The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 97
The Marquis of Shepherd, who had been stammering, became even more subdued.
“I-I don’t know.”
“Say something that makes sense. I’m tired of hearing excuses, Marquis.”
At Shaelock’s words, the Marquis bowed his head even lower.
“I can’t!”
Hedonia, who had been quietly listening, muttered.
“There must be a reason he can’t speak.”
“…”
“A contract, perhaps.”
Hearing Hedonia’s words, it suddenly made perfect sense to me as well.
The Marquis couldn’t even respond to his statement, but his expression showed he agreed with him 1000 percent.
The Marquis turned his head toward Hedonia, his face showing a mixture of awe and bewilderment.
“…What?”
His expression was like that of a sailor enchanted by a siren’s voice.
Seeing Hedonia for the first time, the Marquis was clearly stunned.
It was only natural.
‘No matter how many beautiful people like Esban and Shaelock he had seen, Hedonia was in a league of his own.’
…It might sound like my own bias, but it’s true.
I could guarantee it.
The Marquis blinked and stared blankly at Hedonia.
Hedonia casually brushed off some dust from the top of his head and furrowed his brow. He pushed his divine platinum hair behind his ears.
“What are you looking at?”
His annoyance was evident to anyone watching.
Right, Hedonia was more accustomed to this demeanor.
‘He’s only kind to me.’
As memories of our first meeting resurfaced, a strange satisfaction filled me.
I was the only one who could draw out his gentle side.
The Marquis of Shepherd stared at Hedonia and asked in a bewildered voice,
“This person is…”
“Who?”
Shaelock’s quick question made the Marquis fall silent.
“There’s only the Marquis, the head of the Cairoze family, and me here.”
Realizing the implications, the Marquis wisely kept his mouth shut.
“Where do you think the others are?”
“I will take him for interrogation.”
“This is well deserved, considering he tarnished the Cairoze family’s honor. Take Esban Cairoze with you as well.”
With Shaelock’s permission, Cayden Cairoze approached the Marquis and signaled Esban.
“Take him away. I…”
Cayden’s gaze fell on Hedonia before shifting away.
“…finally have a chance to speak.”
His words carried a significant weight.
Esban nodded at his father’s words and led the Marquis out.
Cayden bowed respectfully to Shaelock and asked,
“Your Highness, may I have a moment to speak with Lady Hedonia?”
“That’s not something you need my permission for.”
Shaelock gestured towards Hedonia instead of answering directly.
“The head of the Cairoze family wishes to speak with me.”
Hedonia’s sarcasm showed no sign of stopping.
“Is it a message from my father?”
From Hedonia’s perspective, it was only natural to be hostile.
However, despite his tone, Cayden remained unfazed.
“No, it is just something I wish to say.”
His response left Hedonia momentarily speechless.
* * *
Hedonia and Cayden stepped outside the hut.
The surrounding forest created an ideal setting for their conversation.
If anyone were nearby, an Esper would instantly sense their presence, making the obscured view irrelevant.
“What do you wish to say?”
Although he claimed it was something he wanted to tell him, Hedonia remained suspicious and on guard.
“I hear you’ve begun your activities recently.”
He wasn’t wrong.
Following Robert’s orders, he had started to make subtle moves, working to gather his own people.
Hedonia neither confirmed nor denied his statement.
Responding would only provide him with information.
As they both tried to gauge each other’s intentions, Cayden was the first to speak.
“Lady Hedonia, I do not favor the current regime under Duke Robert Apharantes.”
Hedonia’s eyes widened in surprise. Cayden had always followed Robert’s orders without question.
Even after the ‘incident,’ he continued to comply, supposedly to survive. However, his submissive behavior towards Robert seemed cowardly, a stark contrast to his usual noble demeanor.
Though he was often praised for being a devoted husband and a paragon of integrity, Hedonia saw him as nothing more than a coward.
And that’s how he had always perceived him.
Until Cayden spoke those words.
“I have waited for the day when I could truly serve you, Lady Hedonia.”