Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 232

Chapter 232

Translator: Yonnee

—

* * *

It wasn’t Ciel or Aiden who held me back from returning to the Closch domain with my family after resting for about two days at the ducal residence.

It was the emperor’s envoy who came to the duke’s house, delivering the emperor’s message.

Everyone at the ducal manor showed respect towards the envoy.

“Irene de Closch and Duke Ciel de Leopardt are commanded to prepare and enter the palace immediately.”

The envoy formally handed the letter to Ciel. After quickly reviewing the letter, he looked at me. What use was my opinion in the face of the emperor’s command?

I almost burst into laughter at his actions but managed to suppress it and nodded my head. After dressing appropriately for the occasion, I joined Ciel in the carriage.

He was wearing his military uniform, which he always wore when entering the palace, and it looked incredibly sexy on him. He smiled at me gently when he saw me looking at him with playful eyes.

It’s fascinating how his gaze, usually so cold towards others, melts away when it meets mine, making me feel so great.

Since the Leopardt ducal residence wasn’t far from the imperial palace, we arrived quickly.

Ciel stepped out of the carriage first and offered me his hand. I took his large, firm hand and alighted, where the crown prince of the empire greeted us.

“Did you rest well?”

His words, ringing true of his consideration for us, made me realize that it truly was the emperor who had called us today.

“Yes, thank you for your concern, Your Highness.”

Unlike my polite response, Ciel did not hide his blunt tone.

“Is a mere two days supposed to be enough rest?”

“Oh, how has the duke become so childish? You weren’t like this before…”

“Perhaps it’s time you accepted the change. Please do not dwell on who I was in the past.”

It seemed he was referring to the Ciel before his regression. To the crown prince, it might seem like a change that happened in just a few days, but in reality, there was a difference of over ten years.

“Ha… Alright, I understand. Let’s go. Father has been waiting since this morning.”

“Understood.”

Realizing the crown prince had come out to meet us personally was surprising. It would have been significant even if the chief steward had come, but the presence of the crown prince himself was astounding.

We followed the crown prince to where we were to meet the emperor. Ciel might have been here often, but it was my first time looking up at the doors of the audience chamber.

The large doors were beautifully adorned with dazzling jewels and intricate craftsmanship.

“Father, the Duke and Lady Closch have arrived.”

At the crown prince’s words, the doors opened wide.

Inside, the emperor approached us, seemingly unable to wait any longer. We had no choice but to perform our greetings from an awkward distance.

“We greet the Sun of the Empire.”

“We pay our respects to Your Imperial Majesty.”

The emperor ignored the formalities and came straight to us, beaming at me.

“Ah! You are the daughter of the Closch family!”

“…Father, why have you come this way?”

“I can’t wait any longer. Didn’t I tell you, Crown Prince, to just bear with it for a day? And yet, only now do I get to see the faces of my loyal subjects…”

“It’s not a reward to call them immediately after they’ve been through so much, Father.”

“I understand, I understand. Yes, you’ve made the monster waves disappear, so of course, you’re exhausted.”

Then, the emperor’s chief steward approached and spoke.

“Your Majesty, preparations for the luncheon are complete.”

“Good, you’ve timed it perfectly.”

Surprised by the mention of lunch, I looked at Ciel. He seemed to have anticipated this and sighed.

“It would have been courteous to inform us in advance, Your Majesty.”

“Tsk, you’re as uptight as ever, Duke. Have you never considered how nice it would be to have a meal together now that you’re here?”

“…Yes, understood.”

Remembering what Ciel once said to the crown prince, it seemed true that the members of the imperial family couldn’t understand the discomforts of the nobles below them. Indeed, they seemed to be oblivious in that regard.