The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 94
Rumble…
The sudden impact of the explosion caused the building to start shaking.
Staying here any longer wouldn’t be safe.
Even the sight of the pillars supporting the ceiling cracking suggested as much.
Boom!
The locked door shattered.
…Breaking the door down. Esban scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, seeing my face, and offered an excuse.
“I heard a loud noise from inside and thought it might be dangerous, so I opened it.”
Esban and Hedonia stepped inside, treading over the fallen door.
“Karina, are you alright?”
Hedonia pushed aside the debris and came towards me.
“Your face is covered in dust.”
“…The building looks like it’s about to collapse. We need to get out quickly.”
The Marquis of Shepherd had already disappeared. However, since not much time had passed, Shaelock should be able to catch up with him.
“Lady Shaelock, go ahead.”
As long as no one slowed her down.
“Go and catch him. We’ll follow right behind.”
In that sense, I could only be a burden to Shaelock right now.
“Hurry and catch him, then you’ll get your guiding.”
At my words, Shaelock chuckled softly.
“Yes… the guiding.”
Hesitating, Shaelock looked into my eyes and then nodded.
“Alright.”
Shaelock stood up and called Rodite.
“Rodite, catch him.”
“Got it.”
With the wind, Shaelock’s hair fluttered. Taking a step with Rodite, Shaelock glanced back at me, giving a nod before stepping into the air.
Then she completely disappeared from my sight.
Rumble… Again, with a loud noise, pieces of stone fell from the ceiling.
“It looks like we need to get out of here.”
Esban muttered.
“Yes, let’s go quickly.”
“Ahhh!”
“Get out quickly!”
Loud noises echoed from outside. People who had just noticed the explosion were desperately trying to get out.
In short, it was chaos.
“We should be able to get out through this passage. However…”
Esban, speaking to Hedonia, glanced at me.
The aftermath of the magic that had dispelled Shaelock’s disguise spell had now reverted Esban’s and Hedonia’s faces to their original forms.
“Lady Hedonia, you’ve returned to your original appearance.”
“What? Come to think of it, Princess Shaelock earlier…”
“The Marquis of Shepherd threw something.”
“Ah…”
Hedonia sighed, brushing his platinum hair back.
He pulled out the hood of his cloak to cover his face.
Glancing at Esban, Hedonia hesitated before muttering,
“Esban, take care of Karina. I’ll go on my own.”
“Wouldn’t it be better for him to take care of you, Lady Hedonia? I can just follow you guys.”
Thinking that Hedonia’s life was more important than mine, I spoke earnestly.
At my words, Hedonia came closer and tapped my nose with a grumpy face.
“That was a long time ago, Karina. Things are different now.”
It hasn’t been that long… Though his physique had changed, it was hard to believe given the lingering impression of the frail Hedonia.
Rumble…
But there was no time to argue.
Cracks were forming around the ceiling supported by the pillars.
It was time to move.
“Esban, you saw it too.”
“…Then I will follow Lady Hedonia’s instructions.”
Esban bowed to Hedonia and then approached me.
“How fast can you run?”
“About as fast as an average person?”
I thought it was a normal response, but Esban sighed.
“…Why do I feel like this is my fault?”
As he grumbled, Esban spoke in a low voice.
“Excuse me.”
Then he picked me up in his arms.
With just one arm, no less.
“This way.”
Esban told Hedonia and moved at an incredible speed. Even though he held me with one arm, making it seem difficult to keep balance, his movements were as light as a feather.
I wrapped my arms around Esban’s shoulder to steady myself.
It seemed like his body flinched slightly.
‘Isn’t this too fast?’
How could Hedonia keep up with this speed?
…or so I thought.
“This passage is longer than I thought.”
Hedonia’s hair fluttered elegantly as he caught up beside us.
Even his voice didn’t waver at all.
“…What kind of training did you do?”
I knew he had gotten healthier, but I didn’t expect this much.
“When effort and ability align, you can do a lot.”
Hedonia murmured with a smile.
…No, I don’t think that’s it.
Most people have limits, no matter how hard they try.
In my opinion, even if Hedonia awakens, he would have physical abilities comparable to an Esper.
‘…If he becomes an Esper.’
That ability would be beyond imagination.
Of course, that wouldn’t happen.
Shaking my head, I looked at the entrance where we had started and my mouth dropped open.