The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 21
Staring intently at his hand, I could feel his gaze.
What was Hedonia thinking as he looked at me?
It was something he had to do in the future. Did he also feel the unfamiliar emotion I just felt?
‘No, that can’t be.’
Thinking of the disdainful gaze he had just given me, it was clear.
As expected, Hedonia continued his explanation about guiding with his usual impassive expression.
“My father will teach you primarily through non-contact guiding.”
I cautiously raised a phrase.
“…There seems to be a clear difference between non-contact guiding and contact guiding.”
When I saw Esban’s expression earlier when we made contact, non-contact seemed too inefficient.
“Indeed, non-contact guiding can make your body much more tired. If it continues, it can also be mentally exhausting. But the Duke will not care about such things.”
The need to learn more about non-contact guiding felt pressing.
‘I should take it easy.’
I don’t want to ruin my body when there are more efficient methods. My body is precious!
‘But I can’t keep asking Hedonia every time.’
Relying on him for everything is risky. I need to maintain a proper distance from him to keep the relationship balanced.
I needed a new source of information other than Duke Apharantes and Hedonia.
‘First, I need to meet the other two espers excluding Esban.’
Both Pheon, who will take the position of Magic Tower Lord, and the only existing summoner, Shaelock, have their own information networks.
Esban wasn’t even considered.
‘The first impression was just too bad.’
I could force them to submit with my power, but that would seem too much like a villain.
Lost in thought, I was startled by Hedonia’s voice piercing through.
“The rest is up to you. I’ve never properly learned guiding either, so it is but just guesses. The reality will be different.”
His tone was oddly blunt.
…That’s right. Hedonia hasn’t become a guide yet.
‘Did he hit a sore spot?’
At times like this, flattery is key. Smiling brightly, I shot him a sparkling gaze.
“You do know that you’re the only one I trust, right, Hedonia?”
Even if it’s Hedonia, he wouldn’t dislike praise!
But as I subtly gauged his reaction, Hedonia grumpily waved me off like he was tired of it all.
“Alright, now go on.”
“…Got it.”
Hmm, perhaps not.
Quickly responding, I stood up from my chair.
Hedonia sat with his eyes half-closed, lost in thought.
I seized the opportunity and attempted flattery once more.
“Hedonia, you seem truly remarkable.”
It wasn’t just flattery; it was also true.
No matter how much I acted as his understudy and aided in his awakening, there was an unchanging fact.
I was the guide that Hedonia had longed for all his life, the one he had desperately wanted in his life.
Despite jealousy and being looked down upon, I had no choice but to uphold the contract. Yet, he considered me as an ally.
Even in the current uncertain situation where I was the only guide, he silently helped me without revealing it.
Even though he didn’t know whether he would become a guide or not.
“What is it?”
Hedonia, taken aback by the sudden praise, tilted his head as if unable to understand my intentions.
Feeling embarrassed to openly explain all my reasons, I vaguely changed the subject.
“Just your current demeanor.”
But it seemed like that statement was enough to convey my intentions.
After a moment of silence, he spoke.
“I cannot become someone like my father.”
With a voice as clear as the morning dew.
“I do not want to live like my father.”
His voice, infused with suppressed emotion, was clear.
“I cannot follow in the footsteps of my lifelong enemy.”
Hedonia, chin resting on his hand, stared at me and murmured.
“But it’s true that I have become more lax….”
Gradually, his words trailed off.
“I’m not sure if that’s good for you.”
With that, his gaze narrowed.
“I do not forgive traitors.”
His mouth curled up into a sly grin.
Why, despite seeing him smile, thunder echoed around us. Boom! Crash!
It was truly fortunate that I had no intention of betraying him.
“So you should continue to be with me, not my father.”
Hedonia’s voice was as gentle as wildflowers in a meadow.
“So that we can cleanly achieve what each of us desires and part ways.”
In the emphasis on each other’s positions, it seemed like Hedonia might have some understanding of how many people had betrayed him over time.
The reason for emphasizing that I’m his person might be because of this.
Perhaps the hostility from the Duke towards me helps to suppress any doubts he may have about whether I might be associated with the Duke.
Since I was going to leave satisfied as his understudy anyway, it was easy to accept his words.
Our relationship would end at that level.
“Yes.”
I nodded immediately.