Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 185

Chapter 185

Translator: Yonnee

—

“I apologize for leaving the palace abruptly without a word. I’m also sorry for coming in so suddenly.”

“That’s fine. Normally, it wouldn’t be easy to see me. But since I had something to ask you as well, let’s overlook this for now. What urgent matter brings you here?”

Jace’s question prompted Irene to share the thoughts she had organized on her way.

“I came to discuss an important matter with you, Your Highness.”

“Go on, speak.”

“I request the establishment of an Esper Union and a Guide Union for the protection of all Espers and Guides in the Empire.”

“…All the Espers in the Empire?”

“Yes, like the Young Duke and Lady Clausent here, who didn’t know they were Espers. We must protect all potential Espers, including those unaware of their status.”

“…What exactly do you mean?”

Jace reacted a beat late to her shocking words. He had only just learned of other Espers’ existence, but now she’s saying there were even more? And Aiden was an Esper too?

Irene added some more things about the Guides.

“I also believe we need to find and protect other Guides apart from myself. Their presence is vital to prevent Espers from succumbing to unjustified deaths.”

* * *

I continued speaking, staring into the crown prince’s widened eyes.

“Guiding from a single person is not enough. I believe there are as many Guides as there are Espers that have emerged so far. However, unlike Espers, their abilities are not outwardly visible, making them harder to find. That’s why I’ve come to request your assistance.”

After finishing, I looked at the crown prince. He was so startled that he couldn’t respond.

That’s when Ciel, who had been silently listening, stepped forward.

“Have you found more Guides?”

He quickly grasped the hidden meaning in my words. It seemed he was unaware of the lady brought by Morgan, apart from Rose.

“…Ha, what an unbelievable story. If only I had been forewarned, Duke, I wouldn’t be so surprised,” Jace remarked, looking reproachfully at Ciel who had been silent all this while.

I hurriedly interjected.

“I apologize. I should have spoken sooner as well, but I was too confused. I thought the Saintess was supposed to be the only Guide, but three, including myself, have emerged. I couldn’t decide what to do about it easily. The Duke was only fulfilling my request. My apologies, Your Highness.”

“…I feel almost betrayed.”

“My deepest apologies.”

“To report such an important matter only now! Does the Imperial Family appear so insignificant to you!”

Jace exploded with the anger he had been holding back. Yet, ironically, he did not vent his anger at me. In Korea, I often saw Espers mistreating Guides.

However, the empire’s Espers, unlike those in Korea, seemed particularly weaker towards Guides, perhaps due to their lack of immunity or an instinctual discernment.

I couldn’t fully understand the instincts of Espers, but since Guides were akin to their lifelines, their weakness toward us was inevitable.

So, I thought it was right for me to step forward now. It might be seen as a weak move, but I hoped that Ciel wouldn’t bear the brunt of unnecessary anger. Considering he had kept my identity as a Guide a secret until now, I believed it to be only fair.

“Your Highness.”

At my words, Jace slowly turned his head, facing me with blue eyes of a lighter hue than Ciel’s.

“I sincerely apologize for my disloyalty.”

“…Lady Closch.”

“But we, too, were confused. We wondered whether our existence was even permissible, given the Saintess’s presence.”

Hearing this, Jace groaned and pressed his forehead.

“However, the reason I sought you out today is because I believe there is no one but Your Highness to lead us. Please help ensure that Espers like you do not lose their lives to unnecessary suffering.”

“…Ha, that’s right. Your words hold truth, Lady Closch. There’s nothing to be solved by just getting angry at the moment. However.”

Jace continued, pointing at Ciel.

“I will not simply overlook your disloyalty. Understood, Duke?”

“I will accept whatever comes.”

Ciel responded calmly. Observing him, the crown prince called out for the chief attendant who was waiting outside. Upon his arrival, Jace immediately ordered.

“Bring the Captain of the Imperial Guard—now.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“And regarding this matter, the Duke must take the forefront. Be prepared to receive punishment after everything’s resolved.”