The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 99
This time, it was my turn to be surprised.
I never expected Shaelock to ask for my opinion, especially after bringing me here.
Lost in a wave of unexpected emotions, I found myself at a loss for words. Perhaps misunderstanding my silence, Shaelock spoke up again.
“I thought the casino was decent enough…”
Seeing the serious expression on her face, I couldn’t interrupt.
“I didn’t expect the Marquis of Shepherd to try and escape by bringing down the building.”
“Wouldn’t it be stranger if you did know that?”
Shaelock laughed at my comment.
“Thinking back to Hedonia Apharantes’ reaction earlier and how you looked when you said I should go first, I guess this wasn’t the best choice.”
Shaelock began to care about me because I had taken the initiative in this relationship.
Of course, she had her reasons for being kind, and she also knew well that this might be our last time to have fun like this.
“I enjoyed it too.”
I can’t claim to have the best personality either. Every time I interact with people, I analyze their intentions and act accordingly.
So, I rarely let myself have fun without reservations…
‘Today, I could.’
Coming to a completely different place from where I meet the usual people, I could enjoy the day.
And this made it even better.
Shaelock smiled at my words.
“That’s a relief.”
Following her lead, I also smiled.
“So, what is it you wanted to ask me?”
“Ah, that…”
Just as we were about to continue, the door creaked open and Hedonia walked in.
“Where is Cayden Cairoze?”
“He went after Esban,”
Hedonia replied.
Shaelock nodded at his response and then turned her gaze back to me.
“So, what is your wish?”
Her determination to grant my wish made me smile even more.
“My wish is…”
Half of it was already fulfilled. I glanced at Hedonia.
“I’d like to have some time to talk with Hedonia.”
“With Hedonia?”
It seemed even Hedonia hadn’t expected this answer. He blinked, and a gentle smile appeared on his lips.
It was a look I had always liked—a soft, melting expression, like ice cream slowly dissolving… the hidden inner face of Hedonia.
Turning back to Shaelock, I saw her look puzzled for a moment before she nodded.
“A wish is a wish. Fine. Then… let’s say I took Lady Apharantes for questioning about this incident.”
“What about me?”
Though Hedonia’s situation was resolved, I was now in a bind. I couldn’t stay with them while claiming Hedonia and Shaelock were meeting.
“You’ll say you were with the recorder all day. Explain the rest well. Can you do that?”
Shaelock’s faith in me seemed stronger than I had expected.
“…Do you trust me that much?”
“Of course. You’ve managed to hold your ground under the Duke of Apharantes after all.”
……What do you think of the Duke of Apharantes?
It seems that the Duke’s honor remains intact and rumors about him stay quiet because the rest of us endure it.
‘Well, no matter how well he treats people to their faces, rumors still spread behind his back.’
A perceptive person like Shaelock wouldn’t just overlook such matters.
“The location…”
“Here is fine.”
There are many eyes in the imperial palace. It seemed better to stay in the spot we had found rather than moving elsewhere.
“I’ll come to get you in an hour.”
Shaelock nodded and stood up.
“Thank you.”
“No problem, it’s nothing.”
Shaelock smiled brightly and shook her head.
Hedonia soon approached us.
Shaelock, who seemed about to walk away from me, hesitated.
A strange tension flowed between her and Hedonia.
“…It seems I still need guidance.”
Shaelock muttered, and Hedonia smiled cheerfully and shook his head.
“Your Highness, right now Karina has chosen me.”
…Isn’t it odd to say I ‘chose’ just because we’re going to have a conversation?
Perhaps Shaelock didn’t like what Hedonia said. She glared at Hedonia.
Then she swiftly turned her head towards me.
“Karina, let’s meet again.”
Didn’t she say this was the last time?
“Your Highness, you mentioned this would be the last time.”
I kindly reminded her of her own words.
“Ah… I did say that…”