The One and Only Guide - Chapter 10
Regardless, it was a crisis situation akin to being drawn into a Gate.
Jian sighed. She had been pleased to find an Esper whose compatibility matched hers, but nothing was going her way.
“First… Is this not a Gate?”
“I do not know what the word ‘Gate’ means.”
(t/n: ‘Gate’ here is verbally mentioned as the English word instead of Korean)
Jian’s brow furrowed deeply at Axion’s response. Where in the world could you find an Esper who didn’t know what a Gate was? If you’re going to lie, at least do it convincingly! Her temper flared, and she wanted to shout at him, but Jian managed to suppress her anger.
“Do I look like I’m in the mood for jokes right now? I’m asking where this place is. I don’t care if it’s the North or the Odergen Duchy or whatever.”
She asked again, her tone warning, but the response she received was even more perplexing.
“This place is… the Wisrode Continent.”
The Wisrode Continent? Jian stared at Axion, who seemed to be making incomprehensible statements. Was this another lie?
However, his expression didn’t seem like he was joking or lying.
However, whether that man was playing a joke or pulling a prank, Jian couldn’t fathom. Not being able to understand a word made her feel even worse. Her anger, which had been simmering beneath the surface, exploded without restraint.
“Hey! Do I look like I’m in the mood to humor your nonsense?”
Jian’s furious words left the knights dumbfounded.
“How unfortunate. I was thrilled to find a compatible Esper… only to end up with a Guide kidnapper.”
Kidnapper.
Axion couldn’t find any counterarguments to that accusation. Her words were true. He remained silent, choosing to keep his mouth shut. Her harsh criticism felt like stabs, and his heart pounded with guilt.
Her anger was justified. He had caused this mess, and he couldn’t predict when he’d blunder again in the future.
If only he could take her back to the summit of that snowy mountain and lead her to the Northern Shrine, apologizing all the way. But if he did that…
Axion closed his eyes.
“…I’m sorry.”
***
Three days had passed since Jian had stormed out of the disastrous dinner.
Late at night, Axion stood outside Jian’s door, holding a small tray. He had heard reports that she hadn’t eaten a morsel for three days. Despite the maids delivering meals at every interval, she rejected each one.
A small woman like her might wither away if she went three days without food. She was a valuable Guide, not just anyone who came around every day. He was determined to make her eat at least a spoonful of soup, no matter what it took.
After knocking on the door several times with no response, he finally decided to enter.
“I’m coming in.”
Axion entered the room with the tray and placed it on the table. The tray was filled with a variety of dishes – creamy soup with freshly baked bread, fresh vegetables, steamed fish, and steak. It resembled a miniaturized version of a feast, as Axion had prepared a bit of everything, hoping to find something that would suit Jian’s taste.
Jian was seated on the edge of the bed, or more precisely, she was wide awake due to Axion’s energy wave, which had disrupted her sleep.
Even the knocking at the door couldn’t wake her, but the distinct waves of an Esper in harmony with hers were as clear as a signal in her mind.
It was like suddenly regaining hearing after being deaf for years, with the first sound being a blaring siren. The tumultuous wave grew closer, making it impossible to fall back asleep.
Jian’s expression wasn’t the friendliest. Moreover, Axion had never entered her room before today. To suddenly appear after days of absence…
She became increasingly anxious. She didn’t know what to expect from Axion’s presence. Could he be here to forcefully demand guiding…? Or worse, some kind of exploitation?
Her sensitivity was on high alert. She couldn’t even see the tray and the food that Axion had set on the table.
“What’s this.”
“I heard you haven’t eaten anything in three days.”
“So what?”
“I brought something to eat…”
As Jian’s gaze fell upon the tray, Axion quickly added,
“If you have something specific in mind that you’d like to eat, I’ll have it made for you right away.”
Jian’s heart eased a bit upon hearing this. She had been expecting a late-night intrusion with a demand for guiding. And since he was a kidnapper, she thought he’d resort to intimidation or violence.
But actually, he was concerned about her wellbeing…
