Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 158

Chapter 158

Translator: Yonnee

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“Ah, Young Duke! Are you alright?”

David approached with concern. Aiden awkwardly replied,

“Surprised you, didn’t I?”

Having nearly fainted out of the blue, Aiden knew he must have looked odd. As David was a dear friend, Aiden felt apprehensive and made an effort not to read his thoughts.

“Yes, I was worried. Are you sure you’re alright? Maybe you should rest?”

David answered calmly, looking over Aiden carefully and gently taking his arm.

“Better to have someone with you in case you feel dizzy again. Just stick by me.”

“…Huh?”

“You know, Rin used to faint frequently when she was younger. It’s good that she caught you, really. Falling on these hard marble floors would have been dangerous. Come, let’s get some food. The finger foods they’ve served in this place are really good, especially so because it’s the Imperial Palace.”

Aiden, led by David, ended up at a table with finger foods. Nearby, a portly middle-aged man was shouting at a palace servant.

“I’ve been asking for champagne for a while now! Where is it?!”

“Goodness, Viscount Vitters. You must be drunk.”

“No way! I never get drunk!”

Despite attempts to calm him down, the man stubbornly continued calling over servants. People were relieved the crown prince was not present to witness the scene.

Aiden noticed David glaring at someone and followed his gaze. Before Aiden could ask, David moved towards Viscount Vitters.

David’s tall and broad figure easily overshadowed the portly lord.

“What? You brought the drinks?”

Already too inebriated to see clearly, Viscount Vitters mistook David for a servant bringing champagne. A nearby noble nudged him, but it was too late. He was a lost cause at this point.

David took a deep breath before speaking.

“This is the Imperial Palace, Your Lordship. Even if His Highness the Crown Prince is not present, we must maintain decorum.”

David perfectly remembered the face of this viscount who had previously mocked Irene. Even so, he had maintained his proper conduct despite his displeasure. As a knight, he couldn’t attack a civilian.

“And who the hell are you?”

“Hmm, as rude now as you were before.”

“W-What?”

“Previously, you insulted our family, and now you dare tarnish the event prepared by His Highness the Crown Prince?”

“What?!”

Viscount Vitters, staggering and lifting his head to look at David, recognized him and muttered with a face full of displeasure.

“A mere baron’s son dares to lecture me?”

“Why should I teach you? You seem like the type who wouldn’t listen anyway…”

“W-What are you saying?”

“Why do you keep asking? Ah, but with such a body, even walking must be difficult for you.”

“What are you talking about…”

“Don’t you remember saying that capturing monsters is as easy as a stroll in the park? Yet look at you, barely able to walk properly with such a feeble body…”

“Stop it!”

Another noble tried to intervene, but David was not one to back down easily.

He vividly remembered the insult Viscount Vitters had given his family at Irene’s coming-of-age ceremony.

As today’s event did not concern his younger sister today, he felt that he could cause a scene. Still though, he remained mindful of his status as a knight—just that he intended to give this viscount one chance.

“Are you related to this person?”

Seeing David’s uncharacteristically cold demeanor, Aiden felt his quiet heart starting to speed up. He had always admired his own older brother’s strong and reliable back. Growing up, Ciel was his world and light. Even now, Ciel was his dependable brother.

Now, Aiden felt a similar admiration for David.

“Lord Vitters is just a bit drunk. He’s not usually like this, so let’s just end it here.”

David scrutinized the face of the intervening nobleman and then let out a small laugh.

“Ah, I remember you. You were the one exchanging words with him that day.”

“Eh?”

He checked the noble’s hands and continued,

“With such hands, you couldn’t even catch a single monster. Have you ever even tried?”

“Well, I’m in the capital! I can’t possibly know such things!”

“How such a person can speak about monster hunting is beyond me…”

“Hey! You’ve been too harsh!”

“Have I?”

“You damn brat!”