The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 65
The fear of losing the power of his lineage if his Esper daughter disappeared led him to exploit Hedonia and Esban’s family instead.
It seems like these demands are solely for the benefit of Shepherd Marquisate.
“…We, the House of Cairoze, will support you. Is it then acceptable for Charlotte’s death to be publicly announced as it is?”
Esban asked quietly. At those words, it seemed that Marquis Shepherd only then remembered his daughter’s honor, resting his chin on his hand.
“Please say she died in an unforeseen accident while saving others.”
Marquis Shepherd did not shed a tear.
“Her qualities as an Esper will not be doubted. That will suffice.”
Had I not heard what Marquis Shepherd had just said, I might have thought these words were out of concern for his daughter.
But now I know.
This request, too, stemmed more from a desire to protect his own honor than from any concern for his daughter.
I felt he didn’t even deserve consolation.
‘To think he liked me.’
Where does this pride come from, that he wouldn’t even look my way if I weren’t nobility?
It was absurd that, even though his daughter had disappeared, he first thought of his own benefits.
“Did you truly love your daughter?”
The biting question escaped me, a momentary lapse in reason.
Perhaps it was because I had always lived alone since childhood, but… I had an ideal image of a family.
Although twisted, the Duke of Apharantes did act in Hedonia’s best interest.
But Marquis Shepherd showed no such signs.
It was enough to feel sorry for Charlotte, whom I had never even met.
“Ah… That must have been uncomfortable for you to see, Lady Hedonia.”
Marquis Shepherd responded nonchalantly, seeming more concerned with my reaction than with Charlotte’s situation.
“What is the use in mourning a child who has already fallen? As a father, I must do what I can.”
He retorted shamelessly. My words had no impact on him.
“To care even for a fallen Esper… Truly, you are as one would expect of Lady Hedonia.”
What does that even mean?
His attempt to placate me only brought a scoff.
“Is that so?”
I responded coldly and turned away.
It seemed that no further consolation was necessary.
As I was about to leave the room, I encountered a servant pushing a tea tray and Mrs. Shepherd standing behind him.
She looked uneasy, sizing up Esban and me.
“Are you leaving already? We’ve prepared some tea; please have some before you go.”
“I’m afraid I have a busy schedule. Since today’s goals have been met, I shall see you another time.”
“Then perhaps Esban could stay…”
“My apologies, I must escort Lady Hedonia.”
Esban, whom I had expected to remain seated, also stood up.
Using me as a convenient excuse, Esban approached and stood by my side.
He extended his hand as if to make up for the escort he had not provided earlier.
“Let us go, Lady Hedonia.”
I didn’t know why he chose to side with me, but I wasn’t about to refuse.
I nodded and took his hand.
We quickly left the mansion and boarded our carriage.
As soon as I entered the carriage, I withdrew my hand from Esban’s and bowed my head in thanks.
“Thank you for your help.”
“I was about to leave anyway. It wasn’t really help.”
“That’s fine then.”
If it was just a matter of timing, there was no need to be overly thankful. As I swiftly gathered my words, Esban looked at me.
“Do you have other plans later, Lord Esban?”
“No, I just didn’t want to stay any longer.”
Esban comfortably settled into his seat and gazed out the window.
Come to think of it, his expression had been cold when we discussed how to announce Charlotte’s death.
And the lukewarm response before we entered Marquis Shepherd’s residence…
“You don’t seem to like Marquis Shepherd very much, do you?”
Esban’s body twitched as if I had hit the mark.
Oh?
“That’s surprising. I thought you would like them since your views seemed similar.”
I didn’t particularly care for Esban’s favor, so I spoke my mind frankly.
Ha, with a short chuckle, Esban turned his head towards me.
His red eyes, visible between locks of sleek black hair, appeared even deeper in the light of the setting sun.
“Pride as a noble is naturally important. You might not understand, but the House of Apharantes is no different.”
A somewhat agitated voice conveyed suppressed emotions.
I had a feeling that responding now would only deepen the rift between Esban and me.
‘What do I know.’
…The power of the Cairoze family may be fearsome, but now I have Shelock behind me, don’t I? Even if not Shaelock, Esban still needs my guidance.
Especially today.
‘I don’t shy away from a fight that comes my way.’
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