The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 84
Shaelock, who had been quietly observing me, finally spoke again.
“Every esper has an item that helps them find peace. For me, the fairy’s tears hold that significance.”
She placed the tear in my hand.
“…I’m sorry if my words came across differently. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was just really curious.”
…I realized this was Shaelock’s way of apologizing.
She hadn’t done anything wrong, yet she was trying to comfort me in her own way.
Even though I had promised myself not to expect anything, here I was, being comforted again.
“It may not sound like it to you, but… you’re the first person who approached me like that.”
Shaelock scratched her head.
“The way you did it was refreshing and I liked it. So I want to get closer to you.”
Her eyes shone with determination as she spoke, as if making a vow.
‘…Why do I feel uneasy?’
I should have been happy that she wanted to improve our relationship, but I had a strange sense of déjà vu.
Something… felt like it was about to happen.
I recalled the times when Shaelock’s actions were slightly out of sync with most people.
“The royal family is having a hard time because of espers lately.”
The sudden revelation about her family gave me a jolt of intuition.
…If I listen, I’ll get involved. This isn’t good!
“Is it okay for me to hear this? I don’t think it is.”
I quickly interjected, and Shaelock shook her head vigorously.
“No, it’s okay for you to hear. The noble faction doesn’t like giving status and power to espers.”
…There seem to be quite a few people who don’t like granting noble status solely because someone is an esper.
Just look at Jerry, the mage who’s been having long conversations with Pheon.
“Marquis Shepherd has become a prime example of their cause.”
“Ehh?”
I was startled by the sudden mention of Marquis Shepherd’s name.
“When you went to visit Marquis Shepherd, didn’t you say you’d support his family?”
“Esban did say that. But…”
…Esban did say he’d support them, but I still vividly remembered how he used his daughter’s name to further his agenda.
I started to defend Esban, thinking he was better than Marquis Shepherd, but Shaelock cut me off.
“There’s no need to say it. Everyone knows the Cairoze family backed them because of his esper daughter. That’s the problem.”
“…The death of the esper?”
Her death must have been a significant issue among the nobles.
I couldn’t hide my confusion, still unable to grasp the situation.
“Espers already gain significant benefits from their power, but even in death, their existence brings too much advantage.”
“…Is the Cairoze family really that influential?”
Although I had learned about various nobles while working as Hedonia’s stand-in, I hadn’t properly studied Esban.
Since he was one of the few who knew I was the stand-in, there was no need to pretend I knew about his family in front of him.
“It’s an ancient family that has been around since the founding of this country. Even before espers emerged, they were known for producing knights and caring for commoners.”
This was unexpected. Given how much Esban cared about noble status, I assumed his family would be the same.
“Though she has passed away, the matriarch of the Cairoze family was a commoner.”
…I hadn’t anticipated this!
So his mother was a commoner, yet he looked down on me so much!
My opinion of Esban worsened, and I scowled deeply. Shaelock suddenly interjected.
“Surprised?”
How did she know?
“Can you read minds or something?”
I asked seriously.
“No, it was something you didn’t know. Since you clearly dislike Esban, it was easy to predict.”
Shaelock chuckled as she looked at me.
“…Don’t hate Esban too much. He’s not a bad guy.”
“How could I possibly hate Esban?”
I quickly tried to defend myself, worried that I was too obvious. I decided to change the subject.
There was no need to discuss Esban right now.
More importantly, I had something to ask Shaelock today.
“Shaelock, there’s something I’d like to request.”
“Before you make your request.”
She raised a finger while listening to me.
“There’s something we need to do together as friends.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to hear my request first?”
“No, whatever it is, I’m confident I can handle it. So let’s start with my task.”
Her confidence was impressive, but it was because she was someone who could take responsibility for her words.
“Let’s go catch Marquis Shepherd together.”
…What?