Refusing Your Ex-Husband's Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 168
Chapter 168
Translator: Yonnee
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“The High Priest once asked me to find the true Saintess.”
“…The true Saintess?”
“Yes. And he seems to be aware of my return to the past.”
“…Through the Goddess’s words?”
“Well, yes, but it’s a bit different. Nevertheless, his intention to follow the Goddess’s will remains unchanged.”
Irene’s confusion deepened.
In the novel, Seo-yoon definitely had the role of ‘saintess’, but could it have been false? Even if the novel had already undoubtedly changed, it continued to influence Irene’s thoughts, making comparisons unavoidable.
Ciel hesitated briefly before answering softly.
“There’s no concrete evidence, but…”
He was conflicted even as he spoke.
Did he truly believe Irene was the real saintess?
Although he was almost certain, he was reluctant to accept it. He had hoped for a normal life this time, and the possibility that it might not happen troubled him.
“I think you might be the true Saintess.”
Irene’s eyes widened in shock at his measured words. Seeing just how surprised she was, it caused Ciel to become somewhat anxious.
He gently held her shoulder. He wanted to close her eyes and shower her face with gentle kisses, but instead, he clenched his fists.
Irene’s sleepiness vanished completely, but she found it hard to believe his words. To her disbelief, Ciel added,
“That’s why I wanted to ask you something.”
Her curious green eyes looked up at him. He asked his most pressing question.
“Nothing’s certain yet, but… if, just if… you really are the Saintess… Would you choose to take up the role?”
Upon hearing his words, Irene felt as if her mind was drifting away. The idea of becoming a saintess was unimaginable. She had only ever wanted a simple and smooth life in this existence.
Despite living a life already overflowing with happiness, she held onto that wish, a dream she had harbored right before her death in the past.
Ciel gently embraced her, lost in thought. He whispered her name as softly as a feather, while the content of his words carried the chill of a midwinter breeze.
“Irene, you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to. I’ll take care of anyone who tries to stand in your way.”
“…Ciel.”
“There were so many things I couldn’t do for you in the past. This time, I plan to do them all. But I will do so only if you want it.”
“……”
“If it is what you wish, I’ll make it all come true. Anything and everything. Just for you.”
* * *
Our family hurried through the night in the carriage provided by Ciel, and we used the same portal to return home quickly.
As we arrived, the red sun was slowly awakening.
“Oh, I’m so tired,” Dad yawned widely.
“Even if it’s just us, you shouldn’t yawn so widely,” Mom said, maintaining her grace despite her tired face.
“We haven’t reached our room yet.”
The butler, who realized we had returned at dawn, hurried out to us.
“Master, Madam!”
“No need to rush like that. I think we need some sleep.”
“Could you check on the children’s beds?”
“Yes, of course.”
“We’ll go up first then.”
“Alright, get some rest.”
“Yes…”
I replied and headed to my room. With Mary’s help, I changed into my nightgown and entered the bedroom.
I had dozed off in the carriage, but I was just as tired. However, the thoughts filling my mind kept me from sleeping.
‘Me, the real saintess? Then, is Seo-yoon a fake?’
This explained why I manifested as a Guide in this world. But if I had been the saintess from the beginning, wouldn’t that mean the monster waves shouldn’t have happened?
‘Becoming a saintess, really?’
As a member of a hierarchical and devout empire, I truly couldn’t comprehend it. The systems here were so unlike what was in place in Korea.
‘It seemed like he had a hard time adapting to Korea, but maybe not so much.’
Ciel thought like a modern person, living here in his own way. And considering how much he must have struggled to adapt to modern society in the past, I could understand him. If I could go back in time for a moment, I’d like to give him a big hug.
I thought of both the past and present Ciel, and eventually drifted off to sleep.
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