Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 167

Chapter 167

Translator: Yonnee

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As Ciel was about to retire for the night, he sensed someone watching—he unleashed his power. A fierce wind blew through the room, causing the furniture to rattle noisily.

At that moment, a paladin appeared smoothly.

“Your Grace.”

“A paladin should be guarding the temple, yet why are you here in the Imperial Palace? Has someone come to see me?”

“I have come only to deliver a message from His Holiness the High Priest.”

“Sneaking in like this, you must have climbed over the walls of the palace. How bold.”

“I apologize for that. But please understand, I am a paladin who obeys the High Priest, not the Emperor’s orders.”

Ciel retracted his power and spoke.

“I’ll overlook it this time, but there won’t be a next time. Speak your piece and leave.”

“Yes, sir. The High Priest instructed me to tell you to send that woman back to her homeland immediately.”

“…That woman?”

“Yes. That is all he said.”

As Ciel pondered, the paladin vanished as suddenly as he had appeared. Ciel frowned uncomfortably, chewing over the High Priest’s words. He understood who the woman in question was, but the suddenness of the message raised suspicions.

“Is he planning to do something to Irene…?”

If so, he was prepared to confront the High Priest head-on. While Ciel believed in the Goddess, he had no patience for those who served them.

However, he couldn’t shake off a nagging unease about disregarding the High Priest’s words. Thus, he sought out Arthur.

Startled by Ciel’s late visit, Arthur greeted him with surprise.

“What brings you here at this hour?”

“Can you pack and leave immediately?”

Ciel had a vague trust that Arthur, given his straightforward nature, would understand.

“Pardon?”

“I’ll explain everything to His Highness the Crown Prince. Don’t worry, just go ahead and leave.”

“…I trust that you have a reason for this, Your Grace.”

“Yes.”

“We’ll get ready right away.”

Arthur complied with Ciel’s request and moved immediately.

“Honey, it’s sudden, but we need to prepare to return home.”

Helen, who had been lying in bed, got up without any complaint.

“Should I wake the children?”

“No, I’ll go check on them.”

“Alright, I’ll get ready too.”

Adept at packing even without attendants, Helen began to prepare. Arthur quickly changed and joined her.

Their efficient coordination, without needing to speak, made Ciel understand why Irene had wished for a partner who was like her father.

He, too, harbored a similar desire—to grow old with Irene like the baron and baroness.

“Would you accompany my husband, Your Grace?”

“Of course.”

“He’s getting older and can’t memorize new paths as quickly.”

“Don’t worry about that.”

“Thank you.”

Ciel gazed long at Helen, who showed him a trusting smile. A warm feeling seemed to bloom in his chest.

Whether it was a longing for the affection of his parents who died early, he wasn’t sure, but he believed it carried a similar hue.

“You’re staring at another man’s wife for too long.”

“…Ahem, my apologies.”

“Right, be more careful next time,” Arthur teased.

“…Yes, sir.”

“Let’s go, then.”

“Yes.”

Suppressing a smile, Ciel stood before the baron. The more he knew him, the more charming he found the man.

As they finished packing, Ciel accompanied them outside. And before they boarded the carriage, Ciel called for Irene.

“Irene.”

Seeing her sleepy face quickened his heartbeat. Each time he witnessed her new behaviors and expressions, which he had never seen in the past, he felt as if he was falling in love anew. He was happy to see her inner changes that were more profound than her altered appearance.

He gestured to her again. Irene, still half-asleep, approached him as he called. Then, he whispered in her ear.

“It was the High Priest who ordered for your return home. I don’t know the specifics, but for now, I’ve decided to trust him. Do you feel the same?”

Despite his urgency, he valued her opinion highly, determined not to act unilaterally like in the past.

“…The High Priest?”

“Yes.”

As Irene looked puzzled, Ciel sensed it was time to reveal the truth.