(EP-228.1) #8

228 – Discovery #8

When I first realized I had become a character in a novel, my first resolve was to strive to control every variable myself.

If the events that would unfold in the future were to spiral out of my rein, Aira and I would end up hanging on the gallows.

For someone like me, the Guide’s existence was an anomaly in itself.

Had I ever thought ‘what is this bas†ard’ so strongly before?

Perhaps the variables I thought I had under control had, unbeknownst to me, cracks that began to snowball.

As the actions of Aira and I had changed, the actions of the main character’s party must have been altered as well. And somewhere along the way, at some point, the Guide who wasn’t there originally joined the party.

Truly an anomaly…

Literally incomprehensible.

I simply couldn’t tolerate the existence of someone who might be beyond my control.

Thus, I’d been hard at work, trying to find out just what this guy was up to.

First and foremost, I implemented a thorough “isolation.”

Isolating those around me like Mirna and Elga, and especially Aira, from approaching him.

Since I couldn’t predict what might happen with him involved, I preferred to keep my distance and conduct independent investigations—.

Porrreung-.

━Keechip-!

And now, my messenger parrot was saying that Elga and Mirna were heading to the Guide’s house.

I didn’t know the specifics yet, but it didn’t seem like anything good would come out of them getting involved with each other.

Elga going to meet the Guide with Mirna.

What a combination.

I had to admit, it was a huge mistake to bring Elga there.

If Aira hadn’t fallen into a deep coma from which she couldn’t wake up, I wouldn’t have gone looking for him in the first place.

… No, there was no time to think about regrets like this.

Regardless of what happened, I needed to get there faster and block their path.

“Um, Aira-nim. I suddenly remembered an urgent matter. Could I leave for a moment? If you need anything, you can leave it to Lily.”

“An urgent matter?”

Aira, who was on her way, looked at my face with wrinkled brows.

But it seemed that having no more work to do made Aira generous.

“Go ahead. But make sure to come in early tomorrow since it’s the counting day. It would be satisfying to see that Serazade bawl~.”

“Understood.”

With those words, I dashed off in a hurry. My speed was as swift and agile as a spring uncoiling after being wound tight for a long time.

As the surroundings flew past me, I was slightly surprised by how light and nimble my legs felt. Was my body always this mobile and fast?

Seemed like I was in good shape.

“So, where are they right now?”

━Chichip-!

“Guide me!”

Porrrleung-.

I followed the energetic parrot as it flew ahead, running as fast as I could.

I was able to find the Young Ladies walking down the street together, before arriving at the multi-family house where the Guide was staying.

━I think it was this way. Where was it? I think we should be going this way.

━Lady Lioness, are you trying to take me somewhere you don’t even know? We’ve been going in circles in the same alley for a while now!

━That’s strange… Something is off about this street. Why are there no signs anywhere?

I couldn’t quite grasp what was going on, but by listening carefully with my keen fairy ears, it seemed like they were unable to find their way and started wandering in circles.

Hu-.

Once they stopped at a distance where they couldn’t see me, I took a deep breath.

My breath was caught in my throat, but thanks to Calm Thinking and Level 10 Actor, I could easily pretend to be normal as if on a casual stroll.

“Who’s this? I didn’t expect to meet you ladies in a place like this.”

I waved and slowly walked towards them.

“Huh?”

“You’re….”

Elga and Mirna’s eyes glowed blue and red respectively like blooming flowers, then Elga frowned.

“What, shouldn’t you be working next to Aira? What are you doing here?”

“Well, I had some errands nearby. But that aside, I didn’t expect to see both Elga-nim and Mirna-nim together going somewhere.”

The relationship between Elga and Mirna was far from best of friends. Like a monkey and a dog. Or a dog and a cat. Perhaps worse than those, even.

As I asked about this peculiar combination, Mirna chimed in.

“Well, Lady Lioness is taking me to a place she doesn’t even know. We’ve been circling around this alley for 20 minutes now.”

Then she leaned in close and whispered.

“She’s trying to take me to an unknown place, Lady Lioness is definitely possessed by a demon. It’s a common symptom!”

‘I see…’

From what I heard, it didn’t seem like Mirna and Elga were conspiring a scheme. Thanks to that, I was able to regain some peace of mind.

Edited by: faker