The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 34
However, he did not forget to maintain a distance by attaching the word ‘monitoring’.
It was the same as reminding me of the fact that I was a stand-in.
Glancing behind me, I noticed Shaelock frowning, seemingly displeased with the mention of me being a stand-in.
The difference between Shaelock and Pheon was as vast as heaven and earth.
‘This is actually the normal reaction.’
Given that the responses of Esban and Shaelock were out of the ordinary, Pheon seemed to fall within what would be considered normal.
‘But I can’t let my guard down.’
The person in front of me is also known to be quite eccentric.
Since it’s uncertain when he might reveal his true colors, it’s wise to stay alert.
“My name is Karina. I look forward to working with you.”
I said, extending my hand to grasp Pheon’s.
‘Esban and Shaelock both changed the moment we held hands.’
Would the same apply to Pheon?
The hand I grasped felt as hot as if it had touched fire. I focused and sent my energy through my hand.
Unlike the unconscious guiding with Esban and Shaelock, this was my first attempt at conscious guiding.
‘Is this really a good thing?’
Since Hedonia was the only one I had practiced with, it was inevitable to feel anxious.
I hesitated and scrutinized Pheon’s reaction intensely.
However, Pheon remained motionless, simply letting my hand go.
‘Did it work?’
It was unclear.
Esban, despite acting as if he wanted to avoid eye contact, kept sneaking glances this way and gradually moving closer.
Shaelock, perhaps due to my request, maintained an expressionless face in public.
“Then, she should probably head out now.”
“Is there really a need for that? Let’s wait a little longer.”
Pheon objected to the Duke’s suggestion.
“Considering who is the person of the night, maintaining a bit of tension seems appropriate, doesn’t it?”
Robert frowned.
“…That’s not a bad idea. It’s also an opportunity to remind everyone that Hedonia is in a superior position.”
Shaelock quickly joined in the conversation from the side.
Honestly, he wasn’t wrong.
The gathering was organized because of the mounting suspicion due to Hedonia’s continued absence.
Just by arranging and attending such an event, Hedonia was fulfilling his role.
Shaelock and Pheon’s gazes collided in mid-air.
It seemed like an unexpected cooperation between them.
“…How about she come out in about 15 minutes?”
With Shaelock joining his side, Robert had no choice but to relent.
Mentioning Hedonia seemed to have softened his stance, perhaps because of Shaelock’s status.
‘The sole son of the Duke and the princess make quite the picture.’
Even though Hedonia is currently known as the only ‘daughter’… from the audience’s perspective, it was a perfect pairing.
After exchanging a few more words with Shaelock, Robert left the room with a relieved expression.
As soon as he left, Pheon strode back towards me.
“I shall escort you. Karina, was it? It seems you have much to learn about guiding.”
The look in his eyes, showing more white than usual, was almost like looking at a madman.
“Sorry, but I’ll be the one to escort her.”
Shaelock quickly stepped in and intercepted my hand. She held onto it as if it was an oasis.
The stare-down between them held a completely different meaning than before.
Was this the real deal after managing to send Robert away?
“Then, I’ll take the other hand.”
Pheon, shrugging his shoulders, took my left hand.
“Please tell me if you dislike it. I’ll hold it less tightly.”
He whispered to me while looking into my eyes.
Not, if you dislike it, I won’t hold it, but I’ll hold it less tightly?
The focus here was off.
‘Calm down.’
What’s my strength? Viewing situations positively, right?
Although Pheon’s actions were disconcerting, this was actually a good opportunity.
Armed with a smile, Pheon continuously struggled to hide his discomfort.
He was yearning for proper guiding.
“Lord Pheon, there’s something I would like to discuss with you.”
I whispered to Pheon, seizing the opportunity.
“Would you like to go to the balcony?”
“…Let’s do that.”
Whether he knew my intentions or not, Pheon agreed with a peculiar silence.
Continuing to wear a pleasant smile, Pheon led the way.
The balcony attached to the drawing room was more spacious than I had anticipated.
Once outside, Pheon was the first to close the door.
The sound was cut off, but the glass windows allowed a clear view inside.
Shaelock was looking this way with an angry expression.
‘I’ll have to guide her later.’
I will have to call her over sometime soon….
Rubbing my eyelids as I looked at her, I met Pheon’s gaze, who was leaning against the terrace wall.
The depth in his eyes, visible between his thick eyebrows, was much deeper than I had thought.
His habit of hiding his true feelings behind a smile might indicate he was a much darker person than he appeared.
Swallowing nervously, I opened my mouth.
“…Shall I guide you?”