The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 195
Pheon flinched.
Although he thought he was good at hiding his thoughts, he couldn’t help but be affected.
Due to Hedonia, he was fairly trained in resisting brainwashing abilities. He was confident he could handle whatever Cayden would say.
“The Emperor made a proposal.”
Cayden’s eyes narrowed as he saw Pheon focus.
Seeing the steadfast Shaelock in front of Adron, he thought it would be better to target Pheon.
“A proposal?”
His brainwashing was different from Hedonia’s. He couldn’t create thoughts that didn’t exist.
“His Majesty suggested showing the abilities of espers at this festival.”
Cayden cleverly changed the topic, drawing out any thoughts that might exist within Pheon.
“I don’t agree.”
Starting on the same side.
Even in this situation, there are things that must be protected.
As if seeking agreement.
“…That’s not wrong.”
When the opponent backs down, that’s when he strikes.
“But it’s hard. I’ve been thinking about my wife a lot lately.”
Showing the image of an imperfect weakling, giving a sense of being in the same position.
During the casino incident, he actually encountered Karina and also heard about her from Esban.
Cayden quickly realized that the real power among the espers was Karina.
It was an intuition born from experience. Love changes people. Perhaps that’s why Hedonia Apharantes awakened as an esper instead of a guide.
“Sometimes I just want to meet my wife, no matter what. To abandon everything.”
“…It would be troubling if you think like that.”
Somehow, the interrogation turned into comfort. Pheon was annoyed by Cayden’s sudden confession. However, he couldn’t help but sympathize with his words.
“So, even the Tower Master has someone like that.”
After Cayden’s question, Pheon kept his mouth shut.
The interrogation should have been done by him, but he was being led instead. It was more uncomfortable because he was used to leading conversations.
No matter how much he dominated the social scene, it was difficult to surpass Cayden.
“But it seems things aren’t going well.”
Pheon lowered his eyes at the piercing words.
Whenever Karina was mentioned, he felt small.
It was inevitable. From the moment he said he came from the same background as Karina, he started recalling his childhood.
To be precise, he hated the moments when he recalled his weak self before becoming an esper.
Sitting became uncomfortable.
Pheon decided to change the subject.
He hadn’t expected Cayden to reveal the Emperor’s plan. Since direct interrogation was impossible, it was better to finish the other story first.
It was the moment he was about to speak.
“Don’t you want it, no matter what it takes?”
The eerily low voice was like the whisper of a devil.
Pheon hesitated. It wasn’t because he was surprised by his words. It was because a desire began to rise, like fog creeping in.
“Aren’t you tired of the current situation?”
…Surprisingly, he was agreeing with Cayden’s words.
Cayden’s words were like a stone thrown into calm waters.
They caused ripples on the tranquil surface.
But his words didn’t just end as ripples.
The waves grew stronger, turning into a tide.
Pheon’s eyes lost focus. Cayden’s brainwashing was starting to work.
Everyone has a vulnerable spot.
How well one could exploit that spot was crucial.
Sweat beaded on Cayden’s forehead as he penetrated Pheon’s mind.
It was a method that wouldn’t have worked on Pheon normally, but now it was possible.
Because Pheon had begun to hold Karina in his heart.
Just like the moment he welcomed his own wife.
“Love makes people weak.”
Cayden muttered with a bitter expression.
“And it also drives them mad.”
In the name of revenge, wasn’t he also continuing to do inhuman things?
Brainwashing, murder, and ultimately, leading everyone to despair.
But he had no regrets.
Even if he were to go back to the past, he knew he would still make the same choices.
“Maybe I’m just helping you be true to your desires.”
He couldn’t create thoughts that didn’t exist.
He was tired of living under constant criticism.
He would rather exercise power as an esper and rule over people.
He wanted to confine Karina in a space where only he could see her.
The brainwashing Cayden was doing to Pheon now was a thought he had already had but hadn’t acted on.
“Kidnap Karina on the day of the festival.”
“…Yes.”
