It’s Time to Stop Clinging to the Fake Guide - Chapter 16

‘I am Euphen’s Guide.’
That was how she was created, the role she was given, and the reason she had returned to do it all over again.
…Then why was a stranger making her so confused like this?

“Lynette.”
“Y-Yes?”

Pulled from her deep thoughts, Lynette flinched and lifted her head. The blue eyes right before her drew her in for a fleeting moment before she came to her senses.

“I’ve prepared dinner.”
“Ah, but I…”
“Stay and eat before you go.”
“That’s too much for me.”
“I want to know a little more about you.”

Why did he keep softening her heart with the same words as before?

“I wouldn’t dare dine with Your Highness the Imperial Prince.”
“I give you permission.”
“Your Highness.”
“I forgot to ask what you like to eat.”

It seemed that no matter what she said, he had already decided to share a meal with her. Smiling, Euphen gently took her hand and led her toward the dining room.

“Next time, I’ll have them make something you like.”
“I’m fine with anything.”

Lynette spoke stiffly and lowered her gaze slightly.
The large table was laden with a meal so lavish it almost seemed excessive. Despite the presence of servants, he personally pulled out her chair.

“Please don’t do this.”
“You seem used to refusing things, Lynette.”
“…”
“You have every right to enjoy it all. You’re my Guide.”
“It’s only temporary.”
“For now, you’re the only one.”
“Soon, Your Highness’s destined partner will appear.”
“No one knows when that will be.”

As the back-and-forth continued, Euphen frowned slightly and took his seat.
Lynette swallowed a sigh. He seemed content simply knowing there was someone who could put him at ease. Perhaps he thought it didn’t matter if the “real Guide” never appeared.

‘Well, before I regressed, we only learned at the very end that a fake Guide couldn’t be with him for life…’

No one had ever shown the Imperial Prince the risk and burden of casting magic directly on one’s body to erase the aftereffects of his ability. Of course, he wouldn’t have known.

Soon, warm soup was served. The food at the Mage Tower hadn’t been bad, but this was far more delicious.
It was also a taste of memory. Before her regression, Lynette had sat down to meals like this with Euphen every day, exchanging bits of conversation.

“Where is your hometown?”

At his casual question, she paused in thought. She remembered the name of the place. Naturally, she had lived there for nineteen years. How could she forget?
But the memories of the place were faint. The “Lynette of now” was a country girl who had left home only a few days ago, but her mind had already spent several years in the Imperial Castle.

Living here, she had never really thought about her family. They were, after all, the people who had traded her for money under the excuse of “having no choice.”
She didn’t resent them, but neither did she miss them.

“The Imperial City is my hometown.”

She didn’t know how he took that answer, but Euphen didn’t press.

“Then we’re from the same place.”

Instead, he smiled lightly.
It hadn’t been an answer meant to create common ground.
Lynette felt a flicker of regret.

“Does the food suit your taste?”
“…Yes. It’s delicious.”

Whether it was this dish or that, everything was a familiar taste. Each bite felt like reliving her memories with the man before her.
Noticing her voice wasn’t particularly bright, Euphen didn’t try to continue the conversation. He simply watched her.

Only after they finished both the meal and dessert did she remember… she would have to endure the pain again.

‘My body’s still not fully accustomed to it yet.’

Before her regression, she could have endured everything without trouble, but now, still not fully adapted, there was no guarantee she wouldn’t end up vomiting all the food she’d just eaten.

Quietly swallowing a sigh, she dabbed her lips with her napkin.

“Lynette.”
“Yes.”
“You said you were sold for money… You weren’t forced to come here, were you?”
“…Pardon? I don’t understand what you mean.”

At his sudden question, Lynette tilted her head slightly. Euphen rested his chin on his hand, frowning.

“Why is it you know etiquette so well? I could believe you were the daughter of a noble house.”

Ah…
It seemed that years spent in the Imperial Castle had ingrained into her what she had seen, heard, and learned.

‘Would it have been better to act sloppily?’

Yet before her regression, this man had shown interest precisely because she had known nothing of etiquette. He had watched her with amusement.
That was why she had chosen to observe basic manners this time, to avoid standing out. Yet she was being noticed again.

“I’ve watched the people at the Mage Tower.”

It was a ridiculous excuse. But since Euphen didn’t know the truth, perhaps it would pass.
She lifted her chin with feigned confidence. He furrowed his brow slightly but didn’t ask further.

‘This is the same as before.’

If Lynette didn’t want to talk, he wouldn’t press. He believed she would tell him someday on her own.

“You seem to learn quickly.”
“I have to work hard to make sure I don’t cause trouble for Your Highness.”
“You’re my Guide. You could never be a burden.”

My Guide. My one and only Guide.

She wished he wouldn’t say those words. Every time she heard them, she wanted to make the same mistake all over again.

Lynette silently extended her hand. Euphen gave a faint smile, clasped it, and pressed his lips firmly to the back of her hand.
Even though touching him still hurt, she felt joy. At the sweet pain blooming from where his lips had touched, Lynette bit down hard on her lip.