The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 36
Wearing a veil turned out to be a blessing.
After a moment, Pheon lifted his head with a much more refreshed expression than before.
“Is our agreement still valid going forward?”
“Yes, I look forward to working with you while I play the stand-in role.”
I bowed politely in greeting. As I raised my head, I saw Pheon staring at me.
With his arms crossed, he asked,
“Why limit it to the duration of the stand-in role?”
“One should know their place. I want to live a long life, after all.”
It was a peculiar thing to say to Pheon, who had likely faced off against dukes.
And it was something he might appreciate.
After a pause, I added,
“I’m also serving Lady Hedonia.”
I let him know that my relationship with Hedonia wasn’t just about playing a stand-in role.
The reason was clear.
It was a good opportunity to explain why I intended to leave after the stand-in role ended.
Moreover, being Hedonia’s person served as a second layer of protection from the Espers.
Apart from their competition to win Shaelock’s heart, they respected each other as individuals.
Needing Hedonia as a guide was an inevitable step.
I had racked my brain over this. Had he noticed everything?
“You’re sharper than I thought.”
Pheon chuckled and extended his hand to me.
“Allow me to escort you, Lady Hedonia.”
He seemed to fully accept me as Hedonia’s stand-in.
…For now.
“May I ask you for a favor?”
“What is it?”
“Please keep it a secret from the duke that I am guiding you.”
A spark of interest flickered in Pheon’s eyes.
“Then, I want something too.”
“Yes?”
“The trade must be made.”
Pheon, returned to his lively self, smiled broadly and took my hand.
“I wish to increase the level of physical guidance.”
“…”
“Using just hands isn’t enough. At minimum, there should be an embrace. More would be better, though…”
Pheon narrowed his eyes and licked his lips.
…Clearly, this man was a lead character with hidden versatility.
“Give me some time to think about anything more.”
“I guess I’ll have to bring a condition you’d want to agree to.”
It was a relief he wasn’t forcing his will.
Pheon and I exchanged a glance and nodded to each other.
It was indeed time to head to the party.
* * *
Escorted by Shaelock and Pheon on either side, with Esban trailing behind, I entered the center of the party hall.
Instantly, all eyes were on me.
“…To finally meet Lady Hedonia.”
“It’s an honor for our family!”
Heads nodded, and voices of awe filled the air, as if they were in the presence of a deity.
Robert looked on with a pleased expression, clearly envisioning Hedonia’s face in my place in the future.
The envious gazes of the people began to weigh heavily on me.
“Now, let us witness the guidance of Lady Hedonia.”
A servant announced the main event of the party.
I took my seat in a chair that had been prepared in advance.
The chair next to me remained empty.
‘I didn’t specify who should sit first.’
I had meant to discuss it earlier, but there hadn’t been time, preoccupied with handling Pheon.
And I certainly couldn’t presume to tell any of them to take the seat…
“I’ll go first.”
Surprisingly, Esban stepped forward.
Seated, he scanned the crowd. His upright posture mirrored his character.
With the chairs close together, Esban’s face was very near. Looking at him, I pondered anew.
‘Everywhere you go, it’s just handsome faces…’
Being possessed into a romance fantasy seems to have that singular perk.
I sighed, gathering the remnants of my mental strength to begin non-contact guidance.
This task required much more concentration than contact guidance, leaving no room for distraction.
The truth is, I’m not as adept at non-contact guidance.
In some ways, Robert Apharanthes is an immensely admirable figure.
I could feel sweat forming on my face, though the veil hid it all.
“Ooh…”
“Wow! That is…”
The crowd exclaimed even louder than before as they saw the light flowing from my hands towards Esban.
Comments about divine descent and “truly, it’s Lady Hedonia,” were thrown around, empty flatteries at their finest.
‘Is it alright?’
Wondering if the party receiving the guidance was fine, I lifted my head to see Esban blinking.
He had a puzzled look on his face.
“Something’s…”
He whispered, looking at me,
“It’s lacking…”
Just loud enough for only me to hear.