Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 213

Chapter 213

Translator: Yonnee

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Irene was protecting the civilians along with the increasing number of Espers and Guides.

“It might be good to check other areas too. Let’s divide into teams and send out scouts.”

Upon her suggestion, the Espers immediately sprang into action. The guards on the city walls were amazed at their organized movement, even more efficient than the trained guards.

They knew who was at the center of it all. The guards shared among themselves the name of Irene’s family in admiration.

“Isn’t the Closch family the one guarding the outskirts of the empire?”

“I’ve heard the Closch family has been around since the founding of the empire.”

“Then they’re practically founding contributors, aren’t they?”

“I know one of their members, and despite their small numbers, they are known for their exceptional skills.”

“Hey, who doesn’t know about that?”

Hearing the murmurs, Lacie couldn’t help but lift the corners of her mouth. Hearing Irene being praised felt even better than if she was receiving some for herself.

“Lady Closch, it seems like the strange noises have stopped. Have all the monsters disappeared?”

One of the Espers, known for his exceptional hearing, approached her with this question. Irene looked intently at the new Esper she had met on the way. His attire was too lavish for a commoner but a bit lacking for a noble.

He seemed unusually nervous in front of Irene, behaving as if he already knew her, which aroused more suspicion.

“What is your name?”

What struck her as most odd was that he already knew her surname.

“Ah… My name is Marco.”

Hearing his name, Irene thought of a pale yellow rose, just like the color of his hair. She pondered Marco’s ability, noting something suspicious about him.

An Esper with exceptional hearing and vision…

It wasn’t a spectacular ability, but it was perfect for scouting. Irene asked him again.

“Does that mean you no longer hear monster cries throughout the entire capital?”

“Yes, there were strange voices that were bothering my ears before, but I can no longer hear them. Have they naturally disappeared?”

Her group had killed a fair number of monsters since they arrived, but it wasn’t enough to be considered a monster wave.

Irene glanced into the distance, specifically at the sky.

She was certain that Ciel had intervened to deal with the monsters. Then, had the imperial palace received the news too? And what about Seo-yoon?

Irene was curious but had no way of finding out, which was frustrating. She thought about asking Aiden to locate Ciel, but Aiden seemed to be of a lower rank than him. He had mentioned before that he couldn’t hear his older brother’s thoughts.

With some frustration weighing heavily within her, she surveyed her surroundings. She looked at the citizens huddled near the city walls, then noticed the setting sun.

Staying here for the night seemed impractical, but no clear solution came to mind.

As if reading her thoughts, Aiden approached and spoke first.

“We can take them to our mansion.”

“…Young Duke, can you hear what’s in my mind?”

At my question, Aiden smiled faintly.

“You’re just realizing that now?”

“Really?”

“It’s a joke. So, don’t misunderstand.”

“Ah…”

Without a quantification machine to measure ranks, like those that could be used in Korea, it was hard to assess. Irene had a feeling that her rank wasn’t low.

Then, from afar, the sound of several horses galloping could be heard.

Everyone simultaneously turned towards the sound. The first thing that one would see was a man’s shining golden hair.

“…It’s the Imperial Knights!”

The guards exclaimed. The citizens gathered in front of the walls buzzed with excitement and stood up from the ground.

Looking haggard but hopeful, they believed that since someone from the palace had arrived, everything would soon be resolved.

“Whoa, whoa.”

Jace reined in his horse and looked around. He was appalled by the buildings devastated in his path and blamed himself. He should have led the knights out immediately. He should not have solely waited for Ciel.

But seeing the survivors brought him relief. He looked down at Irene, who stood at the forefront. It seemed that whatever happened, she was always there.