
Shaelock nodded, reinforcing the point.
“His visit today was significant. While the official reason looks good… the possibility Hedonia raised is also valid.”
“As his ability is mind control, it’s even more likely,”
Hedonia said, prompting Esban to jump up from his seat.
“My father would never do that!”
It must have been desperate for him.
The man who adopted him, brought him up as a noble, and brought him to this position was his father and more.
“I will restore my father’s honor. You will have to apologize for everything you’ve said today.”
