Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 128 - To understand heartfelt feelings

Chapter 128 – To understand heartfelt feelings

Translator: Yonnee

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In response to his question, the high priest couldn’t hide his surprised expression. It was understandable, considering the duke had asked as if he already knew the real saintess.

However, the content of the question sounded strange, making it difficult to answer.

How could someone who had been sent by God as the saintess even think of rejecting the role?

As the high priest did not answer, Ciel asked him again. It was an important question that needed a clear response.

“Please answer. Will you, High Priest, follow the real Saintess’s will? You mentioned that opportunities should be fair to everyone, didn’t you?”

“…Indeed. Duke, have you truly found the Saintess?”

“Answer my question first.”

With his firm words, the high priest hesitated for a moment.

After all, she was a child sent by God, and how could she not be managed in the temple? He thought this was related to the authority of God.

Waiting for the high priest’s response, Ciel let out a small laugh and spoke to the still-silent high priest.

“I’ve listened carefully to your opinion.”

“Duke.”

“Oh, there’s one more thing. If the fake Saintess returns from dimensional travel, please don’t forget to inform me. This is not just a matter for the temple but also crucial for the Empire.”

“May I ask why you need this information?”

“Regardless, you will have to report to His Majesty the Emperor, and it would be better for you to have this conversation with him. I am quite busy at the moment.”

Ciel gave a casual farewell and moved away. He didn’t want to leave the place filled with Irene’s energy, but in the end, this energy was no different from a fake one.

To him, the only real one was Irene.

As it had always been in the past.

He encountered the crown prince while leaving the temple. The crown prince seemed absent-minded, as if he had received extensive guidance.

Ciel contemplated whether he should convey the truth to Jace, but it didn’t seem like a decision he could make alone.

He wanted to protect Irene, but he didn’t want to overdo it and lose her. With the past as his lesson, he shouldn’t act like a dictator.

He had been arrogant enough.

Instead of returning to his mansion, he went back to the palace with the crown prince. Now that he thought about it, monster waves weren’t a frequent occurrence.

In the past, they happened once every few decades, but after Seo-yoon arrived, they became more frequent. Of course, back then, he hadn’t connected the two events.

So, Ciel decided to report to the emperor without mentioning the real saintess and suggest that the cause of the monster waves might be unknown. Unlike in the past, he didn’t plan to leave Seo-yoon free.

“I request an audience with His Majesty.”

“Yes. His Majesty has also noted that it’s been a while since he’s seen Your Grace.”

“I see.”

As Ciel requested an audience with the emperor and watched the setting sun, he thought about Irene, whom he had parted with without even saying goodbye.

This time, he would definitely protect her.

* * *

After the crown prince, Seo-yoon, and Ciel had left, I felt a strange emotion. Though I seemed to know where this emotion was coming from, at the same time, I didn’t want to acknowledge it.

Ciel had left in such a hurry back then, even leaving his younger brother behind. Well, even if Aiden had asked to come with him, Ciel probably wouldn’t allow it. And…

I looked at Aiden, who was with Rose, and chuckled.

“Does the Young Duke visit every day?”

“Yes, Milady. His Lordship is very kind.”

Contrary to Rose’s cheerful words, her parents looked at me with worried expressions.

“Um, Milady, is it okay for His Lordship to continue staying in this shabby place? We are concerned because it seems impossible to offer His Lordship the hospitality he deserves given our circumstances.”

With an emaciated face, Rose’s mother looked like she had struggled a lot because of Aiden.

Well, if I were in her shoes, I’d also be worried if a high-ranking nobleman would keep coming to my home, and it’s not even a noble ruling over this territory. In the end, they also didn’t know much about Guides and Espers.

I glanced at Aiden, who was hesitating outside. He must have picked up on the thoughts of Rose’s mother just now.

Hmm, that’s also an issue. Was he constantly reading other people’s thoughts? Was he unable to control it?

Feeling a bit frustrated, I let out a soft sigh and addressed Rose’s mother.

“I’ll have a private conversation with him. Don’t worry too much.”

“Oh, I’ll be relieved if Your Ladyship is willing to help. I truly…”

“No need to be so grateful. But you did well to endure until now, right?”

“I’ve never regretted coming to the Closch Barony even once. Among the commoners in the Stern Empire, our territory is probably the only place where it’s pleasant to live.”

“Fufu, I appreciate your recognition of my parents’ efforts. Can I have a brief chat with Rose?”

“Of course, Milady. Rose, please be on your best behavior.”

“Yes, Mom.”

I gave a small chuckle and took Rose’s hand.