The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 194
How despairing must it be to consider that such an important person to him might be a villain.
Despite Esban’s threats, our stance didn’t change.
“Why is everyone so silent?”
Esban looked at me, biting his lip. His eyes, filled with betrayal, pricked at my conscience.
He then silently climbed onto the window sill.
“Since Karina is safe, I’ll be leaving now.”
His figure, leaping out of the window, looked unusually small.
Pheon immediately spoke up.
“I have an appointment with Cayden Cairoze the day after tomorrow, so I’ll try to probe him.”
“Good idea.”
“But,”
Pheon added to Hedonia’s response.
“I’d like to have lunch with Karina.”
“Denied.”
“Why are you being like this? It makes no sense for you to speak on Karina’s behalf, Hedonia.”
Pheon smiled at me. His eyes curved like crescent moons.
“I don’t intend to make you uncomfortable. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve moved your assets back to various banks. Coming off the island requires such preparation.”
I had no choice but to nod at Pheon’s considerate words. Most of my assets had been frozen while living on the island, and Pheon had taken care of it.
“Just deliver the documents.”
“How surprising that someone who has everything cannot show a bit of generosity.”
“It’s because I don’t like the person.”
Hedonia and Pheon bickered. Shaelock came up to me and whispered.
“If needed, I can manage your assets.”
…A princess managing a commoner’s assets. That’s new.
“No, I’ll learn to do it myself.”
I can’t keep relying on Pheon. I’m grateful he moved my assets this time, but I should manage my own money.
‘Since he’s helped so much…’
I should thank him and make this the last meeting. It seems better for both Hedonia and me.
Having made up my mind, I raised my hand.
“…What is it, Karina?”
Hedonia frowned.
“I’ll have lunch.”
Hedonia and Pheon’s faces showed mixed emotions. Pheon beamed, while Hedonia looked betrayed and trembled slightly.
“I can’t keep relying on Lord Pheon. I’ll manage my finances from now on.”
Hedonia’s face brightened at my continued words.
“Alright, let’s keep the meeting as short as possible.”
Hedonia placed a hand on my shoulder in agreement.
“Persuasion is my specialty, after all.”
Seeing their faces change instantly at my words felt strange.
‘Their initial impressions were not like this.’
Shaelock, Hedonia, and Pheon were all weighty figures befitting their status as espers…
Now, they seemed more comical than serious.
* * *
Though the plan had changed a bit…
Pheon was pleased to have secured a dinner appointment with Karina during the festival.
‘We’re not even engaged yet.’
He was willing to make an effort. They had to meet to get to know each other better.
A few days later, he visited the Cairoze estate to speak with Cayden.
As soon as he entered, he was greeted not by Cayden Cairoze, but by Esban.
“……”
Esban’s gaze was particularly piercing. It was a look of resentment for suspecting Cayden Cairoze. Pheon averted his eyes with effort. He had once thought Cayden might be the culprit, too.
Hedonia’s words had turned his assumptions into firm suspicions.
Of course, there was only circumstantial evidence, no concrete proof.
“Thank you for taking care of my son as usual.”
That’s why he needed to observe more closely.
Leaving Esban behind, he entered the reception room.
Cayden greeted him warmly, and Pheon smiled.
“It’s nothing. What brings you to see me?”
“Ah, Esban might have mentioned it… I contacted you to see if we could enlist the power of the Mage Tower regarding the unresolved cases of missing espers.”
Cayden always had perfect reasons and alibis.
Pheon had never seen Cayden lose his composure.
Cayden’s flawless demeanor made him appear even more suspicious.
“With someone as passionate as you, Lord Cayden, why do these cases always remain unresolved?”
Pheon didn’t want to beat around the bush. The disappearance cases were infuriating.
Not only did they have to deal with espers, but also rebellious magicians.
Cayden’s eyes widened slightly at Pheon’s direct approach, but he responded in a calm voice.
“I wish I knew the answer to that myself.”
Cayden’s gaze bore into Pheon.
“I’m surprised. I didn’t expect the head of the Mage Tower to press like this.”
“And how did you expect me to press?”
“I thought you’d seek a way to solve the issue together. You usually maintain a composed demeanor.”
“You’re straightforward.”
Pheon muttered quietly.
Indeed, those who used mental magic were quick to understand one’s true intentions.
“The change in your attitude… must mean there’s a reason for it.”
Cayden’s eyes sparkled with interest.
