Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 125

Chapter 125

Translator: Yonnee

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Irene hurriedly went to her room. She couldn’t explain why, but she was genuinely pleased by the crown prince’s suggestion.

With Mary’s help, she quickly changed her attire and returned downstairs.

As soon as she returned though, she sensed a peculiar atmosphere.

“Are you here? Well then, shall we go?”

Although he was trying to speak cheerfully, Jace couldn’t ignore the persistent, increasingly heated gazes directed at him.

Actions spoke louder than words, after all. Did he really think he could pretend not to notice those piercing glances?

“But still, I’m an Esper, too… This is a bit much…”

He grumbled as he boarded the carriage. Ciel joined him.

Meanwhile, Irene and Arthur rode in another carriage. They passed the guards’ quarters and ventured further inward.

The area where monsters could appear was somewhat deserted—unfit for human habitation. Moreover, there were scorched marks scattered everywhere, a result of recent subjugation where Ciel had taken care of the monsters.

“But Dad, how do we find the starting point of the monster wave?”

“That’s the thing, Rin. There are usually distinctive traces left behind.”

“Traces?”

“Right. They tend to linger for about a month after a monster wave occurs.”

“So it’s a temporary phenomenon?”

“Yes, it’s not permanent, which is why His Highness seems to want to take a look while he’s here.”

“I see.”

She felt curious about something she hadn’t encountered on Earth. Perhaps it was because she had been a Guide, and there hadn’t been many opportunities for her to encounter such things firsthand.

Thinking about asking Ciel about it later, she suddenly felt a sense of wonder as he seemed to be getting more comfortable around him.

“We’ve arrived, Rin.”

“Yes, Dad.”

As they prepared to exit the carriage, Ciel approached her urgently and extended his hand to her. Irene accepted his gesture.

Once they stepped outside, the scent was overwhelming. Ciel took a handkerchief from his inner jacket pocket and handed it to her.

“The smell is quite strong. It’s better to cover your nose.”

“I’m alright…”

“Following the Duke’s advice would be wise, Rin.”

At Arthur’s words, she accepted the handkerchief from Ciel. His face lit up when she did.

Arthur took the lead and guided them to the starting point of the monster wave.

“Right here is where the wave started.”

Jace, unable to maintain his composure, stared with wide eyes as he gazed at the unfolding scenery.

He seemed overwhelmed by the mysterious sight before him, which he likely never would have seen had he remained in the palace.

“…I’ve never seen anything like this.”

His astonishment wasn’t the only reaction. Irene, too, was taken aback, and she raised her eyebrows in surprise.

What they were looking at was empty space, but not just any empty space—it resembled fragmented pieces of a shattered mirror.

Through the gaps, something dark and writhing could be seen.

“Still, compared to when it was first discovered, the opening seems to be getting smaller. We shouldn’t worry too much if it completely closes.”

In response to Arthur’s words, Jace nodded slowly.

“It’s boundless and sinister, so it’s better if it disappears.”

They stared at the space in silence for a while before they decided to turn back.

“To think that, as crown prince, this is my first time seeing the starting point of a monster wave. It makes me feel somewhat embarrassed.”

“That’s the right mindset to have.”

In response to Jace’s somewhat regretful words, Ciel offered a subtle compliment.

“Duke, you really…”

“For this moment, consider it words from a friend rather than a subject.”

“…I suppose you’re not wrong.”

Just as they were about to leave the area, Irene heard a strange sound.

It wasn’t just her. The sound was definitely clearer to the ears of the Espers and the sword master as well.

Guoooh.

Following the sound, they turned their heads. The once-narrow black space was gradually expanding. Eventually, a human figure emerged from within.

“Your Highness!”

“Who goes there!”

The chief attendant quickly stepped in front of Jace, while Arthur drew his sword. Ciel was ready to use his abilities at a moment’s notice.

As the figure became clearer, Irene felt a sense of confusion wash over her.

“Saintess?”

In response to Jace’s muttering, Seo-yoon, who had collapsed on the ground, lifted her head.

Her eyes had been filled with hostility, but they softened like a lamb’s when they found Jace.

Her previously venomous gaze turned into a pleading one as her moistened eyes cleverly curved.

“…Your Highness.”

“Saintess! Oh, dear God!”

Jace pushed aside the chief attendant, who had been blocking his way, and rushed straight to Seo-yoon.

“No, how in the world did you end up here?”

“I apologize, Your Highness… I don’t know either…”

Seo-yoon’s voice was faint as she spoke. Ciel observed her with skeptical eyes.

In the past, they hadn’t known exactly how she returned. She just disappeared suddenly and then reappeared in the temple, so it was natural to assume her interdimensional travels were through the temple.

Only later did they discover it was through her smartphone, and that her current method of return was not through the temple.

Ciel’s expression grew more suspicious.

“But…”

At that moment, Seo-yoon lifted her head and looked at Irene.

Her icy, unforgiving gaze was unlike how she looked at other Stern Empire citizens.

That look in the woman’s eyes. It made Seo-yoon feel as if Irene didn’t quite acknowledge her as the saintess.