Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 235

Chapter 235

Translator: Yonnee

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“Well then, Your Highness the Crown Prince, we shall take our leave now.”

“…Ah, I didn’t want to say this.”

The crown prince continued, not hiding his discomfort as if he had been holding it back.

“It’s because you keep acting as if you own the world, Duke, igniting my worst sentiments.”

“Haha, Your Highness will soon own the world, after all.”

“Hmm, fine. Duke, actually, there’s something urgent I need to discuss with you, so come with me to my office for a moment.”

“…Must it be done right now?”

“Yes, it seems the meal today didn’t sit well with me either. My stomach feels terribly unwell like His Majesty, so follow me. Quickly.”

“No… If you’re feeling unwell, shouldn’t you call for a physician?”

“Enough! Come immediately! My chief steward will escort the Lady!”

“No, Your Highness. Just a moment…”

I covered my mouth with my hand, unable to contain my laughter at the sight of the two. It was just too funny and ridiculous.

Ciel was dragged away, and I leisurely toured the palace before returning to the ducal residence.

By the time I returned, a messenger from the emperor had already visited, leaving behind a letter. Upon reading the letter, my father became rigid with shock, and so did my mother.

My brother later picked up the fallen letter, mumbling complaints before he too stiffened.

Leaving the three of them frozen like statues, I read the contents of the letter.

“In recognition of the long-standing service to the empire’s outskirts suitable for a Margrave, the Closch Barony is hereby elevated to a Marquisate, effective today…”

As I read on, I too became as frozen as my family. That’s when Aiden entered the room. It was odd seeing someone usually so composed in such a state, and we all looked at him as he exclaimed, holding the letter.

“W-What about my older brother?”

“He’s still at the palace…”

“Lady! His Majesty the Emperor has bestowed the title of Archduke! W-What do we do?”

Thinking of the tremendous act the Emperor had committed in that short time, I revisited Ciel’s words.

‘The imperial family does not understand the discomforts of the nobility’—that phrase.

* * *

The rumor that the Emperor had bestowed these titles quickly spread. Our family, intending to return to the Closch domain, was held back by a flood of invitations, and the emperor had driven the final nail in.

“Rin, another letter from the palace.”

My mother, who would have been overwhelmed by such a letter under different circumstances, handed it to me with a fearful expression. I took the letter from her.

Breaking the emperor’s seal and opening the envelope, I found an invitation to a victory celebration.

“Mom, the palace is holding a victory celebration. It seems they’re inviting Espers and Guides who assisted at that time, and our families as well. Also…”

I hesitated before reading the last part.

“They’re going to hold a ceremony for the succession of titles for our family and the Leopardt family…”

It was a very formal celebration. We couldn’t possibly refuse.

“…This isn’t the time, Rin.”

Hearing my words, my mother suddenly became frantic.

“We didn’t bring any dresses for the celebration, what shall we do?”

It was inevitable, considering my family had packed only the bare minimum to visit me. Who could have anticipated such developments at that time?

Worried, I got up to help my mother when Rouman, the butler of the ducal residence, arrived.

“Excuse me, Marchioness and Your Ladyship.”

The changed titles felt incredibly awkward. From a barony to a marquisate all of a sudden…

“Yes, may I ask what it is?”

“Lady, there is no need to be so formal. Please do speak comfortably.”

Rouman, who had always been polite, seemed even more so, perhaps having heard about Ciel’s proposal.

“Then, what’s the matter?”

Responding to my question, Rouman brightened up and answered,

“His Highness the Archduke thought you might need it, so he called for the designer from the Irene Boutique, whom he had summoned before. They should be arriving shortly, which is why I came to inform you.”

“…Ciel did?”

“Yes, not just for Your Ladyship but also for the Marquis, the Marchioness, and the Young Marquis. He left instructions for everyone to get fitted before entering the palace.”

“He went to the palace again this morning?”

“…Yes.”

Ciel must have really gotten on the wrong side of not just the crown prince but the emperor as well, given his attitude.

At the time, it wasn’t so apparent, but it seemed the imperial family held grudges more than I thought. It would be wise to be cautious.