Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 239

RXO has been completely translated on Patreon

Chapter 239

Translator: Yonnee

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After becoming an archduke, Ciel received a middle name that meant ‘valiant warrior’, a distinction that was tantamount to being treated as quasi-royalty.

People turned their heads towards the door to see them, the stars of the banquet. Ladies who usually peeked through their fans unabashedly watched them without bothering to hide their faces.

As they made their entrance, exclamations of admiration filled the air. Ciel and Irene, dressed in deep blue akin to the night sky, entered first. With every movement, diamonds reflected the light like stars stitched into the dark night.

Following them were Aiden and Rose, and then David, with the Marquis and Marchioness Closch entering last. They all received unanimous attention.

“Lieutenant!”

Unable to hide his joy, Luke rushed to greet David.

“It feels new to meet you dressed like this, Luke.”

Behind the warmly welcoming David, Irene peeked out.

“Hello.”

Luke greeted her stiffly, with a tense expression.

“G-Good evening, Your Ladyship!”

As a robust voice filled the banquet hall, the crowd paid even more attention. Irene awkwardly smiled at the loud greeting, causing David to also try to hold back his laughter.

“Rin, it seems he’s still scared of you. He’s more formal with you than with me, and I’m his army lieutenant.”

“…I don’t remember threatening him that severely.”

“It’s not that! I was just… respectfully greeting you out of my genuine feelings.”

Then Ciel interjected with a soft voice.

“Seems like a friend with good instincts.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know, Rin.”

He whispered into Irene’s ear with a voice tinged with laughter.

“When it comes to you, threats usually mean you seriously consider the other person, right? Looks like he caught on to that, this friend.”

“……”

Of course, at that time, she had harbored such intentions. It was natural, wasn’t it, since he hurt her family?

“But you’re too close.”

While saying so, Ciel lightly pushed Luke’s chest with his wind ability.

“Huh?”

Pushed back unwittingly, Luke looked at Ciel with fascination, but Ciel had already turned his back, shielding Irene. The previously restrained Ciel now openly displayed his jealousy.

This celebration, meant for Espers and Guides, was designed to be enjoyed comfortably, without the need for strict adherence to etiquette. Thus, music played throughout the banquet.

Though the dance floor was open for anyone who wished to dance, no one had yet taken the floor. Seeing this, Ciel, recalling what he had long wished to do with Irene, extended his hand.

With the same sweet voice as when he had proposed, he asked her,

“Rin, may I have the honor of having your first dance?”

Eager to dance with him, she placed her hand in his without hesitation.

“Yes, gladly.”

After a brief kiss on her now unscarred back of her hand, Ciel led Irene. As they moved, everyone fell silent, enchanted by the sight of the couple so perfectly matched it was mesmerizing.

Even while dancing with Irene, Ciel couldn’t take his eyes off her. Because she was pretty? Graceful? Beautiful?

No, those were already known facts to him.

The reason he couldn’t look away was solely one thing: she wore the same comfortable smile in front of him that she showed to her family. The moment he had longed for so very, very much was now unfolding right before his eyes.

“Ahem. Stop staring so much. You’ll bore a hole through me.”

The fact that she reverted to her old way of speaking when it was just the two of them was something he found extremely endearing and cute.

“It’s because I can’t have enough of you. We can’t be together all day long.”

“…Hmph, don’t tell me you’ll say you want to carry me in your pocket.”

Irene grumbled jokingly at his embarrassing whisper. At that, Ciel’s eyes widened.

“Is there such a magical device like that? One that makes people small…”

But seeing him take her words seriously, Irene intentionally stepped on his shoe during their spin. However, he pretended not to notice and, smiling, lifted her up briefly before setting her down.