Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 184

Chapter 184

Translator: Yonnee

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Ciel hadn’t kept silent merely to hide his Guide. He did so to protect her, even if it meant defying the crown prince of his country.

Similar words, yet vastly different. Jace felt as if he had gained a significant insight.

Silence hovered in the crown prince’s office. Then, the chief attendant entered. Expecting to be handed his tea, Jace extended his hand, eager to quench his frustration.

But instead of tea, the attendant brought news.

“Your Highness, I apologize for interrupting, but a noble has requested permission to enter the palace.”

“…Do I need to be bothered with every single report?”

Jace’s irritation was slowly mounting. Today, the usually tactful attendant seemed especially aggravating.

Nevertheless, the attendant continued, knowing well that overlooking this matter could lead to a greater uproar.

“The Young Lady of the Closch Barony wishes to have an audience with you, Your Highness. Shall I send her away?”

At that moment, Ciel, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly stood up, and Jace quickly responded.

“Let her in! And you, Duke, wait here!”

“…Your Highness—”

“It’s fortunate. I can’t know everything from your words alone. It’s better to ask the Lady directly.”

“But…”

“No buts. I’ll tell you again. This matter must also be known to His Majesty. It’s better I understand it fully. Got it?”

“……”

Ciel wondered why Irene had come. It was strange enough that she had come to the capital, but why seek an audience with the Crown Prince instead of him?

Anxious, Ciel began to pace the office like a restless puppy, while Jace gulped down his belatedly served iced tea.

Both men expressed their tension in their own ways.

Soon, the attendant announced the lady’s arrival.

“Entering, Young Duke Leopardt, Lady Closch, and Lady Clausent!”

Ciel sensed something the moment he heard Aiden was also entering.

She had come with determination, and with someone he had never heard of before. This caused a knot to form in his stomach.

He had a feeling that this new person was also an Esper.

As Ciel gazed at the door with a frosty look, his expression melted instantly upon seeing Irene.

How long had it been since he last saw her?

His heart pounded rapidly.

“Irene…”

He called out in a longing voice, but Irene didn’t even glance at him once.

His heart seemed to drop at that moment. Was she angry?

His eyes, filled with anxiety, followed her.

“We greet Your Imperial Highness, Crown Prince.”

“We pay our respects to Your Imperial Highness, the Empire’s Small Sun.”

“I am Lacie, the eldest daughter of the Clausent County. I am honored to have been granted an audience with you, Your Highness.”

Aiden, Irene, and Lacie each greeted in turn. Only then did Ciel realize the new person was a woman, but he didn’t let his guard down.

His intuition clearly told him she was an Esper.

It was inevitable, considering how Lacie was sticking close to Irene, as if she would die if they were separated. Ciel noticed this desperate behavior.

“…Clausent, the house that guards the southeastern borders of the empire.”

“It’s an honor that you recognize our house.”

“We are well aware of the families protecting the empire. And always grateful for that.”

“It is our duty, Your Highness.”

“The future of the empire looks very bright.”

Jace couldn’t hide his pleasure. He looked a bit tense as he glanced at Irene, then spoke first to Aiden standing beside her.

“So the Young Duke is here too. I’m glad to see you in good health. You seem to have grown taller too…”

“I apologize for causing you any concern, Your Highness.”

“Yes, I was indeed worried.”

Jace, who had seen Aiden often in childhood and recently at a banquet, greeted him more comfortably.

Finally, as if reaching his last destination, he addressed Irene.

“Were the monsters dealt with properly? It was regrettable to have to send you off so abruptly last time.”