Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 174

Chapter 174

Translator: Yonnee

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11. Greed and Reason

After returning from the capital, I dedicated myself to sword training and archery practice, which I had been neglecting. There was nothing better than keeping your body moving to clear a cluttered mind.

Our family has been a lineage of swordsmen for generations, and we have our own traditional style of swordsmanship. Our technique, more offensive than defensive, was sharp and fast. Each time I swung my sword, the air whirred sharply to make way.

I was so engrossed in the sound that I didn’t notice a visitor had arrived. I was drenched in sweat and putting away my sword when I heard applause.

Clap, clap.

“Irene, you’ve been well? It’s impolite to say, but you’re the first lady I’ve seen wield a sword so well.”

Morgan greeted me warmly, appearing after a long time.

“Brother Morgan! When did you arrive?”

“Not too long ago.”

“Did you come with His Lordship?”

“No, I came alone today without my father. I have a favor to ask of you.”

“Me?”

Surprised, I listened as he began,

“Actually, I found someone…”

I was reminded that it had been a while since I had seen him. To an Esper, not actively seeking a Guide would mean discovering another Guide.

“Did you meet another Guide?”

“Ah? You knew before I even said it. But then again, there’s nothing you don’t know.”

Morgan mumbled, a bit deflated by my quick understanding.

“Did you receive guiding from them?”

“Yes, right. Elise invited a few people to the manor, and there’s one lady who collapsed. She had a high fever, and after she woke up, I could feel good energy coming from her.”

“It must have happened recently then.”

“Yes, it’s very recent. I felt strange not seeing you, but then I felt better after receiving some unintentional guiding from that lady.”

It seemed their matching rate was high, given that even aura guiding helped him. It was very different from when I guided Morgan.

“I see.”

“That’s why I need your help. This lady doesn’t know she’s a Guide. Her guiding keeps leaking, and you said that’s not good.”

“You’re right. Guiding is the energy a Guide uses, so if it keeps leaking, she’ll lose strength.”

“That’s why I came to ask for a favor.”

Watching Morgan blush as he made his request, I couldn’t help but smile. And a thought occurred to me, almost instinctively.

It seemed as if, for every Esper that emerged, a corresponding Guide manifested to match their numbers.

It was an odd intuition, as if this had been intended all along.

I wasn’t sure what a saintess was supposed to do or how she was supposed to live.

Since returning from the capital, I had been feeling restless.

If I’m truly the saintess, would I be expected to leave my family and enter the temple? Or could I, as Ciel suggested, renounce the role of saintess?

I longed for normal happiness, unlike my past, but the possibility of that being unattainable, even for a brief moment, made me resent the Goddess a little.

But now, a different thought crossed my mind.

I might not know what a saintess should do, but I wished not only for my happiness but also for the happiness of those around me.

I smiled warmly at Morgan, who was standing awkwardly, and then returned my practice sword to its place before speaking to him.

“I wish for your happiness, Brother Morgan.”

“…Huh? Oh, yes. Thank you. I wish the same for you.”

“Yes, I’m already happy, you know?”

“Then that’s good.”

“Where should I meet her?”

His face brightened as he quickly responded.

“I’ve brought her to the Closch domain. I thought it would be rude to bring her directly to the manor, so I asked her to wait in the carriage.”

“Then, I’ll get ready and meet her soon. Just wait a bit longer.”

“Yes, of course.”

I ascended the stairs with determined steps, feeling focused now that I had a purpose. My haphazard thoughts vanished.

Before Mary arrived, I quickly changed out of my training clothes. Shedding the uncomfortable attire seemed to clear my mind too.

Yes, now I think I understand why I’m here, and why Ciel returned.

In the Stern Empire, only Ciel and I were knowledgeable about Espers and Guides.

After getting ready, I went down to greet Morgan and the new Guide. She was looking shyly at Morgan.

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Thank you for agreeing so readily to this sudden request.”

“No, it was sudden, but I’m just glad Brother Morgan was there for you.”

Morgan mumbled as if reminiscing about that day.

“It’s strange, really. I was supposed to go to the Yuria Kingdom with Father that day… but we postponed the departure because the carriage wheel broke. And we checked the wheel every day.”

“But if you hadn’t been there, Lord Allen, I would have been really scared.”

“Maybe this is what they call fate.”

Their interaction clearly indicated a budding romance, so I didn’t hesitate to lead them to the drawing room. It seemed right to teach her about guiding and let them be on their way.

“Please, this way.”

“Yes.”

“Ah, yes.”

I smiled, watching the hesitant couple follow me.