The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 31
Today is the day of the party to celebrate Hedonia’s recovery in front of everyone.
And there’s only one day left until the kiss I discussed with Hedonia.
I see Hedonia’s face every day, but kissing him feels like a homework I might never get used to.
[Now, there are only two days left.]
I groaned, recalling Hedonia who had come to bring me blood yesterday.
It was harder than learning non-contact guidance from Robert.
At least with non-contact guidance, I wouldn’t get attacked in the face…
I’ve said it over and over, but it’s not because I have ulterior motives.
I would have known if I had ever done such a thing!
My head feels like it’s going to explode. There’s not just one or two things to worry about.
‘Is this what they meant by important matters all coming at once?’
That’s exactly my situation.
But that’s not the only reason I’m nervous.
I remember this is around the time a dungeon suddenly appeared in the capital in the novel.
Dungeons in the capital were quite a regular occurrence, and usually, there were designated people to close them, so they weren’t much of a threat, but this time was completely different.
The esper supposed to prevent it had gone missing, and the monsters that flowed out the dungeon attacked the capital.
That’s why the party celebrating Hedonia’s recovery, which started off smoothly, suddenly turned into a complete chaos.
The cause was unknown, but at that time, the Duke of Apharantes personally took action and went into the dungeon with the esper.
Due to the situation becoming bigger than expected, all the espers, who would have been sufficient alone under normal circumstances, had to step in.
Hedonia, somehow getting sucked in with them at that time, thoroughly utilized his brain in the dungeon and did his part.
Despite this, he felt despair seeing himself having to rely on the espers… but Shaelock consoled him, and Hedonia, in a gesture of gratitude, became close by offering his share of tears.
What I aimed for today was Pheon, before he was dispatched.
Currently, Pheon was in an extremely sensitive state because he hadn’t received guidance from the Duke of Apharantes.
“I’ll make all the necessary preparations for today.”
What woke me from my thoughts was the head maid’s words.
Of course, it wasn’t about dressing me up as one usually reads in romance fantasy novels.
“Everything must be perfect, from the color of your hair to your eyes.”
It meant doing their best to make me into the perfect Hedonia Apharantes.
There was no need to expect makeup since I would use the excuse of scars still on my face to wear a veil.
‘I wish I could suddenly become pretty…’
But there’s no reason for that.
Sighing internally, I slightly moved my head and cooperatively went through the head maid’s dyeing process.
The glimpse of purple hair was once again covered with a pure white hue.
After a while, my reflection with ashy platinum hair and golden eyes appeared before me.
‘I might find the purple awkward after a while.’
While playing the role of a double, every time I can’t be myself, I’m reminded of what this position means.
“The dyeing turned out well, though.”
Muttering to myself as I twirled the ends of my hair, I paused under the gaze of the head maid standing behind me.
In her slightly blurry eyes, there was a hint of sympathy.
It was a look entirely different from the one Esban gave me.
The head maid belongs to Robert Apharantes.
‘But that doesn’t mean I can’t use that to my advantage.’
To relax a bit, and also to enjoy the party tonight.
“…Still, it’s my first time going to a celebration.”
I whispered.
The point here is that the whispering tone needs to reach the head maid.
In the novel, Karina, when playing the role of a stand-in, was so greedy in claiming things for herself that she was perceived negatively by the household.
But I was different.
I did my best not to give the impression of crawling up to people by fully understanding my position.
“It feels like I haven’t prepared at all. If it’s alright, may I do the makeup myself?”
I said this while looking at the head maid with a face that truly seemed to have no other intentions.
The head maid’s hands trembled slightly.
‘If I had shown any more selfishness here, I might have been caught.’
The head maid must be skilled at reading people.
Yet, the reason she’s shaken by my words now is because they contain half-truths.
“Or just put the veil on me as is.”
It’s all or nothing. If I back down now, there won’t be any loss on my side.
“Sit down in front again.”
The head maid told me in a brusque voice.
But what does it matter if her voice is cold? I already knew she would take care of everything.
‘Are all the people here tsundere?’
Hedonia too.
It’s not like I’m the type to get hurt over something like this.
I hummed a tune and sat down in front of the chair.
Honestly, I thought since she’s the head maid, she’d be more skilled in managing tasks.
So, I assumed she’d be far from makeup…
“How about changing professions?”
After a while, I was at a loss for words looking at my face after she finished the makeup.
How did she achieve this dewy skin effect?
And what’s with the photoshop-like smooth complexion, complemented by fresh blush and eyeshadow!
The perfect cool-toned makeup matched Karina’s features.
‘Is this really me?’
I regretted living my life distant from makeup.
What would have happened if the head maid had refused earlier?
“You’re the best.”
I gave her a thumbs-up, fully expressing my gratitude.