The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 83
Shaelock paused for a moment before continuing her inquiry.
“The same goes for the fairy’s tears. You didn’t ask Pheon to get more, did you? You were trying to get it just for me.”
Even if Robert’s mansion wasn’t visible, ears were always listening.
Was it because the palace was her domain?
Or was it because there wasn’t much time left for us to meet?
Whatever the reason, it was the first time I was hearing Shaelock’s true feelings like this.
“Because it was sincere. And what would I do with the fairy’s tears?”
“You really don’t know what role the fairy’s tears play, do you?”
“…Isn’t it just a pretty jewel?”
This was never mentioned in the novel, so I was surprised to learn there was more to the jewel.
At my words, Shaelock chuckled.
“You’re the first person I’ve seen who tried to give it without knowing that.”
It seemed like it was the first time I’d seen her laugh so comfortably.
“You’ve never acted according to my expectations.”
It didn’t seem like something to say to a heroine famous for her peculiarity.
“I’m glad you see it that way.”
She decided to take it positively.
“You said you’d leave once this role is over. Don’t you want to stay?”
She subtly suggested to me.
I immediately shook my head.
“No, thank you.”
“Why? I’ll help you.”
Just because Shaelock offered to help didn’t mean all my dilemmas would disappear.
“You could live a better life than now.”
…A better life than now.
The question’s meaning was pure.
But the very fact that she could ask it meant she had never faced such a situation.
‘How annoying.’
To me, who knew that such purity stemmed from ignorance or a completely different environment, it didn’t look so endearing.
‘What should I say?’
I sighed.
I had to decide whether I wanted to sincerely answer her words.
But the hesitation didn’t last long.
‘I haven’t really vented much, have I?’
Maybe it was because the chance to see her again after this moment would be rare that it was easier to open up.
“I don’t want to be disappointed or hurt by desiring something beyond my means.”
There was no reason to care about her reaction.
‘Even I think it’s contradictory.’
I was the one who wanted to be friends first, so was it strange to think like this?
Anyway, I limited the time I had with her to when I was the “stand-in.”
She tilted her head, looking at me.
“Why worry about something that hasn’t even happened yet?”
“Precisely because it hasn’t happened yet, I worry. I don’t want it to happen.”
“You’re defensive.”
Shaelock rested her chin on her hand and gazed at me. Her other hand still held mine tightly.
“You have many wounds.”
I blinked at the sudden, piercing insight.
“And many fears.”
I was glad I wore a veil.
“So you’re avoiding.”
I could hide my expression now.
Surely it was twisted in pain.
“It’s a natural reaction for anyone.”
I was thankful my voice remained steady.
I didn’t want to show even a hint of weakness before anyone.
I never expected that the one to bring out my true feelings would be her.
“I’m not saying it’s strange. Just that it’s how you are.”
“…Yes.”
Shaelock shrugged.
“Before we continue talking… I need to tell you what the fairy’s tears are.”
Shaelock stood up and looked around.
Taking the opportunity, she rummaged through the bookshelves densely packed behind her desk.
The sound of the combination lock on the safe nestled among the books clicked, click, click.
Afterward, Shaelock returned to me with both hands full of the fairy’s tears.
“The reason I like the fairy’s tears is that it’s the only way to relieve my accumulated fatigue.”
Shaelock placed the fairy’s tears on the table one by one as if inviting me to admire them, then picked one up and held it tightly.
“Watch.”
Her hand tensed, and thin veins bulged on her skin.
Then, with a crisp sound, a hazy mist enveloped the room, and a faint voice emanated from between her clenched fingers.
“Ah―”
A sweet voice that could calm anyone’s heart resonated through the air.
“The fairy’s tears contain their song. It varies depending on the size of the gem.”
The gentle, ethereal voice created an atmosphere so otherworldly it was hard to believe it was human.
Speaking felt risky, as if I might shatter the overwhelming emotion I was experiencing.
The song’s impact was that powerful. I could only gather my thoughts after the song had completely ended.
I desperately wanted to hear it again.
Listening to it seemed like it could erase all my current anxieties.