Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Side Story 15

Side Story 15

Translator: Yonnee

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After revealing the elevator to the chief handmaid and the chief butler, we went on to unveil it on a larger scale.

Each time the servants marveled and cheered, I couldn’t help feeling a sense of pride. Installing the elevator in the main castle felt like a significant burden lifted.

“A letter has arrived for you, Madam.”

“Alright, thank you.”

“Yes.”

The sender of the letter was none other than David.

“Ciel, Brother says he’s coming to the capital.”

“…Your brother?”

“Yes, he wants to stop by my sister-in-law’s place first and then visit us. Is that okay?”

“Of course, why ask? He’s always welcome. How are Mother-in-law and Father-in-law doing?”

“Yes, Brother wrote many things about them as well.”

Fortunately, it seemed my parents had settled well into their new domain. They were busy distributing farming tools for the fertile spring land and restoring the territory.

“How is Mom so capable? I need to learn from her…”

“Shall we invite Mother-in-law then?”

“…Should we?”

“Yes. They both must be curious too. And now is a good time since it’s not as hectic here anymore.”

“Then let’s do that.”

“I’ll write the letter.”

“…Okay.”

I had thought all marriages were the same, but what had distinctly changed from the past was family. I never imagined seeing such a side of Ciel.

Sadly, there was nothing I could do for his parents, who had passed away early.

“Thank you, Ciel.”

So, I expressed my gratitude verbally. Ciel looked surprised for a moment, then his eyes softened.

“Just words?”

Before I knew it, I had wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips to his. As if he had been waiting, he opened his mouth. Our faces tilted, and our warmth mingled.

After savoring each other’s touch, we separated. I looked at his face.

Every time I saw his face soften with happiness, I felt fortunate to have met him again.

“I love you.”

“……”

His expression froze momentarily at my confession, then he smiled as if he was the happiest man in the world, making me smile back.

* * *

“Rin!”

“Brother, Sister-in-law!”

Even though we hadn’t been apart for long, it felt immensely joyful to reunite after living together.

David seemed just as pleased, embracing me as soon as he alighted from the carriage.

“Have you been well?”

“I’ve been fine. And you, Brother?”

“Of course, I have.”

After exchanging pleasantries with David, I approached Violet standing behind him.

“Sister-in-law, have you been well?”

“Your Highness the Grand Duchess, thank you so much for inviting us.”

“Ah, there’s no need for formalities among family. Please, just call me casually when it’s just us.”

“But…”

“It’s okay, my dear.”

David approached the hesitant Violet, reassuring her.

“Rin is different from the nobles of the capital. She’s consistent through and through.”

“Brother, that almost sounds like you’re talking smack about me?” Ciel teased.

“Haha, would I dare slight Your Highness the Grand Duke?”

“Not all nobles of the capital are the same, after all.”

“Yes, I misspoke.”

“I don’t want to leave any reason for my wife to be displeased with me.”

“Haha!”

As Ciel and David exchanged jokes, Violet’s expression gradually darkened. She nervously tugged at David’s jacket.

“Dear, but he’s the Grand Duke… What if you upset him?”

She muttered in a very soft voice, but I caught on with my sharp senses, and it’s only natural that Ciel heard everything, too.

“Sister-in-law, come this way.”

“Your Highness, the Grand Duchess…”

“Come on.”

I took Violet by the arm and led her inside the mansion. Upon entering, the awe she expressed made it clear our home’s interior discomforted her no longer.

“Oh my! The interior is so beautiful!”

“Hehe, thank you.”

“Oh my, oh my! Isn’t that painting by a famous artist?”

“Ah, Ciel particularly likes art.”

I remember he had a particular fondness for exhibitions even when we were in Korea.

“Oh my, we have a similar sculpture at my parents’ house too.”

“Really? I heard this sculptor is quite famous.”

“Yes, Sir Sirius’s works are renowned.”

It was a relief to see her discomfort fade away. Violet seemed to have a deep appreciation for art.

While exploring the lobby, she stopped dead in her tracks upon discovering the mana-stone-equipped elevator.

“Your Highness, the Grand Duchess? Who created this?”

She seemed to consider the elevator a work of art. Well, due to the crown prince’s insistence on gold decorations and jewels, it was extravagant enough to be misunderstood as such.

“This is… Well, experiencing it firsthand will give you a quicker understanding.”

“Hm?”

“Let’s go up together.”

“Pardon?”

As Violet looked puzzled, I grabbed her hand and pulled her into the elevator, then pressed a button.