The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 6
With this, my powerful abilities become a good excuse to request assistance from the Duke. Being a guide without any protection is an extremely precarious situation. I knelt before the Duke, feigning an earnest gaze.
For the promising future, I am willing to sacrifice a single knee!
“I truly want to live. I judged that, as the Duke, you would properly understand the value of my blood.”
“Do you expect me to believe someone who hasn’t shown anything yet?”
He sure loves to yap. He keeps belittling me, constantly casting doubt on the meaning of my existence. It’s a tiresome behavior even before discussing the actual contract.
I inwardly rolled my eyes and outwardly flicked away fake tears.
“Well, uh…”
But there was a contradiction in his words. After wiping away the forced tears, I mumbled, avoiding his gaze.
“But you brought me here, didn’t you?”
“…”
“I trust you, Duke.”
“…”
“I could have gone to Esper’s mansion, offered my blood, guided them, but I chose to come here.”
I didn’t forget to sprinkle in some flattery.
“I believed in you, Duke, as a fellow guide. Now, I just want to discuss the contract.”
I needed to give the impression that I believed in him. Now, it was time to get to the point.
After chuckling at my bold words, the Duke finally got down to business.
“Have your island as you wish. In the future, as you work a guide, I’ll ensure your safety. But there are conditions along with providing blood.”
I knew the name that would come up at that moment.
“Become Hedonia’s stand-in.”
As expected, it followed the original work.
“But only until the situation is resolved.”
The Duke didn’t bother to explain who Hedonia was. No one here was unaware of Hedonia’s existence.
I knew what the Duke meant by this ‘situation.’ However, I had to pretend ignorance.
I tilted my head and asked,
“What situation are you referring to?”
“My daughter is going through an awakening process to become an exceptional guide.”
The fact that Hedonia, already known as a guide, is currently experiencing an awakening is top-secret. The fact that Hedonia is man but not a woman is also a classified secret.
“…It’s possible.”
I feigned surprise, covering my face.
“If our little conversation is leaked…”
The Duke left the sentence hanging.
I nodded immediately.
If rumors spread, I’d be in immediate danger. I couldn’t afford to make this deal without that level of understanding.
“Get used to it. You’ll experience things you’ve never enjoyed in your lifetime.”
His tone, as if speaking with bitter kindness, slightly irked me. Despite being an equal contract where both parties had something to gain, he continued to assert his dominance.
I neatly ignored his words and asked,
“What shall I need to do as the stand-in of Hedonia?”
Hedonia was rarely seen in public positions.
People who knew his stature or appearance were limited to the Espers aligned with the Duke and those closest to him.
The Duke, slightly annoyed by my disregard, spoke again,
“You’ll need to attend formal events like parties and showcase yourself as a guide. You’ll gain a lot from it… and develop some ambitions, I presume.”
He lifted his pen slightly, the feathered end hovering in the air, and touched my neck.
“Never entertain the thought that you can covet Hedonia’s position.”
I felt as if blood might start oozing from my neck at any moment. The feather’s touch seemed as sharp as a blade.
“You’re just a proxy.”
Sure, whatever you say. I have no intention of overstepping my bounds as a mere stand-in.
I nodded, though doubt lingered.
There will undoubtedly be watchers on your every move.
Seeming to read my thoughts, the Duke spoke,
“Esper agents waiting for Hedonia will keep an eye on you.”
“About these ‘Esper agents’…”
“Everyone in this country knows them.”
His words were explanation enough. I nodded respectfully.
“Yes, I understand.”
Three S-rank Espers featured in the book.
The pillars supporting the current country.
Sword Master Esban.
Archmage Pheon.
And the only summoner, as well as the female main character, Shaelock.
Unlike the mysterious Hedonia, the Espers were widely renowned in this country.
Espers not only captivated people with their abilities but also with their appearance. Everyone hoped to become their friends or lovers.
“The only reason they cooperate is that this is the only way to connect with Hedonia.”
Hence, the Duke did not forget to warn me.
Like he did to Karina in the book.
“Don’t delude yourself.”
The chilling words were a threat that could snatch away my entire life. Similar to the misconception Karina had in the book, I responded sincerely.
“Yes.”
I had no intention of making the same mistake as her.