Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 122 - Thank you

Chapter 122 – Thank you

Translator: Yonnee

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In response to the Crown Prince’s words, I paused while cutting the meat. Seo-yoon disappeared? I was certain such a plot progression wasn’t part of the novel…

As the story veered off course like this, I began to doubt whether the book I had read was indeed a real romance novel. Glancing at the only person I could share this story with, my eyes met his.

Ciel smiled brightly, as if he had been waiting. His demeanor resembled that of a countryside dog eagerly welcoming its owner. A neighborhood puppy…

I raised an eyebrow in response and decided that I probably needed to converse with my man.

After finishing the meal, I guided the crown prince and his aide to the room where they would stay. During this, Ciel cautiously spoke to my mother.

“Baroness.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“It may sound unusual, but if it’s acceptable, my brother and I would like to stay here as well…”

Ciel, a duke, was treating my mother, who was a mere baroness, with great politeness. I found that quite appealing.

“Of course, with His Highness the Crown Prince present, it would likely be agreeable for you too, Your Grace.”

“I’m truly thankful for your understanding.”

As he spoke, Ciel moved closer to my mother’s face and whispered very softly.

“His Highness can be quite sensitive and finicky. Me being here would probably be better for everyone, Baroness.”

“……”

Indeed, both the prince and the duke possessed a remarkable talent for making people uncomfortable. My gaze involuntarily became sharper. Just as I was silently observing him, the crown prince, who had been walking ahead, turned and addressed Ciel.

“If you’re going to talk behind my back, shouldn’t you at least do it without me here?”

“Oh, did you hear that?”

“You didn’t say it for me to hear, did you?”

“Oh my, it’s truly a pleasure to witness the Crown Prince’s keen ears and bright wit. As a humble servant, I’m truly delighted,” Ciel remarked.

At that, the crown prince could barely conceal his bewildered expression. It seemed like he couldn’t quite adapt to this new Ciel either.

I could deeply sympathize with that sentiment. What could have possibly caused this man to change so drastically?

In the past, he had an air of elegance about him, but now, it seemed like nothing more than a façade.

His eyes would trail after me pitifully, and whenever our gazes would meet, the corners of his lips would raise in apparent delight. He didn’t even seem to be aware.

After the noisy room introductions were done, I discreetly slipped away.

I stood at the path leading to the back hill, where few people ventured, waiting for him to follow. I believed that if he had noticed my gesture earlier, he would surely come after me.

Fortunately, he emerged a little while later, as if he knew exactly where to find me, and I greeted him.

“Hello.”

“…It’s been a while, Irene.”

Our exchange of greetings felt strangely pleasant. It was like meeting a comfortable friend, which surprised me.

“I wanted to ask you something.”

“Anything.”

“Can we talk while we walk?”

“Of course, that’s fine.”

As I took the first step, he immediately fell in step beside me. We began to ascend the hill, feeling the cool breeze.

I needed to discuss something discreetly, especially since there were other Espers in our house.

Once we reached the midpoint of the hill, I stopped and gazed at the panoramic view below.

“About Seoyoon.”

“…Why are you bringing up that woman.”

I looked up at him. I’d been wondering about this for a while now, and he didn’t even seem to want to call her name.

“Didn’t you like Seoyoon?”

“What are you talking about?”

Ciel jumped at my words.

“That’s why you followed her through dimensions, right? Isn’t it?”

“No!”

His vehement denial was satisfying to hear. I had wondered about it all along.

“I should have asked you sooner.”

So, my words poured out sincerely, and in response, he spoke hesitantly.

“No, it’s not your fault. I should have cleared up the misunderstanding sooner.”

“You knew?”

“……”

He couldn’t utter a word in response to my question and merely hung his head. Nevertheless, that was enough of an answer.

“You knew.”

I reiterated, not bitter but simply curious.

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

When I asked again, he lifted his head. His blue eyes were filled with melancholy.

“Truthfully… At first, I believed in Seoyoon. I didn’t like her, but I got carried away after she first guided me. It’s typical for Espers, you know. We tend to cling onto a Guide more by instinct than by our hearts…”

I listened attentively to his story. It was his innermost feelings, something he had never revealed before.