The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 199
Although it hadn’t been long since I reunited with Hedonia, I was genuinely happy during our time together.
After becoming Karina and starting a new life, I always tried to draw a line in relationships.
I only intended to fulfill my role as a “stand-in.”
‘At some point, Hedonia crossed that line…’
Even though we had grown closer, I didn’t think the relationship would last forever.
But even when I thought the bond had broken, Hedonia was still waiting for me, preparing a room and guiding for me.
‘He did so much, not just for the guides but also for me.’
How could I not trust him after seeing that?
Seeing how much Hedonia had done for me made me want to do something for him as well.
So I had decided.
‘I’ll buy a ring.’
If I received the funds from Pheon, I could afford a decent ring.
‘No, I’ll use more than half of my funds to get a ring worthy of Hedonia.’
I clenched my fist with determination.
If I didn’t hurry, Hedonia might take the initiative.
“Karina?”
“Yes?”
“You seem excited about enjoying the festival without me.”
I laughed awkwardly at Hedonia’s words.
I really couldn’t let him find out about this, but could I manage that?
‘I need to gauge public opinion too.’
I had to start over and find new leads in the case of the missing espers.
Observing people’s reactions was also essential.
* * *
Listening to Pheon didn’t entirely erase doubts.
Pheon explained that he had almost resolved his suspicions about Cayden, and his explanation was flawless.
However, his sudden change of attitude was too quick. It was somewhat inconsistent with Pheon’s usual character.
With Esban conveniently sent to his territory during the festival, the only person to talk to was Shaelock.
Hedonia communicated with Shaelock using messenger birds. While they didn’t use magic or esper powers, it was useful for avoiding detection from magic circles and prying eyes.
Though Hedonia and Shaelock often bickered over Karina, they were united in protecting her from any potential danger.
Karina is doing well, right? If it weren’t for the Emperor, I would invite her back to the palace.
The letters, starting with inquiries about Karina’s well-being, were always similar to those Hedonia sent. Hedonia sighed and narrowed his eyes.
“The Emperor is suspiciously quiet.”
Given that the plan to involve Karina had fallen through, he should have done something, yet it was too quiet.
Thinking of Shaelock, who was meticulous to the point of being scary in her tasks, it was impossible that she hadn’t found anything. If there had been no developments until now, it meant Adron was truly doing nothing.
‘…Or he might be using someone else.’
This seemed more likely. The festival was just around the corner.
Karina is your responsibility.
Shaelock’s handwriting was messy, reflecting her displeasure with the situation.
But there was nothing she could do about it.
On the first day of the festival, she had to give a speech with Adron about the future of espers, guides, and ordinary citizens.
Not only that, but as a princess and representative of the espers, she had to show how beneficial the power of espers could be to people.
This matched perfectly with Shaelock’s abilities. Her powers were intuitive and spectacular to people.
There was no other opportunity to meet heroes who had already died.
It was something only Shaelock could achieve.
Ensure Karina’s safety during the festival. Although I don’t need to say it, I’m sure the Duke will do so.
Despite being rivals for Karina, they acknowledged their mutual care for her.
‘…With Pheon.’
Karina had suggested exploring the festival separately on the first day. Her determination to keep him away was evident.
‘She’s planning something.’
Her unusual determination to keep him away had already raised his suspicions.
She must be preparing a gift.
‘How adorable.’
It seemed she desperately hoped he wouldn’t find out, so he decided to play along.
He was also curious about what Karina’s gift might be.
But if it concerned Karina’s safety, things would be different.
‘…I’ll just have to follow them.’
Since he couldn’t trust Pheon, he had to move personally.
However, walking around in his current form would likely attract people’s attention.
Even if he managed to disguise his face, his physique, which surpassed that of ordinary people, remained a problem.
‘I’ll have to use magic.’
Pheon used to sell potions that changed hair and eye color to his clients. It was the same potion Hedonia used on the day he awakened as an esper.
Though it was unsettling to rely on Pheon’s abilities, there was no other way.
If any problems arose…
‘I will deal with it.’
Nothing had been revealed about Adron’s schemes or whether Cayden was truly the key figure in the current issue, but Hedonia was not afraid.
