The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 39
“Father, what brings you here?”
Following Cayden, Esban also approached closely.
That’s when it hit me.
‘Cayden Cairoze.’
The current head of the Cairoze family, father of Esban Cairoze.
Though not as exceptional an Esper as Esban, he was an A-rank man fully utilizing his abilities.
His abilities weren’t highlighted much in the book since he wasn’t a main character…
‘There was mention that his ability is quite rare.’
I’m not exactly sure.
“You said you were heading down to the estate today…”
“I finished my business in the capital and was on my way down when I saved a servant. He insisted on reporting this situation directly, so he accompanied me. We must return quickly.”
“Then… you’re saying the dungeon opening is real?”
At Esban’s words, Cayden nodded seriously.
Robert stroked his chin. It was a sign he was beginning to ponder.
“The entrance to the capital, you said.”
“Yes.”
“The Esper in charge of that area…”
“I’ll look into it.”
As an Esper who had been with Robert for a long time, Cayden was quick to catch on.
“Then, I would appreciate it. We’ll handle the cleanup.”
Robert nodded, pleased with Cayden’s words.
“I’m thinking… it might be best if we all went.”
His gaze swept over Esban, Pheon, and Shaelock.
The opening of a dungeon in the capital and the emergence of monsters was considered a disgrace for the Espers.
Therefore, the Duke of Apharantes had decided to handle this matter nicely.
To prevent any further talk later.
“I will follow immediately.”
The first to respond was, unsurprisingly, Esban.
“I will, of course, join as well.”
Next, Pheon spoke up. Given the attention the event was attracting, he too followed public opinion.
“Got it.”
Shaelock agreed as well.
“Then, let’s all depart together. This mansion is safe, so everyone can stay here.”
Robert’s assurance of safety was comforting.
However, people were not easily persuaded.
“But with Young Hedonia here… is there a need for the Duke himself to leave his post?”
Of course, I knew that hearing this wouldn’t make Robert stay.
“No, Hedonia is still…”
“We will take care of Lady Hedonia.”
Pheon stepped forward as if he had been waiting for the moment. Robert’s eyebrows twitched.
“This could be an opportunity to prove Lady Hedonia’s abilities once more.”
Pheon brazenly retorted, providing a convenient reason.
Of course, it was a bolt from the blue for me.
‘The dungeon?’
I wanted to sew Pheon’s mouth shut right then and there.
What kind of outrageous statement was that?
But public opinion was not in my favor.
“It’s not incorrect to say…”
“If Young Hedonia goes, the situation will be resolved more smoothly.”
“Didn’t they say her talent surpasses even the Duke’s?”
In a way, it was a disaster brought on by Robert himself.
Because he had been boasting about Hedonia’s abilities.
I stared blankly at Robert.
It looked like a spasm was about to occur at the corner of Robert’s smiling mouth.
“If it’s Hedonia, I can trust her.”
Shaelock also stepped forward in quick succession.
Seeing Robert’s position, forced to follow public opinion, it was clear he was seizing the moment.
Robert furrowed his brow, deep in thought.
“Indeed, it’s time for you, Hedonia, to take action…”
His gaze slowly shifted. Behind me, to a secret spot that had been prepared.
His words were directed at Hedonia, who would be listening to all this.
“Then, go.”
Robert reluctantly permitted me to go.
“The dungeon is a dangerous place, do not act recklessly. Trust the people around you.”
…This was not in today’s plan.
I was just opening and closing my mouth when Robert placed a hand on my shoulder.
“If you finish this task well and return…”
These words were clearly directed at me, facing an unexpected situation.
“I shall give you a fitting reward.”
I was in no position to refuse.
I silently bowed my head.
That response was sufficient.
* * *
“Then, I will show the guests to the rooms of the mansion first.”
The nobles gathered in the hall made their way to the guest rooms that had been prepared for them, one by one.
Most of them were startled and wished to rest.
There was also a reason to leave us alone in the hall.
There was much more to discuss about going into the dungeon.
Eventually, in the large hall, there were me, the Duke of Apharantes, three Espers, and…
“She’s going into the dungeon under my name.”
Hedonia remained.
With his platinum hair neatly tied up, Hedonia boasted a much more ethereal aura than usual.
“There’s no helping it.”
Robert sighed and muttered. He wasn’t exactly welcoming the idea either.
“The public opinion was such, so there was no choice.”
Pheon replied with an unabashed face to Robert’s gaze.
“Not taking sides would have been more suspicious, Duke.”
Shaelock was of the same opinion.
Esban remained silent. Since he hadn’t said anything, he seemed to be in a righteous position.
Rubbing his temples as if he had a headache, Robert gritted his teeth.