Chapter 57
Depending on the person, a Guide’s ability could improve by continuously guiding a Transcendent. This was different from Transcendents, whose abilities stabilized around the age of twenty-seven.
“I’m saying this because you remember who you were before becoming a Guide.”
Of course, this was only his speculation and had no real authority. Ephinia didn’t seem to reveal her true feelings even to the maids she was fairly close to.
After hearing Christian’s explanation, Kasselard fell into deep thought. It seemed even he couldn’t bring himself to say that he would still like her without guiding.
What was he supposed to do? Their relationship was that of a Transcendent and a Guide.
Did I come to like her because guiding feels good…? No, it was because the expression she makes while guiding is pretty…
Lost in complicated thoughts, he ran a hand roughly through his white hair.
Whatever. He just needed to finish his work as quickly as possible and go see Ephinia.
* * *
It was a house that had sent her an invitation even after seeing her flee like that on the day of the ball. It was probably sent under the Empress’s pressure or for the sake of her dignity, but it was difficult to ignore.
After that incident, there were only a few families that had sent invitations to Ephinia.
If it was a family connected to the Empress, she was in a position where she had to show sincerity all the more. The place she was staying was the Lanas ducal household, after all.
So, having somehow found out Ephinia’s schedule, Kasselard made a suggestion. He would be her partner. It was like giving the illness and then the cure!
Ephinia hated him deeply, but she also knew that nothing would be more effective in restoring her reputation, which had practically fallen in high society.
‘Even if I quit being the Crown Prince’s Guide, I have to do something about being looked down on like this.’
She rarely went out while staying at the Lanas manor, but when she followed Kasselard to the administrative palace, she realized it from the way the nobles treated her.
‘You even followed His Highness here? A commoner’s blood. This woman has no shame.’
When they mocked her, taking advantage of Meredith’s absence, Ephinia was left stunned. Another official at the administrative palace saw her shocked expression and openly sneered.
So this is what I hear because I’m a noble of commoner origin.
No. I shouldn’t think like that. It’s not my fault. It’s not like I could choose my birth…
If blue blood was what deserved respect, then she also deserved respect. She had been born a Guide. The imperial family had already acknowledged that and treated her as a noble.
She knew that if she captured Kasselard’s—the Crown Prince’s—heart, those voices would disappear immediately, but she still felt resentful. Resentful of her situation, where she had no choice but to rely on him.
‘I don’t belong with people like this.’
About a year later, once she received permission to no longer be paired with Kasselard, she wanted to marry a Transcendent in a similar standing with hers and leave the capital.
The nobles of the capital’s high society were unbearable. A Transcendent with a Guide would be welcomed anywhere, so settling in a provincial territory seemed like a good idea.
I really hope it turns out that way.
“Ephinia!”
Seeing Kasselard step down from the carriage with a bright smile made her feelings complicated. If she had a biggest concern these days, it was this Crown Prince.
A man who said he liked her without even apologizing, and who tried to make her heart waver however he pleased.
‘I know he’s not apologizing because he looks down on me.’
Let them call her petty and twisted if they wanted.
Generosity was meant to be given to those weaker and with less than oneself. It didn’t mean she had to forgive someone who had more than her and still behaved shamelessly, just because his face was pretty!
“You’re on time.”
“I hurried my work because I didn’t want to be late. Did you wait for me?”
Of course she waited. Making the Crown Prince wait would be a grave discourtesy, so preparing in advance and waiting is basic etiquette.
But Ephinia only smiled.
‘This man is the Crown Prince…’
“I didn’t wait. Shall we go, then?”
“Sure!”
The Marquisate that had sent the invitation under the Empress’s pressure must have been ready to dance with joy at the news that the Crown Prince was coming. …Or perhaps they were worried that he might once again insult his Guide and turn the ballroom into chaos.
Since he held out his hand cheerfully, Ephinia took it and boarded the carriage. The Imperial carriage had always been splendid, but today it seemed to shine even more brightly.
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