Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 233

Chapter 233

Translator: Yonnee

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“Unfortunately, the Empress is not feeling well today. She was also curious about you all, it’s a shame indeed.”

“That’s right, Father. She was so curious about Lady Closch, too…”

“That’s true. She was wondering what kind of Imperial Crown Princess she would be.”

At the Emperor’s words, the Crown Prince was startled, and Ciel’s expression instantly hardened. He tightly grasped my hand he was escorting and spoke firmly to the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, please inform Her Majesty the Empress that Lady Closch already has a fiancé.”

“What? She has a fiancé? Who?”

The place we moved to while speaking was the epitome of splendor. It was the dining room, where only those invited by the imperial family could enter, and it naturally caught my attention. Ciel, grinding his teeth, answered.

“Irene will be the next Duchess, Your Majesty.”

His response was so disrespectful that it seemed he might be scolded by the emperor.

Apart from that, I couldn’t deny feeling pleased. I didn’t want to compare with the past, but at times like this, comparison was inevitable. Unlike the past, where everything was kept hidden, now we could be honest about our relationship…

I felt the corners of my mouth slightly going up, then caught the Crown Prince’s eye. He had a complex expression, similar to the last time I saw him, but he forced a smile upon meeting my gaze.

“…Duchess?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. So, please retract the matter regarding the Crown Princess.”

“Ha, how audacious.”

There was an edge to his laughter. Feeling a mix of respect and the need to support Ciel, I was about to speak up, but the emperor was faster.

“Ah, truly quick. I knew this would happen. Ever since you were young, you were like this. Acting like a bear but is as quick as a wolf at crucial moments, Duke.”

The emperor then called for his chief steward.

“Bring some cool water. I’ve stirred up unnecessary trouble, and now my stomach feels heavy. What are you doing, standing there? Sit down.”

The emperor, already seated, spoke to Ciel and me, and the crown prince, who were still standing. The crown prince sat down first, then Ciel and I sat together.

As the chief steward quickly brought the cool water, the emperor drank without pause. I felt a bit embarrassed by his behavior, but Ciel holding my hand helped me maintain my composure.

Ciel spoke to the emperor with a blunt expression, as he would in front of the crown prince.

“Honestly, you didn’t know much about Irene, did you?”

“…You cunning brat. Did you think I wouldn’t find out what you’ve been hiding?”

“Now that you know, it’s pointless.”

“Always like this, you punk.”

The emperor seemed to lose his overbearing demeanor, like this place was no different from a private sitting for the imperial family alone. Feeling a bit awkward, I stared blankly until the crown prince coughed lightly.

“Father, isn’t it too personal how you’re treating the Duke in front of Lady Closch?”

“Well, didn’t that brat say she’s going to be the Duchess anyway?”

“But still…”

“It’ll soon be like she’s part of our family, so I prefer to be comfortable. Is that alright with you?”

The emperor, who was addressing the crown prince, suddenly asked me. His gaze was directly on me, so I nodded in response almost reflexively.

“Yes.”

It felt strange that the emperor was asking for my permission. Wasn’t the answer already decided?

“See? If the lady agrees, why are you objecting? No, wait. Doesn’t saying she’ll become the Duchess mean she’ll be my niece-in-law soon?”

Surprised by the emperor’s words, I widened my eyes and looked at Ciel. I was unaware that the blood of the imperial family flowed in the ducal family as well.

He responded to the Emperor with an indifferent expression.

“Strictly speaking, wouldn’t she be the niece-in-law of a cousin on the mother’s side?”

“Then she is still my niece-in-law, isn’t she?”

“I mean to say, you’re more distant than that. Please do not call her niece-in-law so familiarly.”

“You cunning little…”

“Your Majesty, shall we bring in the food?”

As if accustomed to the scene, the chief steward nonchalantly asked the emperor.

“Don’t ask about every little thing, just bring it.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

As if on cue, the chief steward waved for the others to serve the food. Then, Ciel started to take care of me diligently.

“Shall I ask for water with ice?”

“…Yes.”

Old habits die hard, it seems.

“Ah, my Rin prefers meat over fish… Is today’s main dish only fish?”

“No, Your Grace. There is also lamb prepared separately.”

“Then bring that first.”

“Yes.”

Dining with the emperor and the crown prince, I felt cautious, but Ciel seemed unconcerned. The emperor, on the other hand, watched Ciel’s actions with an incredulous look.