The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 98
Hedonia tried to gauge his sincerity.
Was this another of Robert’s schemes to test him, or was Cayden genuine?
Apart from Karina, no one had ever been truly on his side.
This made his sudden change in attitude feel even more abrupt.
Confusing might be a better word.
“If you need assistance, please seek out the Cairoze family. We will serve you with utmost sincerity.”
“You know well that escaping my father’s eyes is nearly impossible.”
Hedonia’s gaze remained sharp as he scrutinized Cayden.
“Relay your messages through Esban. I will also communicate through him and with Her Highness’s assistance.”
What prompted him to act now, after remaining silent for so long?
“What kind of help are you offering? Regardless, I am naturally expected to inherit the duchy.”
“But that’s not what you truly desire, is it?”
Cayden’s words hit the mark.
“I have always observed your actions. You are not the only one who harbors ill will towards the current Duke and wishes for his downfall.”
For the first time, Hedonia felt a chill from Cayden’s words.
The normally composed man had an unexpected fervor in his eyes.
“I, too, desire Robert’s downfall.”
He didn’t even use the Duke’s title.
Cayden Cairoze.
If he were on his side, he would indeed be a formidable ally.
“…We can discuss the details later. Today, I wanted to convey my intentions to you.”
Cayden stepped back, not pressing further.
“Until next time, then.”
Indeed, it wasn’t a decision to be made hastily.
Hedonia’s eyes narrowed.
“Then, I’ll take my leave as well.”
Cayden then disappeared into the forest, likely following Esban.
‘There is much to consider.’
Hedonia sighed and suddenly found himself staring at the hut’s window.
Inside, Karina was talking with Shaelock.
It had been a long time since he had seen Karina looking so self-assured, not in her usual subservient role.
As Hedonia gazed at Karina, he clenched his fist tightly.
The memory of the earlier exhausting run, which had nearly made his heart burst, came back to him.
‘Esban seemed unaffected.’
The thought hurt his pride deeply.
He didn’t want to show it.
But no matter how hard he pushed himself, there was a limit between an Esper and an ordinary person.
‘Espers.’
Guides were indeed remarkable. Not only could they control powerful Espers, but they could also bring them to their knees.
Just like Robert Apharantes, who, despite being less capable than the former head, managed to dominate the Espers.
Hedonia’s fate was no different.
‘But…’
If that guide were Karina.
If this could be an opportunity to grow closer to Karina, to have her…
Living a life bound to Karina forever wouldn’t be so bad.
Hedonia was still in the phase of approaching Karina under the pretense of teaching her about guiding.
Knowing that Karina was defensive in relationships, he aimed to subtly infiltrate her life without Karina realizing it.
Karina was true to her emotions but never asked for more. That fact frightened Hedonia.
The thought of being rejected by Karina, of her disappearing completely from his life, was something he couldn’t even imagine.
Moreover, given the current situation, it wasn’t easy to open up to Karina and approach her honestly.
Robert’s control was still severe.
So, he had to wait.
But his mind and reason often played separate games.
Seeing Karina’s face through the window stirred his desires.
To kiss those lips, to embrace that body…
The more he thought of Karina’s face, the more vivid his raw emotions became.
“…Damn it.”
Hedonia cursed quietly and covered his face with his hands.
He needed to cool down the lingering heat before going back inside.
* * *
The hut was now just Shaelock and me.
‘Shaelock seems different today.’
I was used to her usual carefree demeanor, but today she clearly showed why she was a princess.
A person who, even if not always appearing strong, could perfectly handle her duties when needed. Truly a worthy leader for this empire.
‘Now that she’s used her strength, it’s time for guiding.’
I brought a chair over and sat next to Shaelock.
“It’s time for your guiding.”
Shaelock, who had been watching me silently, chuckled and extended her hand to me.
The warmth of her hand was surprisingly comforting.
She looked at my face and asked,
“How was the day?”
I took her hand and raised my thumb with the other.
“Today, you were amazing, Lady Shaelock.”
Shaelock’s eyes widened in surprise.
“…No, I wasn’t asking about me. I meant, how was your day?”
Only then did I realize.
Her question was about my experience throughout the day.