The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 203
‘This is strange.’
His outfit and hairstyle are different from usual, but…
Can the atmosphere change this much?
It feels like I’m facing a complete stranger.
Instincts often come from accumulated experience.
And my instincts are telling me that Pheon is dangerous right now.
‘…This must be a bad hunch.’
Of course, I quickly corrected my thoughts.
‘No, it’s rude to judge Pheon just because his appearance has changed.’
I didn’t want to make a hasty judgment.
I’ve known Pheon for a while, and if there were any problems, they would have already arisen.
He probably dressed up for the festival today. How embarrassing it would be if he knew what I was thinking.
“Shall we walk?”
I like walking, so I didn’t mind, but I was worried about Pheon not hiding his face at all.
I moved closer to him and whispered cautiously so others couldn’t hear.
“But aren’t you going to cover your face?”
“Oh, I’m wearing a bracelet that blurs my image today, so it’s fine.”
Despite that, I recognized Pheon too well. He noticed my puzzled look and added an explanation with a chuckle.
“It makes it so only people I designate can recognize me.”
So there’s a bracelet like that.
‘Hedonia could use one of those too.’
No matter how he tries to hide, Hedonia always attracts attention.
‘I wonder if they would sell it if I asked.’
While I was seriously considering this, Pheon suddenly extended his hand.
Do we really need to hold hands? I can easily follow him.
I was about to refuse.
“We need to pass through the central area to get to the restaurant I reserved for today. There will be a lot of people, so we need to hold hands to avoid getting separated.”
His explanation was clear and had no ulterior motives.
In the end, I nodded and took his hand.
‘I might as well finish the Guiding too.’
Opportunities to meet Pheon separately were rare. Since we were holding hands anyway, I decided to complete the Guiding at the same time.
Pheon flinched.
“Are you planning to do the Guiding too?”
“Yes.”
“…Is holding hands enough for you? I don’t think it will be for me.”
I shook my head at Pheon’s remark.
“It will be enough. Trust me.”
Living with Hedonia had certainly improved my Guiding abilities. Practice makes perfect, after all.
And since I had started a serious relationship with Hedonia, any further physical contact with Pheon would be disrespectful to him.
Pheon didn’t seem pleased with my words, but he nodded.
“…Alright.”
As I began the Guiding, a faint moan escaped from Pheon.
Worried that I might be doing it wrong, I looked at him anxiously, and he chuckled.
“Oh, it’s just been a while since I’ve received this level of Guiding. You’re quite good at it.”
It feels good to have my abilities recognized. I nodded with a smile.
I’m pretty good at this.
I began to feel confident that I could work well with others too.
“Thanks to the princess and the duke, not receiving Guiding has become the norm for me.”
His words made me feel a bit solemn.
I felt guilty thinking that Pheon hadn’t sought me out because of Hedonia.
‘Even if it was due to jealousy…’
Guiding is as essential to Espers as food, clothing, and shelter.
“Oh, you don’t have to make that face. I’m also used to enduring without Guiding because of Robert.”
Pheon shook his head with a smile.
Well, Pheon and Robert Apharantes didn’t have a good relationship either.
I continued Guiding and murmured,
“But pain never truly becomes familiar, does it?”
No matter what kind of life one leads, that’s always the same.
Pheon stared at me silently, lips pressed tightly together.
“That’s true.”
He nodded at my words.
The silence didn’t last long, drowned out by the bustling sounds of the people.
As we moved closer to the center of the square, the cheers of the crowd grew louder.
Seeing the buildings covered in multicolored lights made the festival feel real.
And that wasn’t all.
The food stalls brimming with delicious treats and various crafts enchanted me.
‘This would be a great place to buy a gift for Hedonia.’
It had been a long time since I’d been in such a crowded place, and it was overwhelming.
‘I need to stay focused.’
