The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 35
Upon hearing my words, Pheon’s eyebrows shot up.
“Just stick to playing your part. Is that all you have to say?”
Though his tone remained gentle, it wasn’t hard to discern the underlying wariness.
He was probably on guard against being manipulated by my guiding.
Pheon was the only mage among the three Espers.
Meaning, he was the only one who could communicate with the fairies.
Indeed, he possessed the Fairy’s Tears.
I vividly remember watching Hedonia and Shaelock grow closer through the Fairy’s Tears, followed by a chapter where Pheon lavished Shaelock with it.
The chapter, known colloquially as “Moneybags,” served as an example that not only Hedonia but also the other male leads were not lacking in wealth.
My reason for needing the Fairy’s Tears was simple.
‘An item that will bring Shaelock and me closer together.’
Of course, it would appear in this dungeon as well, but since I won’t be entering, I had to devise another plan.
The Fairy’s Tears were my ultimate goal in approaching Pheon.
“Don’t worry. I am fully aware that I am just a stand-in.”
First, I spoke to ease his suspicion.
Knowing my place and acting accordingly.
“I’ll only guide you while I’m playing the part of the stand-in. I won’t use it to hold you back, Lord Pheon.”
Though my face was hidden behind a veil, my firm voice conveyed my sincerity.
The words and actions of a person hold significant power.
Especially for someone whose words and deeds align.
It’s unlikely they hadn’t discussed it with me.
They must have shared what actions I took with Esban and what happened with Shaelock.
“What do you want from me?”
Pheon naturally spoke on the assumption of a transaction.
He was well aware that altruism without expectation of return does not exist.
I was more than willing to accept this.
It’s a more sustainable way to maintain credibility and trust than being the kind heroine who helps everyone without wanting anything in return.
‘Later on, we can mind our own businesses.’
Inserting myself among the male leads is not something I desire.
Displaying materialistic tendencies is a good way to decrease their favorability towards me.
“I want the Fairy’s Tears.”
I boldly requested compensation from Pheon.
Pheon’s eyes sparkled.
“The Fairy’s Tears?”
“Yes.”
“Why do you think I would have it?”
“Because you’re a mage. I thought it was possible.”
I glossed over the reasoning.
To the public, Karina is nothing more than a street urchin with no knowledge of anything. It wouldn’t be difficult for such a person to hear about mages and the Fairy’s Tears.
Rumors spread easily, after all.
“Not everyone has it.”
Pheon’s nuance was complex, as if he was not pleased with the idea of handing over the Fairy’s Tears.
“Ah… It was something I needed.”
I trailed off my words.
I wanted to appear easy to deal with.
I’m a much easier card to play than Robert.
With no backing or power to speak of.
All I need are the Fairy’s Tears.
It’s much easier than having a standoff with Robert.
Pheon wouldn’t pass up this opportunity.
“I’d like to see the guidance first before deciding.”
As expected, Pheon took the bait.
“Then, would you extend your hand, please?”
Pheon readily extended his hand in response to my request.
“Interlocking fingers is also part of the guidance.”
I took his hand and gently explained the reason for my actions as I concentrated all my strength and channeled it into him.
Unlike Esban or Shaelock, who absorbed my power, Pheon did not, making it much easier.
…Or so I thought.
“Can you increase the intensity?”
This came from Pheon before I even realized it.
Focused entirely on my hand, I looked up and blinked.
“I’ll try concentrating harder.”
“No, getting closer might work better…”
Before he could finish his sentence, Pheon’s face quickly moved closer, and he wrapped my hand in his.
Only then did I notice Pheon’s breathing had become rough.
“…Lord Pheon?”
“I’ll give you two Tears, so please, let me hold you.”
Pheon murmured in a dreadfully low voice, as if he was exerting all his strength to maintain his human guise.
I’ve never been held like this before.
Somehow, it’ll work out!
‘Two Tears sounds like a good deal.’
I nodded. Pheon, as if he had been waiting, embraced me tightly, as though he would crush me.
His body, refusing even the slightest gap between us, was filled with well-maintained muscles.
For a mage, he seemed as formidable as Esban.
Perhaps it’s inevitable for Espers who traverse dungeons. Shaelock too, despite his slender frame, had an incredible grip strength.
I could feel the strength draining from various parts of my body where I touched him.
It was a completely different sensation from holding hands.
From his embrace emanated a cool fragrance, contrasting with his fiery demeanor.
“Ha…”
With a soft sigh, Pheon slumped.
“This is driving me crazy.”
His melodramatic words sent shivers down my spine. The grimace was just a bonus. How could someone say such a thing?
Everyone’s truly out of their mind…
‘I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that last part.’