It’s Time to Stop Clinging to the Fake Guide - Chapter 10

If that person was Euphen’s enemy, then what should she do?
Sillian.
Repeating that name in her mind, she clenched her fists tightly.

Whether he knew her reaction or not, the man who had been lost in thought, let out a short sigh and spoke in a gentle tone.
“It’s sudden, but Lynette, you are my destiny.”
“…Pardon?”

The statement was so far beyond her expectations that Lynette’s voice came out slightly dazed.
“I know it’s hard to believe now, before you’ve awakened.”
“Awakened…?”
“But before long, you’ll come to know that what I’m saying is true.”

Lynette’s mind was in chaos, her thoughts tangled beyond recognition.
Sillian stepped a little closer and showed her the pendant in his hand. The jewel set in its center emitted a faint but unmistakable light of its own.
“This is proof. This is an object that emits light on its own when its master’s ‘destiny’ approaches.”
“I… I…”

Lynette backed away. Her back hit a wall entwined with vines.
She was already Euphen’s Guide. Even if it was a fake one.
But now, destined partner? Awakening?

Her lips parted slightly. Sillian’s gaze held firm certainty as he looked at her.
“It’s not me.”

Even before her regression, she had never awakened. And now, all of a sudden?
There’s no way everything would suddenly change like that.

It hadn’t been long since she’d come back, but until now, everything had gone much the same as before. Yet here, out of nowhere, appeared a man talking about ‘destiny.’
“You’ve got the wrong person.”

With a trembling voice, Lynette forcefully pushed against the man’s chest and ran toward the Magic Tower. She worried he might chase her on horseback, but when she glanced back, he was simply standing there, watching her retreating figure.

***

When Lynette returned to the Magic Tower, Shirin glanced at her once, then turned away without a word, as if simply satisfied she hadn’t run away.
With the staff she always carried in hand, the woman tapped it lightly against the floor, tilted her head in a beckoning gesture, and took the lead.

Their destination was the Sisstein Detached Palace where Euphen was staying.
She had to return to the very place she’d just run from. She couldn’t help but wonder if the man who had introduced himself as Sillian was still there, but for Lynette, there was no option of not going.

As she quietly followed Shirin, the muddled and flustered feelings from meeting Sillian began to settle somewhat.
Even after sorting her thoughts, he was still shrouded in mystery. She couldn’t even guess his identity.

A mere palace guard with a magical item? That was impossible. Even the smallest object imbued with ‘magic’ was incredibly expensive.
He must be a Guide or an Esper.

Given that he had spoken about her awakening soon and about destiny, he was clearly an awakened one. Thinking of the faintly glowing pendant made her head throb.
Could that small pendant really be trusted? And if Sillian had been telling the truth…?

No matter how much she thought about it, her mind only grew more tangled. Lynette let out a small sigh, trying to push thoughts of Sillian away.
Just focus on Euphen. I am his Guide.

Thinking of the man she had loved, and still loved even now, brought a sudden pang of worry.
Yesterday, they had been interrupted halfway. Was he still in pain?
That one Guiding yesterday should have helped, right?

Her gaze wandered, taking in the well-kept gardens. They were familiar, after all, she had often strolled here with Euphen.
On fine days, they had set up a tea table and enjoyed tea, and on warmer days, they had napped under the shade.

She was lost in a touch of nostalgia when a man strode toward them.
“Your Highness.”
Shirin was the first to incline her head slightly.
“Lynette. Shirin.”

He smiled. Yesterday, he had looked deathly pale, but today, he seemed a little better. Still, there was the occasional flicker of pain across his face, and it made her heart ache faintly.

Lynette belatedly remembered etiquette and bowed.
“No need to be so formal.”

Euphen stepped closer and gently straightened her up. The touch through her clothes carried warmth instead of pain.
“You’re my Guide.”
“It’s only temporary,” Shirin cut in firmly from the side.
“I know.”

With a resolute answer, he leaned toward Lynette and whispered softly.
“Regardless, you’re the only one I have right now.”

Even knowing there was no ‘love’ in those words, her heart still skipped a beat.
Why was he so kind?
If only he were cold, perhaps it would be easier to push him away. She lowered her gaze slightly.
Still, because he’s so kind… he’ll probably fall in love with Eshar soon.

She kept her eyes fixed on the ground, until he lowered his head to meet her gaze directly. A hint of a smile lingered in those blue eyes.
Lynette had always loved that color. Having never seen the sea, she had once been told by Euphen, while wearing that same teasing smile, that the sea was this color. He had leaned in close, saying that since he couldn’t take her far away right now, she should just look at him instead.

The moment felt so much like then that she was confused. It was as though she had been transported back to those happy days with him. She almost embraced him without thinking.

Just as her fingertips trembled, a large hand wrapped around hers. Before she could even take in his warmth, a dull ache spread through her.
Even this was the same as her memories. Every time they touched, it always hurt.

Lynette found herself smiling despite her pain. She had resolved to stay away from him, and yet, here she was, still in love with the man before her.