Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Side Story 6

Side Story 6

Translator: Yonnee

—

“Irene.”

Ciel stepped closer and stood beside me. The people, having shouted their thanks, left.

“Hmm, it’s been a while since we dealt with the empire’s monsters.”

“There must still be some left from Earth that seeped in.”

“That’s why the Goddess needed our help.”

“Yes…”

After everyone left, we examined the monster carcasses. I pulled out the holy sword gifted by the crown prince from my spatial pouch. Using the sword’s ability, discovered by chance, I sliced open the monsters’ bellies.

Despite the splatter of filthy blood, not a drop touched me—Ciel continued to protect me with his wind. I sliced open several monsters and then finally saw what I was looking for.

“Ah, found it.”

Occasionally, monsters harbored rare gems within them. Even in Korea, there was a designated role for collecting these gems from monsters, as they emitted a mystical energy.

The gem was used like electricity or oil, a component to operate machines. I searched out of curiosity, but usually, they weren’t visible.

It was a fact discovered by chance when I was just using the holy sword.

“These gems that can only be found with the holy sword… Could they have a use other than as energy, like in Korea? Maybe they could be used for ancient magical devices.”

“Perhaps, yes. Or they might be mana stones used in making those ancient artifacts.”

“Hmm, we should take these to the palace. There might be records there.”

“Right.”

After searching all the monster carcasses and cleanly burning them with fire, we ascended into the sky. As he carried me in his arms, I didn’t forget to guide him with a kiss on the way up.

Our honeymoon was more enjoyable than expected.

* * *

In truth, Ciel had his doubts when Irene first shared her plans for the honeymoon. Of course, having both spent time in Korea, they wouldn’t feel inconvenienced without attendants.

However, the idea of touring the empire’s outskirts, neither scenic nor a tourist destination, was somewhat hard to grasp. Had he misunderstood her intentions, he might have taken it as a lack of excitement for their second marriage.

“I didn’t know there would be a place like this.”

Currently, Ciel and Irene were immersed in an open-air hot spring. Stumbled upon by chance, it seemed untouched by others for some time. This natural hot spring, unmarred by human hands, was cozy and steaming just right.

Given the chilly weather, they eagerly entered the hot spring.

“The sunset is incredibly beautiful.”

Irene murmured in awe. Positioned midway up a mountain, the hot spring offered a splendid view. The sunset, visible through the trees, blazed red before vanishing from sight.

As darkness enveloped the hot spring, Ciel kindled a fire. Blue flames reflecting on the water surface danced mesmerizingly.

Side by side, they looked up at the sky.

After the sunset, countless stars took over. The densely packed stars seemed almost within reach above them.

Soaking in the warm water, they leaned their heads together.

“There’s a village nearby. Let’s stay there tonight.”

“Okay, that sounds good.”

Before it grew too dark, they left the spring. Ciel used his wind ability to dry Irene off completely.

“That’s a really handy power.”

“Haha, I love how you appreciate the little things.”

“I believe it’s the small things that elevate the quality of life. Something I never thought about before…”

“That’s because we were too focused on surviving back then.”

At his words, Irene chuckled. It was a truly blissful moment as they shared laughter and words that they had never shared to anyone before.

They dressed and took flight, finding lodging upon reaching a nearby village.

“It’s getting quite chilly. We still have a bit longer to go, don’t we?”

“Yes, since we’re planning to visit Lady Lacie.”

Their final honeymoon destination was Clausent domain, where Lacie lived. Unfortunately, Lacie hadn’t been able to attend their wedding. The distance of her home from the Closch domain was significant, among other reasons.

“Why Lady Lacie?”

“It seems Count Clausent is quite ignorant about Espers and Guides.”

“Huh… Even after the Emperor sent out a decree? There are still nobles who don’t know?”

“Families in charge of the borders are typically stubborn. That’s why they maintain their position without defecting.”

“The pros and cons are clear. We’re always thankful to those families guarding the frontiers.”

“Hehe, is our family like that too?”

“I can’t deny that.”

Amused by her playful remark, Ciel laughed openly. He couldn’t hide his excitement throughout the honeymoon.

Though it might seem trivial to others, as she said, these little moments seemed to enhance one’s quality of life.

Because they were simply happy doing anything.

“Goodnight, Ciel.”

Irene snuggled into his embrace and murmured. This moment was Ciel’s happiest. Being able to physically feel her in his arms was everything to him.