The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 32
She pretended not to hear my compliment, then proceeded to put the veil on me.
The veil, enchanted in advance, ensured that my face was never visible and did not flutter in the wind.
To the outside, it might look like a delicate piece of fabric, but it was as good as being wrapped in steel.
Interestingly, from my side, I could see people clearly, akin to looking through a window coated with film.
For the dress, I chose one that concealed my physique as much as possible.
The long sleeves and voluminous hem were to prevent any gossip that might arise should Hedonia be revealed later.
After all, Hedonia was publicly known as a ‘woman’.
…Of course, after Hedonia awoke as a guide and brought down the Duke of Apharantes, those strange rumors quickly faded away.
‘It would be more surprising not to sharpen the blade of vengeance under these circumstances.’
Who would enjoy living a life where even their gender is a lie imposed by their only father?
‘I should be kinder to Hedonia.’
My fleeting sympathy for him was soon overshadowed by the gloom of thinking about tomorrow’s tasks.
“It’s about time we go,”
said the head maid, adjusting the hem of my dress one more time.
“Yes.”
I nodded and stood up.
Knock, knock.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
The head maid opened it as if she had been expecting this.
“Are you ready?”
There stood Hedonia and Robert Apharantes, who had come to check on today’s schedule.
Robert was already fully dressed for the day, but Hedonia was in his usual flowing robe, as he wouldn’t be going out today.
“The veil suits you well,”
Robert murmured, looking at me intently.
Isn’t that basically saying it’s good because he can’t see my face? As if saying outright he doesn’t want to see my face, look at the level of his character.
The sliver of guilt I had when helping Hedonia vanished in that moment.
“Let me tell you a few of my habits for today, so please step outside, Duke.”
Hedonia, who had been silent at Robert’s words, spoke up sharply while standing at an angle.
Hedonia, who maintained that attitude towards everyone, was indeed a consistently principled person.
“Finish within five minutes.”
“Yes. I would prefer if others didn’t overhear, so head maid, please step outside as well.”
“Understood. I will open the door in five minutes.”
The head maid responded to Hedonia but clearly chose to follow Robert’s directive.
I said nothing.
However, I could guess how much Hedonia’s pride was hurt.
Because his right hand, clenched into a fist, was bulging with veins.
Pretending not to notice, the head maid left the room.
Now, it was just Hedonia and me.
“So, what habits of Young Hedonia should I be aware of?”
My role was to remind him of the reason he came to meet me, as he worked to suppress his anger.
“Start by removing the veil before we talk.”
Was he anxious about what expression I might be wearing after witnessing that scene?
Hedonia, with more ferocity than usual in his eyes, strode towards me.
This veil was a magical tool, and its effect was such that it couldn’t be passed unless by someone designated. And the only people who could bypass this veil were the Duke of Apharantes and Hedonia.
After the head maid had placed the veil, it couldn’t be passed on to anyone else.
“In truth, I don’t really have any habits. Just be wary of Pheon—”
While speaking and reaching out to touch the veil, Hedonia’s pupils dilated.
His face, seen up close, seemed truly surprised.
The eyes I saw up close looked like craftwork sprinkled with gold dust.
“…Did you put on makeup?”
His words came out in spurts, and that’s when I realized he was surprised by my face.
To think that even Hedonia would be surprised by the makeup was somewhat gratifying.
“The head maid did it. I thought I might as well enjoy the opportunity given to me, even if I can’t show my face.”
Though it seems this opportunity might not extend to the whole party.
At my words, Hedonia stared at me intently.
“But you can’t even show your face to others.”
Thinking it over, I replied,
“The makeup was purely for my own satisfaction, so it’s fine. And…”
How often would I get the chance to see Hedonia’s surprised face?
This alone made it worth it.
“I showed it to Lady Hedonia, didn’t I?”
At my words, Hedonia seemed at a loss for words for a moment before lowering the veil again.
“Aren’t we going to talk face to face?”
At my question, Hedonia hastily turned his head away.
“It would be wise to guide Pheon today. He’s in a sensitive state because of the power struggle with the duke and hasn’t received proper guidance.”
Pheon disliked being dragged around by Robert.
Hedonia’s advice perfectly matched the information I had read in the book.
I nodded.
“Alright. Since we can’t kiss yet, I’ll try to hold hands more earnestly.”
At my words, Hedonia turned his head back towards me, making a peculiar expression.