Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 162

Chapter 162

Translator: Yonnee

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“Oh, you’re here.”

“Your Highness!”

“Again? Do you have no respect for me?”

“Why did you take Irene?”

“Why can’t I have a moment with the Lady? Does it always have to be you?”

“It must be uncomfortable for her, suddenly being invited like that.”

Ciel quickly approached and extended his arm. Ah, he must be displeased that I was holding the Crown Prince’s arm. But we were almost at the guest chambers, so there seemed no need for his escort.

I promptly withdrew my hand from the crown prince, but I didn’t place it on Ciel’s either.

“Then, I’ll take my leave.”

“I hope we can have tea together again. Somehow, being with you clears my mind.”

The Crown Prince seemed quite pleased with today’s meeting. I responded politely.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

After curtsying, I straightened up and was about to step forward when my shoe got stuck between the stones.

“Ah!”

I almost fell but thankfully didn’t, thanks to Ciel and the crown prince supporting me.

At that moment, I failed to notice the crown prince’s eyes shaking intensely.

“…Are you alright?”

“Yes, I apologize.”

“Be careful, Irene.”

Ciel pulled me subtly towards him, but the crown prince firmly held onto my other arm.

“Your Highness? Please let go. Irene might feel uncomfortable.”

At Ciel’s request, the crown prince blinked as if coming to his senses and slowly released my arm.

“…Ah, of course.”

He then asked with concern.

“Are you alright?”

“…Yes. I just made one wrong step.”

“Are you sure you’re alright?”

Now standing between me and the crown prince as if blocking him, Ciel asked the same question.

His overprotective attitude was starting to frustrate me, but I answered appropriately because the crown prince was watching.

“Yes. I’m fine.”

“Here, hold my arm tightly.”

Ciel deliberately stood facing the crown prince, extending his arm. The crown prince commented in an incredulous tone.

“Be a bit more moderate, will you?”

“Yes, I shall heed Your Highness’s words. Then, we’ll take our leave now.”

With a blunt tone towards the empire’s crown prince, Ciel then turned to me, frozen in surprise, and spoke so gently—as if he were handling the most delicate thing in the world.

“Should I carry you if you think you’ve hurt your ankle?”

“It’s okay…”

Before I could fully reject the offer, the crown prince also stepped forward.

“Perhaps it’s best to call a doctor.”

“This happened because of Your Highness.”

Instead of reprimanding Ciel for his boldness, the Crown Prince seemed to agree, albeit in an odd way.

“This traditional path has been left as is for too long. It seems it’s time for a change. I’ll order a new path to be laid.”

“Haven’t I always said so? This path is terrible. Frankly, it’s the worst.”

“…I agree, Duke.”

“Then, please send a doctor to Irene’s room. It might be quicker for me to carry her there.”

After finishing his sentence, Ciel effortlessly picked me up. He didn’t even bother to say a proper goodbye to the crown prince and just turned his back, almost as if escaping.

Using his abilities to quickly reach the guest chambers where I was staying, Ciel entered the bedroom and gently placed me on the bed.

“My ankle isn’t sprained.”

“I know.”

“Then why all the fuss? The Crown Prince seemed genuinely worried.”

Based on his recent behavior, I expected him to apologize immediately. However, he just stared at me with smoldering eyes.

Then, in a low voice, he said,

“Irene. Didn’t you want to keep your identity as a Guide hidden?”

“I was careful.”

“Then you shouldn’t have been alone with His Highness.”

“How could I refuse when the Crown Prince personally invited me?”

“He did it personally?”

He raised his eyebrows.

“If he personally proposes marriage, would you accept?”

I felt a surge of anger at his way of twisting my words. He’s always known exactly how to push my buttons.

“Oh, should I? I mean, if a member of the Imperial Family commands to marry, one must comply, right?”

“…What? Are you serious?”

His shocked expression brought no particular satisfaction.

We had often fought in the past, and he always managed to corner me with my own words.

I was filled with a tiresome sentiment. Even though I had forgiven him, I couldn’t pinpoint where these occasional feelings of annoyance stemmed from.

But unlike before, I didn’t hold back my anger.