Chapter 86
For a Guide, things ended with just awakening, but for an Esper, the aftereffects will appear in many ways if they went too long without being guided.
If one had plenty of money, it was possible to endure the time without guiding, but most did not choose that path.
‘Because finding a Guide is difficult.’
In the Empire, Espers who lost consciousness in such a way were gathered and managed. Those who awakened as Guides could go there and search to see if their fate awaited them. It was considered far more efficient than having individuals search for each Esper one by one.
And when a true ‘fated pair’ was found, the two would be conscripted into the Imperial army. Because they could accomplish what ordinary people could not, they were sometimes deployed to the frontlines of battle, or sent to disaster sites and perilous places. Yet the dangerous work was borne only by the Esper, while the Guide was carefully protected.
Since their work risked their very lives, the compensation given was quite considerable… but Espers who had no wish to gamble with their lives sometimes dreamed of escape. Most, however, were brought back unconscious again.
For Guides, the risk was far less, while great opportunities for wealth appeared, so most were loyal to the Empire. Among the poor, there were even those who longed to awaken as Guides, dreaming of many rewards.
‘It’s bait. So that Guides will seek out Espers of their own accord.’
Without rewards, what need would there be to guide at all? In any case, the system devised by the Empire worked fairly well.
It was understandable why Sillian was worried. The power an Esper could wield was so great that the Empire was extremely sensitive to the matter of them leaking away. If it were ever revealed that one was an Esper, leaving would become utterly impossible.
‘Still… would His Highness truly reveal that Sillian is an Esper?’
That would mean Lynette would also have to follow this man to dangerous places, and there was no way he would allow that. A Guide might not fight directly, but the fact remained that she would still be taken into danger.
“His Highness would never do such a thing.”
“Lynette must trust that man very deeply.”
“…”
“You haven’t even known him that long. Is it because you saw him in your dream, that you feel a sense of closeness? Or because he guided you?”
“He’s a good man.”
“He is not a good man.”
At Sillian’s words, she could not hold back and shook off his hand.
“Why do you keep speaking ill of His Highness? He’s never done you any wrong.”
“He has done wrong enough. Knowing full well what happens to you every time he guides, yet continuing regardless. Is that the act of a good man?”
Her teeth pressed down hard on her lip.
“I wanted it. I was the one who begged him to let me guide him. I’m the bad one. His Highness… he refused… he told me not to, and yet…”
Sillian’s expression darkened. He stared at her in silence for a long moment before stepping closer.
“I’m sorry.”
“…”
“I didn’t mean to anger you. I certainly never meant to make you cry.”
A large hand lightly wrapped the back of her head. Drawing Lynette into his arms, the man let out a long sigh. Only when her cheek pressed against his warmth did Lynette realize her eyes had grown hot.
“If you could understand me even half as much as you understand the Imperial Prince… would that be too much to ask?”
She closed her eyes, letting out a trembling breath. She could feel the tears she had held back seeping into his clothes.
“Do you not think about how I feel, watching the woman I wish to spend my life with give all her precious time to another man?”
“Spend your life with…?”
Lynette murmured in a trembling voice, lifting her head slowly. It wasn’t entirely untrue, but it startled her nonetheless. Didn’t it sound almost like a proposal?
Watching her expression, Sillian gave a bitter smile.
“The only thing I can hope for is that Eshar awakens as soon as possible.”
She felt the careful touch of his hand sweeping her hair back.
“And that you awaken as well, Lynette. That is my most earnest wish.”
The man lowered his head and whispered softly.
Lynette pressed against his chest, dangerously close, and pushed him away. Sillian’s hand caught hers where it rested on him, and then placed a faint kiss on her trembling fingertips.
“I think I should go back now.”
“We haven’t even finished circling the garden.”
“Lara came today.”
“Lara? Who’s that?”
Instead of answering, she twisted her hand free. Then, slipping around the man blocking her path, she fled from the garden.
Her breath came as fast as she walked quickly, until she felt a gaze. She looked up without thinking and saw Euphen leaning against the window. Though she could not see clearly, she could tell his expression was stiff.
Panting, Lynette slammed the palace door shut, leaned her back against it, and let out a long sigh.
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