Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 234

Chapter 234

Translator: Yonnee

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“Is it because I’m not an Esper, that’s why I don’t understand?”

When the Emperor asked his son, the crown prince, while calmly cutting his food, answered.

“To be honest, if it were me, I would have done the same as Ciel, so I have no comment.”

“It’s not because I’m an Esper. Do not insult actions that come from the heart.”

At Ciel’s words, the crown prince’s expression changed to resemble the emperor’s.

We finished our meal amidst a strange atmosphere. The emperor brought up the main reason for inviting us while eating the dessert of cake and fruit.

“I’m glad to have delayed the main topic. I’ve heard through the Crown Prince about the Duke and Lady’s merits.”

“It was our duty.”

“Yes, I feel the same way.”

“Haha, the future of our empire is bright with such reliable young people.”

“I think so too, Your Majesty.”

“Yes, the Crown Prince especially should become closer to you. After all, I’m already the setting sun, aren’t I?”

“Your Majesty.”

The chief steward, standing by, called out, and the emperor responded with a hearty laugh.

“Haven’t you been nagging at me to retire and live with my grandchildren?”

“Please refrain from such words. The Stern Empire stands firm with Your Majesty the Emperor.”

“The Crown Prince is here, so it’s alright.”

The crown prince widened his eyes in surprise at the emperor’s words but soon regained his composure.

“Therefore, I want to award you both, Duke and Lady. The reason I called you separately is that I wanted to ask you directly what award you would like.”

I was surprised by the emperor’s words. This time, I couldn’t manage my expression. But I had something to say.

“Please bestow the award on the Duke, Your Majesty, rather than me.”

“Oh? Why do you think so? I heard from the Crown Prince that your efforts were significant.”

“Even so, what I’ve done could not be more than what the Duke has gone through, as he was willing to sacrifice himself for this world. And I haven’t done anything directly. I merely provided guiding.”

“Rin, that’s the most important thing. Even now, don’t you understand?”

Ciel spoke with a hint of frustration, holding my hand tightly. As I looked at him, he continued.

“The existence of an Esper is imperfect. That’s why an Esper’s abilities can be harmful. If you weren’t here, I might have caused great damage to the empire and disappeared completely, Rin.”

“The Duke is right, Your Majesty.”

The Crown Prince joined in, and then the Emperor asked me.

“These two are saying this. And apart from that, I also wish to reward you for your dedication to the empire, Lady. Do you have anything you wish for?”

After a moment of conflict, I expressed a thought I had harbored for a long time.

“I would like for an institution to be established for newly manifested Espers and Guides. The Espers I have encountered over time have had to endure long periods of suffering. They were anxious, considering it a curse. Guides, too, were panicked and worried about the sudden fevers that occurred. I wish Your Majesty would help ease their anxiety.”

“Ho… What a commendable child.”

The emperor leaned towards me with a more imposing expression than when I first saw him. Ciel looked uncomfortably at the emperor, who rested his elbows on the table and brought his face closer.

“That is something I naturally should do. Now, tell me the reward you desire.”

Asking to this extent, there was only one reward that came to mind.

“…Then please bestow it upon my family.”

“Your family?”

To the puzzled Emperor, I added,

“What I grew up seeing was the strength of my family.”

“……”

“My parents, who never neglected their subjects even when our family’s finances were tough, and my brother, who took responsibility for the domain alongside my parents as the household’s successor. I learned everything from my family. So, if I stand out and receive a reward for this matter, it’s all thanks to my family.”

At the end of my words, the emperor burst into hearty laughter.

“Haha! What a pity. Such a pity. It pains me greatly out of regret. I shall take my leave now.”

After persistently questioning, the emperor suddenly rose from his seat and gracefully exited with the chief steward.

I looked at Ciel with a puzzled expression. He had been watching me all along, and our gazes met immediately.

“…Why are you looking at me like that?”

His eyes were strangely proud, as if a parent watching their child who had done something commendable. I sneakily pinched his side, avoiding the crown prince’s notice, but he didn’t flinch.

Instead, he smiled even wider and wrapped his arm around my shoulders.