The One and Only Guide - Chapter 30
Jian didn’t feel any qualms about using the Duke. After all, considering she had been confined in the castle, it was a fair exchange. She had agreed to become his dedicated Guide out of a sense of responsibility, but she had never thought beyond that. A relationship where neither owes anything to the other would make it easier to return home.
But part of her wondered if she really should return to Earth. Going back might mean enduring scorn as a lackluster Guide from the Awakened Association.
On the other hand, the Duke was an Esper with an unbelievably high matching rate. The compatibility was so good it seemed almost too good to be true. If she returned to Earth, she might never find another Esper like the Duke.
‘And he’s not really a bad person.’
While the shock and resentment of being confined in the castle were significant, the Duke never forced Guiding upon her.
And on reflection, the Duke had given her something: a realization of her true identity as a Guide. It was the Duke who prompted this self-awareness.
Without him, she likely wouldn’t have survived the monster-infested, snowy mountains.
If the Duke hadn’t appeared when he did, she might have slowly starved or succumbed to terror and despair in the cave, surrounded by its myriad pillars. Or perhaps met a grim end if monsters had invaded. Jian acknowledged this fact, albeit a bit late.
Now, seeing the Duke anew, he seemed different.
With a face that one might find themselves compelled to look back at if passed on the street, fine silver hair, and mysterious violet eyes that seemed to change color depending on the angle, he stood out even among the burly Northmen, possessing a dominating stature. It seemed as if the Duke before her could withstand ten days barehanded in a blizzard outside the castle.
But that’s as far as it went.
By encountering the Duke that day, he was saved from his rampage, and she from a grim end. Acknowledging that, she thought it best not to advance any further. Maintaining a professional relationship while proving to the Duke that Guides do exist in this world was the optimal course. Anything beyond that wasn’t worth contemplating.
The castle was familiar but not home. No matter how she thought about it, she wasn’t confident about living well in this strange world. Jian steeled her mind.
“What is Mandalen like?”
“It’s a place where reindeers are raised.”
“Reindeer?”
“Yes. Around this time in winter, snow leopards that prey on the newborn reindeer often appear. If we come across one, I’ll hunt it down and make you a new hat from its fur.”
Jian nodded cooly. Considering the harsh cold of the North, having a fur hat could make a significant difference.
“Thank you.”
* * *
As soon as she got up, Jian checked the scenery outside the window and felt a mild sense of defeat. The snow, which had been heavy overnight, had now piled up to her chest, continuing to fall relentlessly!
With the snow this deep, it seemed nearly impossible to venture out, whether or not the Duke accompanied her. Engrossed in her disappointment, Jian didn’t notice Lucy knocking several times before entering the room.
“Milady.”
At the call, Jian barely snapped back to attention.
“It seems you’re awake, Milady. You should wash up quickly.”
Seeing Lucy’s face, as hurried as the day before, Jian asked, suspecting what might be the case.
“Is the Duke waiting outside again today?”
“Yes. He’s waiting outside your door. I heard you’re heading to Mandalen. I’ll help you prepare quickly so you make it on time.”
“Is it even possible to go? With so much snow…”
“If the Duke accompanies you, it’s possible.”
“Is it, really?”
“First, let’s wash your face. I’ll look for suitable clothes for going out.”
Jian washed up and changed her clothes, skeptical yet compliant. Lucy insisted on her wearing three layers of wool undergarments to withstand the cold, followed by a fur vest, pants, and a coat. Jian felt she could almost roll around with all the layers. She struggled so much with the layers that Lucy had to help her with her socks—double-layered, no less.
Slipping her feet into fur boots, Jian made a weary comment.
“Do I really need to wear all this?”
“You mustn’t underestimate the cold of the North.”
“I get that, but… Why are all these clothes white? What if they get stained?”
At that, Lucy chuckled lightly.
“In the North, white is considered the best. It’s not only difficult to obtain, but if you encounter a wild animal or monster, lying still on the snow in white clothing can help you go unnoticed. It is unlikely to happen with the Duke accompanying you, but if you do encounter a monster, remember to lie on your stomach, and remain motionless in the snow.”
“Got it.”
Finally, after wrapping a scarf around Jian’s neck and checking her outfit once more, Lucy said,
“I’ll bring the hat and gloves after you finish your meal.”
