The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 24
Shaelock asked the Duke almost whiningly. It seemed refusal wasn’t even an option from the start.
…Please, spare me!
If this continues, maybe it’s better to change course and see what it’s like to be with Esban.
Shaelock seemed too set in her ways, making it difficult to maintain a suitable distance.
Since my priority was actually the Duke rather than Shaelock, I didn’t respond to her question. Instead, I subtly glanced at the Duke, making it clear that I prioritized him.
‘This way, she might feel a bit of unease towards me.’
It was to instill a sense of superiority.
“Why aren’t you answering? What’s your name?”
Shaelock continued to prattle on, all the while not letting go of my hand.
Please save me…
As I bowed my head deeply, fervently pondering what to do, a voice reached my ears.
“…Go ahead.”
Eventually, the Duke gave his permission.
‘I thought he would honestly tell her not to.’
Surprised by the unexpected answer, I looked up. However, it was difficult to read the Duke’s expression.
Honestly, just from the tone of his voice, it seemed like there was some reluctance mixed in.
It felt like he was saying, ‘Your guidance won’t make much of a difference anyway.’ Seeing that attitude, I felt a sense of frustration rising in me.
It felt similar to when I was with Esban.
Certainly, it would be difficult for me to surpass the guidance of the veteran Duke, who had been guiding for a long time.
“Understood.”
But I have talent.
Wasn’t Karina an antagonist with skills comparable to Hedonia’s?
I was filled with enthusiasm.
But it didn’t last long.
‘…I should keep it moderate if I want to stay out of the Duke’s sight.’
I recalled the importance of not attracting the Duke’s attention.
Just like I did with Esban, I could just hold hands and do it roughly.
“Now, tell me your name. I need to know the name of the person guiding me.”
Her eyes sparkled as she spoke. I nodded and finally introduced myself.
“I’m Karina. Please to meet you.”
“It is a Pleasure to meet you, Karina. I am Shaelock. Just call me Shaelock.”
It was unthinkable for me to address the Princess without honorifics.
I chuckled and brushed off her demand.
“Shall we continue to the next room?”
Shaelock firmly held my hand and led the way. Her confident demeanor was evident in her decisive movements.
I couldn’t understand what she was doing based on what she saw. Just like with Esban, I couldn’t help but wonder what she felt when she held my hand.
The reception room we entered was neatly arranged, as if it was originally planned for a meeting with the Duke. Once we were inside the room, Shaelock let go of my hand.
“Please have a seat here.”
Shaelock, who had sunk into the sofa, gestured to the seat beside her.
“Now, guide me.”
As soon as I sat down, Shaelock leaned in close and whispered.
It was evident she wanted to hold my hand again. I reached out towards her.
“You can hold it if you want.”
Upon hearing my words, Shaelock interlocked her fingers with mine.
The tension on her face eased. Seeing her relax made me feel a pang of guilt. I didn’t really know how to guide properly.
“Shaelock, there’s something I need to tell you…”
“What is it? Go ahead, I’m all ears.”
I was surprised by her readiness to listen, as if she would give me everything I asked for in an instant. Indeed, such generosity was also a virtue of the protagonist.
“I have never properly learned how to guide.”
“Never?”
Shaelock’s eyes widened at my words. I nodded.
“Yes, if you need, I can go back to the Duke now—”
“No, it’s fine. Just holding your hand should be enough.”
“…It’s fine?”
As she held my hand, I felt a sense of relief washing over me. Unconsciously, the guiding process resumed.
But to refuse the Duke so easily.
“Yes, really, I am fine with it.”
Shaelock brought my hand close to her cheek and smiled contentedly.
‘Do I owe my abilities some gratitude?’
I didn’t expect to disarm Shaelock to this extent.
“Your skills are indeed impressive, and to think you have not learned that much yet.”
“But still not comparable to the Duke.”
“Better than the Duke by far though?”
“… “
“You are too precious to be used as a stand-in.”
Shaelock’s words left me astonished.
“Please, refrain from saying such things of the Duke. I beg of you.”
If Shaelock were to speak like that in front of the Duke, my future would be jeopardized.
He has been waiting all this time to become a perfect guide for Hidonia, so he couldn’t just let it slide.
“Huh? Why?”
Looking at Shaelock’s innocent face, I realized that if I didn’t say something, I might have said it to the Duke for sure.
‘Should I tell the real reason?’
Or should I make something up?
It was a deep dilemma, but the decision came in an instant.
I tightened my grip on Shaelock’s hand and opened my mouth.