Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Side Story 14

Side Story 14

Translator: Yonnee

—

Ciel looked at me tenderly, then smiled brightly.

“That’s reassuring.”

“So, is this really a mana stone?”

“Yes. It was mentioned in the records.”

“Then, can we make an elevator based on mana stones? An automatic one that moves up and down.”

“It seems possible if we look at it as a replacement for electricity.”

“Then, whom should we entrust this to? I wonder if the Crown Prince would know?”

“……”

“There are no longer any craftsmen who can make magical artifacts, right? What should we do?”

“…I can find someone.”

“Really?”

“Yes!”

His face, which was fresh until now, frowned deeply. His jealousy was still there.

Irene couldn’t help but smirk, looking at him. Ciel, with a burning glare, placed his hand on her waist.

“You’re still the same. How can you so easily look for another man? I’m here.”

“Still what? You’re the one who’s been with Seo-yoon and other wo…”

“No! It’s a misunderstanding!”

As Irene pulled his hand away from her lips and looked at him sulkily, he said,

“Make me understand with a kiss. Then, I’ll think of it as a misunderstanding.”

“It is a misunderstanding…”

He grumbled but eagerly pressed his lips to hers. Once connected, it wasn’t easy to stop. Irene wrapped her arms around his neck.

Outside, the wind was howling, but here, it was warm and blissful.

* * *

I was glad it was winter. When there were fewer chores, we could remodel and tidy up the castle.

The crown prince helped us build the elevator. Of course, it looked nothing like the ones in Korea. It appeared luxurious and extravagant.

I wanted to keep it simple, but the crown prince opposed it. He wanted the elevator, marking a new beginning, to be as splendid as possible.

Though it was our house and I wanted to do as I pleased, class prevailed, so I had to bear with it.

Thankfully, it lessened the burden on the servants.

“What is this?”

“Think of it as a small portal.”

“Wow…”

We called the chief butler and the chief housemaid for a demonstration. We showed them how it works and took them for a ride.

“Do you see the numbers here?”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“These are the buttons indicating the floors. Press the button for the floor you want to go to, and then press this blue button to ascend. Try it.”

“Me, sir?”

“It’s something my wife made thinking of you, so you should try it firsthand. You’ll be using it more often than us.”

“For you to be so considerate of us when we can’t serve you with as much vigor due to our age… Your Highnesses, we are truly grateful.”

The chief butler, with tears welling up in his eyes, pressed the button. His fingertips trembled with nervousness. We didn’t expect them to be this moved…

“Ohh!”

“Oh my!”

As soon as the button was pressed, it ascended to the desired floor. Amazed, the chief butler and the chief housemaid looked around. The crown prince might have gone a bit overboard, but surrounding the walls with glass was a good decision.

“It’s so fascinating, Madam.”

“Do you like it?”

“Yes, of course. Are we really allowed to use such a precious thing? I’m worried it might break if all the servants use it…”

“As long as you don’t exceed the indicated capacity, there shouldn’t be any problems. And the Crown Prince has promised to take care of its maintenance.”

“…Why is the Crown Prince responsible for our house?”

Even though the matter was settled, Ciel still grumbled discontentedly.

“What can we do? The only people who can handle magical artifacts are the craftsmen affiliated with the palace.”

“…Can’t we steal away one of the craftsmen?”

“…Well, stealing might not be the best word. How about making a deal?”

“A deal?”

“Since we’re the only ones who can collect mana stones. We’d make a deal using mana stones.”

“Amazing idea. That’s my wife.”

“Indeed, Grand Duchess.”

“Absolutely, you are wise, Madam.”

It seemed not only Ciel, but also the chief butler and the chief housemaid showed their overly affectionate sides.

Feeling embarrassed, I cleared my throat and looked away.