The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 81
“I have no intention whatsoever of hindering Lady Hedonia’s future.”
This was likely the part Robert considered most important.
“Because I know that Lady Hedonia’s potential is much greater than this.”
As I praised Hedonia one last time, Robert’s tightly sealed lips loosened slightly.
However, still glaring angrily, he stepped closer and pointed a finger at me, barking out his words.
“Regardless, reduce the time you spend with Hedonia.”
“The more time I spend with Lady Hedonia, the better I can perform as a stand-in.”
Not wanting to decrease the time I spent with Hedonia, I quickly thought of a reason.
Honestly, I wasn’t spending much time with her as it was.
It’s the only time I get to talk to someone who treats me like a person after being tormented all day, and he wants to reduce that?
That would be nothing short of torture for me.
However, Robert merely scoffed at my words.
“You’ve spent enough time to learn everything you need to know.”
In other words, he had no intention of considering my point.
“Don’t test my patience.”
Robert raised his eyebrows threateningly, as if telling me to shut up.
Realizing it was best to keep quiet, I closed my mouth, but his warning continued.
“Don’t even think about telling Hedonia. If anything I’ve said reaches her ears…”
A murderous gaze pierced me.
“I’ll kill you, even if it means using my own life. Remember that.”
I didn’t expect him to go as far as to threaten my life… how absurd.
Does he realize how pathetic he looks trying to intimidate me?
I must have seemed quite close with Hedonia.
“…Understood. I’ll take my leave now.”
It was time to distance myself from him.
The more I thought about what else he might spew out, the more my head ached.
But his nagging showed no sign of stopping.
“The head maid will be accompanying you from now on. Tell Hedonia it’s because she has more work to do in the evenings.”
It was clear he hadn’t listened to a word I said.
“…Yes.”
He was thorough to the very end.
“If she becomes suspicious…”
Robert gave me a bright smile.
“Just say you’re tired of serving her. Make sure she never relies on you for anything.”
His insistence on isolating Hedonia was more chilling than his words.
What was he so obsessed with gaining?
“…Yes, understood.”
I replied obediently, nodding my head.
But answering and acting are two different things; it didn’t really matter.
Just because I said it now didn’t mean I had to actually do it, right?
As long as Robert doesn’t find out, everything will be fine.
“And start storing some extra blood little by little.”
…However, I couldn’t let this comment slide.
“Extra blood? You always said I had to go in person.”
I widened my eyes, giving him an innocent look.
“Something more important has come up.”
…Robert wasn’t as easy to handle as I thought.
He was preparing for the possibility that I might not follow his orders.
‘If I were Robert, I’d probably do the same.’
There was only one thing I could say now.
“Understood.”
“Leave as soon as possible.”
Seeing the madness in his eyes, I couldn’t be sure what would happen if I didn’t comply.
“…Yes.”
I repeated the same response.
It was clear that I would need to discuss this matter with Hedonia later.
* * *
As expected, finding the time wasn’t easy.
Robert had decided to exert all his power to control us.
From that day, I visited Hedonia’s room with the head maid.
At first, Hedonia asked what was going on, but he seemed to understand the situation as the head maid remained unfazed no matter what he did.
Time kept passing without us being able to have a proper conversation.
It seemed I would need the help of other espers to talk to him.
Coincidentally, I had to collect the payment for my jewels from Pheon, so I thought I could discuss things with him…
But unexpectedly, he was pushed to the backburner for another reason.
“Did you say I have to go to the imperial palace to meet Shaelock?”
“Yes, the princess herself summoned you.”
Although Shaelock had visited the mansion a few times for guidance, the imperial palace was a completely different matter.
Shaelock, knowing that I was a stand-in, had no reason to invite me to the palace.
Even if we had become “friends,” that wouldn’t change.
I’m not even sure what Shaelock’s definition of a friend is.
We hadn’t dropped formalities or had any sincere conversations.
Shaelock was very busy, befitting her status as a princess and an esper.
“The dungeon you encountered last time is of a new kind, and it needs to be recorded. Don’t disgrace the name of Apharantes and go.”
Although Robert didn’t seem pleased, the reason was too legitimate to argue against.
In the end, I dressed up and headed to the imperial palace to meet Shaelock.