Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 218

Chapter 218

Translator: Yonnee

—

I tied my hair up firmly and slung my bow over my shoulder, then said to mom,

“I love you, Mom.”

“…What are you planning to do? What can you do there!”

“Right now, he’s fighting alone.”

“There are others who can go. There’s the imperial knights and—”

I grabbed mom’s hand, which was flustered as she rambled in panic. The bare touch, unlike through gloves, felt incredibly warm.

“I am his Guide, Mom.”

Since a long time ago…

I have always been Ciel’s dedicated Guide.

And that’s why…

“I have to be by his side. That’s how it is between an Esper and a Guide.”

Even if it weren’t for that, I would have wanted to be by his side, but I wanted to define our next relationship together with Ciel.

“There’s something I really want to hear from him.”

“But, dear.”

Mom tried to stop me. Knowing her heart, I spoke sincerely.

“Mom, please trust my decision now.”

“…Rin.”

“Do you know how much love I grew up with? Someone like me wouldn’t harbor foolish thoughts. I will live happily until we both have white hair, just like you and dad.”

Saying it out loud made my vague dreams seem more vivid. I spoke both a promise and hope.

“I need to go there to be happy.”

“……”

Mom didn’t respond to my words. She just looked at me with pride and worry. Then, Dad, who had been silently watching, drew his sword.

Whoosh—

The sharp blade shimmered as if cutting through the moonlight.

“Right now, someone outside is fighting to protect this place. It’s not our way to abandon those who fight for justice. That’s the tenth creed of our family. Yes, indeed.”

At Dad’s words, David also raised his sword.

“Father is right. It’s our duty as guards to eradicate the monsters threatening our Empire. What does it matter if this isn’t Closch territory?”

“I-I will go too!”

Luke followed David, drawing his sword. Then Morgan, Lacie, and the surrounding holy knights all drew their weapons. Aiden, with a face full of worry and fear, quietly approached and asked,

“Lady… is the person outside…”

“Yes, Young Duke, your brother has always been like that.”

Even back in Korea, he never judged people based on wealth or power. He was a man who simply stated that an Esper’s duty was to save everyone. And he would do the same this time.

I firmly conveyed this to the high priest, who was waiting for my decision. I was different from a few hours ago when I couldn’t decide on my own.

“High Priest, I have decided not to go to that room.”

“…Saintess.”

“No, I am not a saintess.”

“But…”

“I want to live an ordinary life. This is my decision.”

“……”

At my firm words, the high priest did not say anything more. Instead, he looked intently at me, then extended his hands.

“Please allow me to pray for you.”

I extended my hand with the rose pattern engraved on it to him. The high priest, with eyes full of reverence, looked at the pattern, then placed his forehead on the back of my hand and prayed.

“O Astera, please protect your child and ensure her safety.”

With the high priest’s prayer, a cool sensation spread from my hand. I gripped my bow firmly with that hand.

My family and I, along with the other Espers and Guides, the crown prince, and his knights, all stepped outside the walls together.

As we passed through the gate, a wave of heat hit us, and an incredible scene unfolded. Flames surged like a sea of fire, and strange voices continuously emanated from within. One by one, the monsters were vanishing.

“…Is this the Duke’s power?”

The crown prince’s murmur made me anxious. I wanted to break through this sea of flames quickly. Using his powers to this extent, he might be on the verge of rampage already.

As I stepped forward on instinct, my father caught my shoulder.

“My daughter, trust your father.”

Ah, that’s right. Unlike the past, I am not alone.

I didn’t need to rush into danger.

I looked at the faces of those standing around me. David, Aiden, Lacie, Morgan, Luke, and the other Espers were all positioned as if to protect me.