The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 74
These meetings mostly took place at the Duke’s mansion, as Robert wanted to keep everything under his control.
My relationship with Esban hadn’t changed much either.
We continued guiding without going as far as kissing since that day… and Esban had agreed to inform me immediately if he sensed anything strange from Robert.
Perhaps because of the previous incident, no esper dared to blatantly take me to the dungeon.
It might also be because my relationship with Shaelock had improved.
While I was growing as a guide in my own way, Pheon finally became the master of the Magic Tower.
Since he often only had time to see me briefly during our guiding sessions, it wasn’t easy to have a proper conversation.
When only a month remained before Hedonia’s awakening pain was supposed to end, there was finally time.
Pheon invited me to the Magic Tower.
It was an obvious ruse to catch up on the missed guidings.
‘Finally, I’ll find out what to do with the gem.’
Moving rashly here would surely reach Robert’s ears.
That was something to be avoided at all costs.
There was no one better than Pheon for handling things discreetly.
After carefully packing the gem I had cherished into my pocket, I prepared to leave.
Veiled, I stepped outside and encountered Hedonia returning to his room.
“…Where are you going?”
Having just finished his training, Hedonia wiped the sweat from his face as he asked.
Lately, he had been dedicating himself even more to his training.
Revealing to me that he was a man might have made things easier for him.
His face was indifferent, but his gaze persistently followed me.
“I’m going to guide Lord Pheon.”
Since that was today’s main objective, I answered honestly.
“Ah.”
It seemed he wasn’t aware that I was going out today.
“I’ll be back soon.”
I greeted Hedonia politely.
“…We need to talk, so don’t be too late.”
“Okay.”
It was a given that I had to give Hedonia blood every evening.
At my words, a faint smile appeared on Hedonia’s lips.
“Then, go ahead.”
Nodding at his words, I moved away from him.
Had I realized that the gaze I felt from behind wasn’t just Hedonia’s but also that of the butler assisting him…
The ending at the Duke of Apharantes might have been different.
* * *
The Magic Tower was quite far from the capital.
It would take at least a week by carriage, but as Pheon’s special guest, I could use the teleportation magic circle.
This magic circle was strictly limited in use, so it was my first time seeing it.
Every time I encountered something like this, I was reminded anew of the supernatural magic that existed in this world.
Upon entering the Magic Tower, I was surprised by the atmosphere, which was completely different from what I had imagined.
I thought it would be a tall building since it was called a ‘Magic Tower’…
“It’s underground?”
The place where the magic circle transported me opened up to a vast subterranean world.
Despite being underground, it wasn’t dark. On the contrary, the lights covering the ceiling combined with the dark tones to create the impression of a night sky.
This place felt less like a Magic Tower and more like an entirely different world.
‘Underground world’ would be a fitting description.
‘…I think I understand why Pheon had so many gems.’
The title ‘King of the Underground World’ seemed apt, given its close association with minerals.
The location of the magic circle was right in front of a temple-like building.
“You’ve arrived.”
I was gaping at my surroundings when a familiar voice reached me.
Pheon, wearing something like a flower crown on his head, approached with a gentle smile.
His hair, resembling flames, was neatly brushed back.
“I’ve been waiting for a long time. Let’s head inside.”
I followed Pheon into the temple.
Behind the temple, there was a modest-sized mansion.
“Shall we go inside?”
This seemed to be where Pheon resided.
Entering the room, I found that tea and refreshments were already prepared.
“It took quite a while to finish clearing out the remnants. I also had to visit the dungeon.”
He sat down and offered me the seat opposite him.
“Really… there’s so much to do.”
The low tone of his voice and his expressionless face sent shivers down my spine.
“I hope you like this place.”
That stern expression vanished the moment Pheon smiled.
I understood why he smiled so often—his expressionless face was quite intimidating.
…It’s fortunate he seems thorough with his work.
“I’d like to ask you to sell these gems for me.”
We got straight to the point, as there wasn’t much else to discuss.
“Gems? Do you mean the ones from the dungeon?”
“Yes. If I handle it, I don’t think I can avoid the Duke’s scrutiny.”
With that, I took out the gems from my pocket.
“The last transaction we talked about was the Fairy’s Tears.”
“I no longer need the Fairy’s Tears.”
“Hmm, it’s difficult to change deals on a whim.”
However, Pheon was not as easily swayed as I had hoped.
“Then why don’t we go to the dungeon together now?”