The One and Only Guide - Chapter 27

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“Sir, but speaking of which, if she’s such an important person, shouldn’t we ensure she stays within the castle? Lately, she has been trying to leave the castle often. Of course, the severe cold has thwarted her attempts…”

The last to speak was Harold, the vice-commander of the Northern Knights, who had been involved in the vassal meetings due to his role in guarding the Guide. He had only recently learned about Jian’s true identity.

At Harold’s remark, Head Maid Joan nodded in agreement.

“Indeed, it seems she hasn’t grown attached to the North yet. But this was also true for the previous Duchess. Concerning as it may be, time will resolve it.”

At the Head Maid’s words, Butler Gerard also nodded.

“It seems we have no choice but to wait for the Duke to win the lady’s favor.”

Harold felt uneasy. Though he was a butler now, Gerard had been a civil servant responsible for administering the Odergen territory in his youth.

As he aged, he handed over his civil post to his son and took up the position of the castle’s butler. However, having dedicated his life to the Duke’s family, his pride in the North was immense. Yet, it was surprising to hear him use the term “winning favor” for someone like Jian.

But if Jian’s identity was true, she indeed deserved such treatment. Harold had known she was important enough for the Duke to personally oversee her protection, but her true identity far exceeded his expectations.

The idea that someone could prevent rampages merely by their presence, being called a Guide, and that Guides were people from another world was all new to him.

And now, to think that Jian might become the future lady of the Duke’s house… Harold finally understood why the Duke was so preoccupied with her. He couldn’t help but feel a newfound resentment for his father for not briefing him about Jian’s identity sooner.

But what’s the use of resentment now? Harold realized that his attendance at the vassal meeting, despite his lack of experience, was all thanks to his father. He scratched his head in frustration, regretting his initial brusque behavior towards Jian.

As the brief meeting adjourned, Harold immediately returned to his role as Jian’s escort. Yawns escaped him continuously after the early morning vassal meeting, but realizing anew the significance of the person he was protecting, his steps hastened.

However, when he arrived at Jian’s room, the guard usually posted there was absent. Surprisingly, it was Axion himself standing guard in place.

“Duke?”

“Ah, Harold.”

“What brings you here?”

“There’s something I need to ask.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“Is Jian… going outside the castle today?”

“There hasn’t been any word, but she might.”

“I want to accompany her.”

“Pardon?”

“You must have been neglecting your training while escorting Jian. Take over the knight’s training in my stead.”

“Um…”

“Go.”

Harold turned and left as if dismissed.

* * *

The knock startled Jian awake. Groggily sitting up, she saw the familiar maid, Lucy, entering the room with a tray holding water and a towel.

Jian eyed Lucy curiously. She never entered the room before being invited, so what could it be?

“What’s going on?”

“Actually, the Duke is waiting for you. It seems you should hurry with your morning preparations.”

“The Duke?”

“Yes.”

At Lucy’s words, Jian muttered with a reluctant face.

“…Is it a Guiding request?”

Considering the Duke’s condition the other day, Guiding might be necessary. Still, to call her early in the morning… It seemed her chances for sleeping in were gone.

Yawning and covering her mouth, Jian slowly walked to the bathroom and washed her face. Behind her, Lucy was fidgeting, clearly unsure of what to do. Jian, while wiping her face, asked,

“What does the Duke need me for?”

“I’m not sure. But the Duke is currently waiting outside your door.”

He came looking for her instead of sending for her? And outside the door, no less? Could it be some urgent matter?

“Tell him to come in.”

“Are you sure? You haven’t changed yet.”

Glancing at her reflection in the mirror, Jian noted her robe. Although it was just a robe, it covered everything necessary. Since she might have to perform contact Guiding again, there was no need to dress formally.

“It’s fine. The Duke won’t mind what I’m wearing.”

“But…”

“Go on, Lucy.”

Urged by Jian, Lucy reluctantly went to invite the Duke.