Step 1: "Proxy" refers to a person or entity authorized to act on behalf of another, often in a specific situation such as voting or making decisions.
Step 2: "Authorized agent" is the closest match because it refers to someone who has been granted authority to act for another person.
Step 3: "Absent" refers to being away or not present, which does not fit the meaning of "proxy." "Substituted" refers to replacing something, but not necessarily with the proper authorization. "Emulated" means to imitate, which also does not fit the meaning of "proxy."
Thus, the correct answer is "authorized agent."