Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 96

Chapter 96

Translator: Yonnee

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〈 Would you like to return to Earth? 〉

It was the question she’d been wanting to hear so much until now. Seo-yoon nearly squealed with glee.

“As expected, since it brought me here, it can also bring me back.”

It’s a bit regrettable, but it’s still so uncomfortable staying here. There were so many things that didn’t exist here.

It’s so hard even just getting some braised spicy chicken over here. The palace chef recently cooked her a similar dish because she’s been craving it so much, but it took a while.

She pressed 〈 Yes 〉 immediately, but…

“Huh?”

The following phrase appeared.

〈 The law of equivalent exchange must be observed. Returning to Earth comes with the price of prompting a hazardous occurrence.

Would you like to continue? 〉

Once again, Seo-yoon instantly tapped 〈 Yes 〉 without thinking further. Then, the air around her began to distort. It was frightening to see because it looked like a warp gate was being created just like that.

However, after checking the single phrase on her phone with low battery one more time, she quickly stepped into the open entrance.

The only thing left there was the glass of cold tea she had been drinking until just now. From its condensation, a droplet fell, and a slight gust of wind silently swept through the empty space.

* * *

Unaware of Irene’s current condition, Ciel rushed to the Closch estate the very next day. He came with Aiden, and arming himself with much brazenness, he knocked on the baron residence’s doorstep.

Unlike before, however, the manor’s gates did not open right away. And perhaps the owner of the manor did not have the intention of welcoming him, but only the butler greeted him. They remained far away at the main door.

“I beg your pardon, Your Grace, but His Lordship is not home at the moment.”

“Then, I wish to see only Irene… I won’t take up much time.”

Since he was a duke, not a lot of people would be able to refuse any of his wishes. However as the old butler had been working for a long time for House Closch, he remained unphased as he responded.

“Milady is in need of absolute rest. I ask you for your understanding.”

“…Irene is sick?”

Ciel was instantly filled with worry. She looked fine just yesterday. This made him want to see her even more right now.

While thinking about whether he should say that he’s brought presents to wish her a speedy recovery, the butler once again spoke to the fussing Ciel with a firm tone.

“No one is allowed to enter the manor while His Lordship is not present. This is his order.”

“…Is the Baron currently at the garrison?”

As Ciel was being turned away, he had no other choice. As things were standing, he wouldn’t be able to win over Irene right away either.

She was clear about her stance yesterday— she would marry a man who her parents would approve of.

He couldn’t understand the reason behind this condition, but he did not question it—he would just need to follow. He had finally gotten to a point where he could compromise with her, so he couldn’t afford to refuse her wishes.

When Ciel asked the butler where the baron was with an obvious tinge of impatience in his voice, the butler was quite surprised.

Considering his stature, it would have been only natural for the duke to be angry with the reception he was being given. Further, he had conceded and merely asked where the baron was.

In his honest shock, the butler confessed the baron’s whereabouts without realizing it.

“Yes, His Lordship is at the garrison. The Young Master went with him as well.”

And apart from that, he also added something that he didn’t need to say.

“I see. Thank you.”

“…Not at all, Your Grace. Shall I show you the way?”

Yet again, the butler was taken aback. The duke was undeniably a high-ranking noble, yet he was being so courteous towards a baron’s butler such as him. Unknowingly, the butler showed him kindness as well.

He was about to step forward, but at that moment, Ciel only smiled and refused.

“I’ve already gone there once so I can go by myself, but thank you for your concern. Except…”

Ciel trailed off with a hint of regret in his tone. He extended a hand towards Rouman, who was standing behind him, and Rouman handed over the large bouquet of flowers that he was carrying until now.

Then, Ciel presented the bouquet to the baron’s butler.

“These are flowers that I’ve brought especially for Irene. The Baron didn’t say anything about giving flowers, so please do me the favor of delivering these to her.”

“…Yes, Your Grace.”

The old butler accepted the bouquet with a puzzled expression.

Of course he’d be confused. The duke seemed like a kind-hearted man, so was there any reason to turn down his proposal? Rather, wouldn’t approving his marriage to the young lady be quite favorable for her?

Meanwhile, Ciel and Aiden returned to their carriage. Aiden didn’t say anything the entire time, but as soon as they climbed into the vehicle, he conveyed all the thoughts he had heard to his older brother.

“It doesn’t seem like it’s a lie that the Baron went to the garrison for work, Brother. And it doesn’t seem like Lady Closch is ill either.”

Ciel smiled softly towards Aiden, who could now freely use his abilities.

“With you by my side, Aiden, nobody could deceive me.”

“Hehe, I’d like it very much if I can continue being of help to you, Brother.”

“I’m proud of you.”

Ciel ruffled his younger brother’s hair lightly. They could have had a good brotherly relationship in the past as well, but Ciel had been too indifferent to Aiden.

He was cold and detached not only to his younger brother, but even to his wife.

He would not repeat the same mistakes ever again.

Arriving at the garrison, Ciel took a deep breath before alighting the carriage. Ever since he realized that the baron was his wife’s father, it had become much more difficult for Ciel to interact with him.

“Aiden, you should stay in the carriage for now.”

“Wouldn’t it be more advantageous if I come with you?”

“The Baron isn’t the kind of man who’d let himself be a pushover. I think it’ll be better for me to meet him alone—”

But before he could finish the sentence, a tremendous roar broke out.

Guooooh! Boom, boom—!

Sounding as if buildings were collapsing one after another, this immense noise was all too familiar to him.

It was the clear signal of a monster wave breaking out, which was something he had been through too many times to count.

Goosebumps sprang up on his arms. As soon as Ciel saw the dust spreading like a vortex in the distance, he urgently gave an order to Rouman.

“Protect Aiden!”

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