Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Side Story 13

Side Story 13

Translator: Yonnee

—

The radiance, color, and shape looked exactly like the mana stones described in the records.

However, mana stones had been depleted long ago.

In the past, not only mana stones but also magicians existed, but now, only ancient magical artifacts remained.

This included portals.

“Open the door.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The guardian of the imperial library opened the door for Jace, who quickly entered to search for the record book he remembered from his youth.

He picked up a few volumes and hastened back to his office, placing the books on the table.

“Wait.”

As he was in a hurry, Jace went back to the usual way he spoke with Ciel.

Ciel briefly considered suggesting they drop formalities for convenience, but he soon got engrossed in the books like a true crown prince.

The records contained countless accounts he had never seen before.

Jace pointed to a spot on a page.

“Here.”

“…To think it’s actually a mana stone.”

“Where’d you find this?”

“But, Your Highness.”

“What?”

“You’re speaking informally again?”

“…This, this punk!”

“Hm?”

Unable to contain his frustration and annoyance any longer, Jace exploded in anger.

Ciel, having quickly memorized the page about the mana stone, used his wind ability to dodge the objects Jace threw at him and escaped.

Despite being targeted by streams of water, Ciel was quicker.

He flew to where the carriage was, simply happy to have an answer for Irene.

* * *

Settling into the new house required much effort and attention.

“Mom managed everything so efficiently…”

“It may be challenging at first, but I will support you diligently, Your Highness the Grand Duchess.”

“Having you here makes things so manageable, Chief Handmaid. With such a big mansion, there’s so much to know and prepare for, right?”

“We were organizing and tidying up, but it’s such a vast place. Plus, being an old mansion, there are still places we haven’t discovered. If you look at this map…”

Irene examined the map the chief handmaid spread out. The old map consisted of ten pages, showing an overview, detailed layouts for each floor, annexes, gardens, the back mountain, and more.

“Hmm, with such a large estate, moving around seems to be the biggest challenge.”

“What about paving paths for carriages to pass? We could place small carriages around for use.”

“That’s not a bad idea, but… wouldn’t that mean we need drivers stationed there?”

“Indeed, but…”

“That seems wasteful, doesn’t it?”

“…Does it?”

“I want to hire only the necessary people. I’m not keen on increasing staff just to fill numbers with people we’re not sure are reliable.”

Irene’s family managed well despite being poor because the staff was composed of trustworthy individuals.

Conversely, Ciel’s household had wasted time and energy due to his aunt and uncle’s interference. She had no intention of going through that again.

“Hmm, is this all the hiring documents for the servants?”

“Yes, that’s all.”

“Who is recommended for my personal attendant?”

“It’s Kelly de Feri.”

“Her background?”

“She’s from a count’s family, the second daughter.”

“I see. Then…”

Now that Closch had become a marquisate from a barony, titles mattered. Would a second daughter be okay? As Irene pondered, suddenly, the window swung open.

A cold wind blew in strongly, causing the chief housemaid to startle and rush to close it.

“It’s okay. Leave it be. You’ll need to get used to it eventually.”

“Pardon? What do you mean by…”

“Honey!”

Before the chief housemaid could finish, Ciel entered. The window slowly closed by itself behind him.

“Your Highness!”

“Ah, you’re here too, Chief Housemaid.”

With a refreshed expression on his face, Ciel hurried over and kissed Irene on the cheek. He then excitedly pulled out a spatial pouch like a child who discovered something new.

“I think I can create what you wanted.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, this is ma…”

“Wait!”

She stopped him mid-sentence and turned to the chief housemaid.

“Could you bring us some tea?”

“Yes, my lady.”

After sending the chief housemaid out, Irene looked at Ciel, signaling him to continue.

“Ah, haha. The chief housemaid is trustworthy. It’s okay.”

“It’s not that. I want it to be a surprise.”

“…But not with me?”

“Now that I’m part of this household, they’re people I will take care of. It’s only natural to treat them well.”