The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 205
While eating, I was able to hear about the current situation regarding Guides from Pheon.
“Even the nobles’ perspectives on Guides are changing,”
People look up to Guides, who, like themselves, lack the transcendent powers of Espers.
They feel a sense of kinship and hope, thinking that maybe they too could become a Guide someday.
They hope to be connected with those magnificent Espers.
Commoner Guides felt the same way.
“It’s thanks to Lord Hedonia’s hard work,”
He said, shrugging as if reluctant to admit it, but that was all.
Pheon never lied, so I believed him.
…It seemed like it was the public opinion Hedonia had been working on.
After finishing his meal, Pheon glanced outside through the glass window and suggested,
“Shall we get going?”
“Yes.”
Having digested our meal, it was time to work.
“Hold on a moment.”
Pheon stopped me as I was about to get up.
“Here, wear this.”
He handed me a bracelet adorned with diamonds.
“This is…”
It was the same design as the bracelet Pheon was wearing.
“It’s a bracelet that blurs your image, just like the one I’m wearing.”
Me? But why?
“I don’t think I need it. I’m not a well-known person.”
Pheon had a good reason to wear the bracelet, but I didn’t.
“I noticed you were attracting quite a bit of attention earlier.”
“How much attention could I really attract?”
If I accepted that, I’d end up with a celebrity complex.
Pheon looked a bit perplexed and whispered,
“Just wear it while we’re enjoying the festival. It seemed like Lord Hedonia was following you.”
“What?!”
I was shocked by Pheon’s words. I didn’t expect Hedonia to break his promise so quickly!
“Weren’t you planning to buy a gift for the Duke? Or do you distrust me that much?”
His seemingly hurt words pricked my conscience.
I shouldn’t reject his gesture too harshly.
“Alright, I’ll gratefully borrow it.”
In the end, I put on the bracelet.
‘It’s only for about an hour.’
I thought it wouldn’t be a big deal.
At least, that’s what I thought at the time.
* * *
“Shall we head out then?”
“Yes.”
It had been a satisfying meal.
I nodded and cautiously suggested,
“Lord Pheon, please let me pay for lunch today.”
After all, I had only received things from him today, and I felt I should do something in return to ease my conscience.
I can afford this much, I thought, recalling my bank balance.
But as I bravely made the offer, Pheon shook his head.
“Unfortunately, I’ve already paid.”
“What?”
When did he pay? He never left the table.
Then it hit me.
…He must have settled everything when he made the reservation.
I felt short-sighted.
“Seems like you don’t want to be indebted to me.”
Pheon shrugged. I naturally wrapped my words.
“It’s not that. You’ve given me so much, I just want to give you something in return.”
“Oh.”
Pheon rested his chin on his hand, seemingly thoughtful, then made a suggestion.
“Then give me a gift too.”
He smiled brightly.
“Something you like, Karina.”
* * *
Pheon’s words made me nod in agreement, but…
Thinking about gifts for both Hedonia and Pheon made my head feel like it would explode.
Eventually, I chose a wooden carving from a shop where people were gathered.
A person who looked like a carpenter was carving in real time, attracting attention with his amazing skill.
There were rough ones depending on the price, and intricate carvings that looked like they were painted with a brush.
“Is that my gift?”
I nodded at Pheon’s words.
Since we were walking together, I couldn’t hide it like I did with Hedonia. Pheon glanced lightly.
“A wooden carving for someone who uses fire?”
…Ah.
“Hey, Lord Pheon, you’re good at controlling your strength. I trust you.”
I decided to lightly forget the sparks Pheon flicked when we met on the island.
“Thanks for the trust.”
Pheon shrugged at my words.
“But it’s no fun to see it in advance, so I’ll wait outside.”
Pheon’s words, seeming to expect a gift, added to my pressure.
After careful consideration, I chose a cute duck.
The round, silly-looking duck appealed to me.
Seeing how meticulous Pheon was at work, I thought he could use something like this for a bit of relaxation.
“Here it is.”
I handed the duck to Pheon.
“…Why did you choose this?”
Pheon examined the duck with a puzzled expression, and the way he touched its beak amusingly suited him.
“Because it’s cute.”
I explained, barely suppressing my laughter. There was no better reason.
“It’s rougher than the others. Not very detailed.”
Good grief, he’s more particular than I thought.
But in anticipation of such a situation, I did bring a variety of wooden crafts.
“Here are some more.”
I handed him a pouch filled with wooden crafts.
“…What were you thinking when you chose these?”
Pheon laughed as he looked at the box filled with gifts like Santa’s presents.
