Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 159

Chapter 159

Translator: Yonnee

—

Smack—

With a sound reminiscent of a slap, Viscount Vitters’s body flinched. David looked down at him with icy eyes and issued a warning.

“You have just attacked a member of the Closch Guard. As the Lieutenant of the Guard, I officially challenge you to a duel.”

“It wasn’t a real hit, so it’s invalid.”

Another noble stepped forward, trying to protect Viscount Vitters. David contemplated his next move, but then Aiden, who had been reading the noble’s thoughts, stepped in.

‘This drunkard. I knew he’d cause trouble someday. I wouldn’t have to endure this embarrassment if we weren’t tied up in business! How can this presumptuous Baron’s son be put in his place?’

Unaware of Aiden’s scrutiny, the nobleman loudly agreed.

“A soldier of the Guard is challenging a civilian now? This is an abuse of power! Aren’t you supposed to protect us nobles as well? Instead of recklessly challenging someone to a duel!”

The noble’s words stirred murmurs among the crowd. The capital’s nobles often felt superior to their provincial counterparts.

Aiden stood in front of David, lifting his chin proudly and speaking pridefully to the noble.

“How dare you attack a guest personally invited to stay in the palace by His Highness the Crown Prince?”

Aiden’s assertive presence was a stark contrast to his usual demeanor of keeping to the background. The nobles who had ignored him earlier now exchanged puzzled looks.

David was impressed by the sharp edge of the usually gentle young lord.

Viscount Vitters, flustered, tried to throw another weak punch at Aiden. As David moved to intercept, Arthur swiftly grabbed the viscount’s wrist.

Crack.

“Aargh!”

A dull sound accompanied Viscount Vitter’s cry of pain. Arthur spoke nonchalantly.

“Ah. Thought I was capturing a monster, so I gripped too hard. My apologies. Such a mistake.”

Despite his insincere apology, the crowd hesitated to intervene. They had only heard of Arthur’s prowess in battling real monsters—confronting him would not be easy.

Aiden struggled to contain his smile and cleared his throat.

“Don’t worry, Baron. Everyone here saw clearly. You were just stopping the Viscount from attacking me.”

Aiden heard the collective mental outcry of the nobles and had to cover his mouth to hide his grin.

* * *

As soon as I left the lounge, Ciel appeared, his feet barely touching the ground. It seemed he had been watching earlier too.

“Irene.”

“That pouch looked suspicious, didn’t it?”

The pouch seemed ordinary but felt out of place.

Apart from that, Seo-yoon’s reaction was telling.

Lost in thought, I suddenly felt my wrist being grabbed.

“Why are you so reckless?”

“Reckless?”

“You just stood there when that woman tried to hit you! You could have easily dodged.”

I wondered why he looked so pained, even though I hadn’t been hit.

I asked with a puzzled expression.

“I don’t see why getting slapped is such a big deal. Shouldn’t our priority be finding Seo-yoon’s phone? If it’s really causing these monster waves… it could happen again.”

“But I already told you I would handle it!”

When Ciel raised his voice in agitation, I spoke softly in response.

“So, when exactly?”

“Why are you in such a hurry? It’s not something that needs immediate attention.”

“Why not? You don’t live on the outskirts, so you wouldn’t understand. People living there are constantly in fear of monsters, hoping each day passes safely. Don’t you know my parents are the reason why we haven’t suffered any harm?”

Ciel shut his mouth at my words. His shaking eyes looked almost pitiful, but his attitude annoyed me.

“You still don’t get it. When did I ever ask you to protect me? This is ridiculous.”

I scowled, shaking off his hand from me and continued.

“It’s always been me who’s protected myself, be it the past or the present. Maybe except for my family.”

Leaving Ciel standing rigidly, I returned to the banquet hall. There, I couldn’t help but witness the chaos. Seeing the rotund man, whom I remembered, being pushed around by my father, I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

Our family’s motto came to mind.

Never forget grace given unto you. Likewise, never forget grudges, even in death.

It was impossible that my father and David didn’t remember the man I, too, remembered.