The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 2
“Pheon, calm down! The place will catch on fire!”
“Ah, I’m sorry, Karina. I got too excited….”
Pheon finally seemed to come to his senses and bowed his head. His smooth dialogue, like flowing water, was exactly what I knew of him.
I sighed and rubbed my forehead.
“This situation is awkward.”
Anyone watching might think it’s a love triangle directed at me.
But I know better.
They are the male leads of this reverse harem novel, destined to fall in love with Shaelock.
Now, with no need to manage the image, I couldn’t hide my irritation any longer as I spoke up.
“Where is Hedonia? He’s the Guide you’ve been eagerly waiting for.”
That’s right. Now that the supporting characters have quietly exited, it’s time for you guys to start your romance.
Just as I was about to lower the curtain on the irritating scene, an unfamiliar figure appeared behind them.
…No, upon closer inspection, this person wasn’t a stranger. His lustrous platinum blond hair shone brilliantly in waves.
Was this why they prevented me from catching a glimpse of his nose all this time, only to make a grand entrance like this?
It was both delightful and bewildering to see him after a long time.
Not only did he seem to have a height of at least 190cm, but his robust build could easily rival that of the knight, Esban. It was intimidating.
Certainly, he didn’t look like this before…
‘Is this the power of the main male lead?’
Brushing aside those thoughts, I ran towards Hedonia, who would hopefully take care of these troublesome characters.
“Hedonia! It’s been a while!”
As I approached, I hesitated when I faced the impeccably handsome man.
Hedonia’s gaze, as he looked down at me, finally met mine. Slowly, he raised the corners of his mouth in a refreshing, summer-sea-like smile and then spoke.
“Karina, I’m here to become your Esper.”
…What?
“No, you’re supposed to take those people away, didn’t you?”
I muttered hesitantly, Hedonia’s eyebrows twisted. With lowered eyelashes, he momentarily held his breath and stood there. It felt as if time had come to a halt.
“Perhaps this might be a fortunate turn of events.”
His fingers, softly brushing against my lower lip, carried a subtle touch that brought forth a tender and unexplainable emotion.
A mingling of emotions I couldn’t comprehend flooded in.
“Because I need you in my life.”
His golden eyes gazed at me with a hint of greed, as if they could devour me. For a moment, I was taken aback.
It was an unfamiliar sensation, a subconscious guiding.
When I tried to pull away, Hedonia gently clasped my hand and whispered.
“Don’t worry. I won’t take away your power without your consent. However… I’ve waited for this for so long, so please forgive me for this much.”
I understood what his actions just meant. It felt like something was flowing out from within me. Yet, it was an impossible occurrence between Hedonia and me.
It was the sensation that came with guiding an Esper.
‘Hedonia is an Esper?’
I couldn’t believe it, letting out a gasp and quickly asking,
“You didn’t awaken as a Guide?”
Instead of answering my question, Hedonia tightened his grip on my hand.
The man who, moments ago, seemed to embrace all the worries of the world, narrowed his eyes beautifully as he gazed at me.
“Why do you think that might be?”
He asked me in a soft tone, his eyes drawing a crescent moon that seemed to enchant people.
Between the beautiful platinum strands that looked like they held all the world’s light, his golden eyes gazed at me with a deep intensity.
In the intense gaze that seemed to penetrate me, an explanation flowed out as to why he posed that question.
“As… As you know, Apharantes is a place where Guides with transcendental abilities appear. I believed that you, Hedonia, would also become an outstanding Guide without a doubt.”
Being familiar with the original work, I knew just how remarkable of a Guide Hedonia was supposed to be.
Guiding not only the female lead but also the male supporting characters, establishing himself as the perfect main male lead.
And that’s not all. I knew how much he wanted to become a promising Guide and seek revenge on his father.
Hedonia didn’t readily continue speaking. In the unnaturally long silence, I could read his thoughts.
Now, there was no choice but to acknowledge the reality.
‘Hedonia is not a Guide but an Esper.’
In this world, how could this be?
Though my appearance had caused some twists in the original work, I believed his future would still be promising.
Yet, everything shattered.
Amidst my confused thoughts, something warm brushed against my ear.
My body reacted involuntarily.
Hedonia gently swept my hair behind my ear and responded.
“Seeing you makes all the confusion I’ve had seem pointless.”
…What?
While I was lost in confusion, Hedonia folded his eyes.
“Yes, Karina. I didn’t become a Guide. I wandered a lot because of that. But now… I think I know.”
“…”
“It’s because I’m fated to be your Esper.”
Hedonia spoke with a deep voice and kissed the back of my hand.
My whole body felt a rush of warmth.
The original story had completely twisted.
Regardless of the dropped lips, Hedonia’s hand still lingered in mine.
It was an example of how messed up the mental state of an Esper who hadn’t properly received guidance could be.
No, honestly, it seemed like it contained Hedonia’s personal desire.
“I’ll be your Esper… so…”
With cat-like, languid eyes, Hedonia whispered softly.
“Can I kiss you?”
A tempting proposition, an up-and-down movement of the adam’s apple.
“I want to touch you.”
It was outright seduction.