The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 82
When I arrived at the imperial palace, I was once again grateful for the veil.
From the gate that took over 30 minutes just to enter, to the towering dome-shaped buildings with ceilings that soared high into the sky, everything left me in awe.
Hedonia would surely not react this way, but since everything was new to me, I couldn’t help but be amazed.
‘So this is what it means to be the female lead.’
It was a moment to once again realize the status Shaelock held.
As expected, if it’s the male lead, he should end up with someone like her.
Hedonia, holding Shaelock’s lineage and power, would have nothing to fear.
It was a moment to look forward to the time when he could act freely.
After passing through the vast corridor, I was led to a room filled with antique murals.
Behind the sofa and table, someone sat at a desk, busily writing something.
Shaelock, who was sitting on the sofa, stood up and waved at me cheerfully.
“Long time no see.”
Conscious of the remaining people, Shaelock refrained from calling out my or Hedonia’s name.
“Please take care of me, Lady Hedonia.”
Only the person sitting at the desk stood up and greeted me politely with a bow.
Following her lead, I sat on the sofa, and Shaelock began to explain what I had to do.
“You just need to talk about your experience in the dungeon last time, as if you’re telling me a story. The recorder behind us will write everything down.”
“Okay.”
“Just speak comfortably.”
Although this was the official reason, I thought there might be another reason why Shaelock called me today… Unfortunately, it seemed that wasn’t the case.
Shaelock seemed genuinely unconcerned.
‘I should find a way to ask her to create an opportunity for me to meet Hedonia later.’
For now, it seemed best to listen to her.
“When I first entered, the jewels scattered around were quite impressive…”
I meticulously described the dungeon as I remembered it.
Since it was my first dungeon experience, the memories were vivid, making it easy to recount.
“Lady Hedonia, your memory is truly impressive.”
Hearing the recorder’s admiring words made my shoulders puff up a bit.
I do have something I’m good at.
“Since everything is finished, I’ll take my leave now.”
“…Already?”
“Yes, this is sufficient.”
The recorder stood up after just ten minutes, looking satisfied.
Is this really how it’s done?
However, the recorder left the room with a content expression, having finished her work.
“Finally, we can talk without Robert. You have no idea how hard it was to set this up. Did you do something to annoy Robert?”
Stretching out her arms and relaxing on the sofa, Shaelock glanced at me.
Ah, so Shaelock had indeed arranged this meeting.
“…He really doesn’t like me meeting with Lady Hedonia.”
“Knowing his personality, that’s not surprising. It’s more amazing that he’s held back until now.”
Shaelock shrugged, unsurprised by my words. She stood up and came to sit next to me.
Up close, Shaelock’s face had a pure beauty.
I was entranced by her face.
‘Is it even possible for someone to be this beautiful?’
Shaelock remained unfazed by my admiring gaze.
Perhaps she was already used to it.
She paused while looking at me and asked,
“Can I hold your hand?”
…No matter how many times I hear those words, it still feels new.
The one change since we became friends was that she started asking for my opinion.
Of course, this was limited to when we were guiding.
We didn’t usually exchange opinions otherwise.
“Sure.”
I held Shaelock’s hand firmly.
Interlacing our fingers, I infused her with my energy.
A faint smile spread across Shaelock’s lips.
“Do you really enjoy the guiding that much?”
“Of course. I don’t think I can do anything without you now, Karina.”
Shaelock answered sincerely to my words.
It wasn’t flirting; it was 100% genuine.
“Oh, Lady Hedonia will provide even better guiding once she awakens.”
I modestly accepted her compliment.
Shaelock looked at me with a puzzled expression.
“You’re quite interesting.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re close to returning to your original life now. Aren’t you tempted by this current life? By Hedonia’s position?”
She asked, truly curious.