It’s Time to Stop Clinging to the Fake Guide - Chapter 76

“Haah… hah..”

“What’s wrong?”

Startled by the rather loud sound, Mari hurriedly opened the door.

“It’s nothing.”

“Stay in a bit longer. I’ll finish cleaning and then help you wash.”

Instead of answering, Lynette gave a small nod. She found it somewhat amusing that she herself, once so used to attending to another’s bath, was now in this position.

This too was something that had happened before her regression.

She tilted her head back and stared blankly up at the high ceiling. So much was different now compared to the past that had become something that “no longer existed.” Sillian’s existence, Mari and Lara’s survival, even the fact that Euphen had faced an assassination attempt.

‘Was it because I changed something, and that’s why things became dangerous?’

At that thought, her chest grew tight.

Would it have been better to do nothing at all? Perhaps staying quietly at his side, ready to pain him once more, would have been the way to help him. The fact that she had no clue what had suddenly brought on such danger only added to her frustration.

Her past self had truly been a fool. Just being overwhelmed by her feelings for Euphen, floundering without knowing what to do… She had been blind. If only she had understood how the Imperial Castle operated, the dangers and enemies that came with being the Imperial Prince, it might have been far more helpful.

Her past self was utterly pathetic. To think that after years of living in the Imperial Castle, she had merely grown complacent in the safety of Euphen’s arms. The peace she had enjoyed was possible only thanks to his thorough protection and kindness, yet she hadn’t even realized it.

Now that she had regressed, she ought to make use of her knowledge of the future, yet she couldn’t think of a single thing that might be of real help to Euphen.

‘From the moment I died, Euphen’s surroundings had remained so very calm.’

She knew nothing of how the other royals lived, how they fought for the throne, or who coveted that position. No, she had thought she wasn’t supposed to know. Euphen had warned her that if she took interest in such things, she would only be dragged into them.

Still, she should at least have picked up a rumor or two.

As Lynette sighed heavily, sinking into a touch of self-reproach, Mari came inside. Her hand, lathering up a soft sponge to wash her body, was a little awkward.

‘Ah, she’s probably never attended someone’s bath like this before.’

Sold into the Imperial Castle, Mari had only ever been given the dirtiest, hardest tasks as a lowest-ranked maid. She had surely never experienced serving someone in this way.

Mari had managed to find some ease, but Lara was probably still at the laundry yard.

“Mari, do you still see Lara?”

“Now and then.”

“She’s still at the laundry yard?”

“Of course.”

Even Mari, who often wore a cynical expression as though well aware of the laundry yard’s infamy, wrinkled her nose slightly.

“It would be nice if Lara came here too.”

“Do you think you can ask His Highness the Imperial Prince for that?”

Mari’s eyes widened.

“If he says no, then it can’t be helped… but I can at least try asking.”

“I hope she comes. The Detached Palace is short-handed anyway. With me gone, they’ll be struggling.”

It would be wonderful if Lara could become her exclusive maid as well. Wouldn’t it be fun if the three of them could live like friends?

In both her previous life and this one, Lynette had never truly had a friend.

‘A friend…’

Faint, hazy memories from long ago came back… Back when she lived with her family, she had had neighborhood friends. But survival had been such a burden there had been no room to care about others.

After being sold into the Imperial Castle, she had struggled just to survive. Becoming a fake Guide, Euphen had been kind and attentive in many ways, yet she had only drifted on the edges. If she tried to grow close to the maids, they found it burdensome; she couldn’t fit in with nobles either. She had become a floating, out-of-place existence.

But now, after regressing, she had Mari. Just having someone with whom she could speak so comfortably lightened her heart considerably.

When Lynette finished her bath, she chatted idly with Mari as she prepared for her appointment with Euphen. She was sure there had been only neutral-colored dresses and maid uniforms before, but now several beautiful outfits hung in the wardrobe. She hesitated, wondering if she was really allowed to wear them, but Mari insisted they were hers and helped her dress.

She chose a pair of neatly arranged shoes, and they fit perfectly. Lynette couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

‘They fit again this time too.’

The Euphen of before and the Euphen of now were clearly the same man. He had always prepared clothes and shoes that fit her body perfectly with nothing but a glance. When she asked how such a thing was possible, he had answered, ‘Because I know everything about you.’

Lost for a moment in those memories, she was startled by the sound of knocking at the door.

“Come in.”

“His Highness the Imperial Prince summons you.”

The timing was uncanny.

Lynette gave her outfit one last adjustment, then followed the maid out. Instead of the reception room he normally used, she was led to a larger, more secluded one.

‘Why here? I thought he was just calling me for a simple tea time, but maybe not.’

Unable to guess Euphen’s intentions, Lynette tilted her head slightly.

When the door was knocked on, Euphen’s voice called from inside, telling them to enter. Lynette opened the door without thinking, then her eyes grew wide at the sight of the people inside.