Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Side Story 9

Side Story 9

Translator: Yonnee

—

In Korea, there once erupted a high-profile lawsuit between the Korean Guide Association and an individual.

The case involved a woman who had been left by her lover after he manifested as an Esper, claiming that the breakup was due to the guiding energy provided to him.

This incident received extensive media coverage, stirring a divided public opinion.

Among the prevailing views was the fatalistic belief that ‘Espers are inevitably destined to love their Guides’, a notion supported by the integral role of Guides for Espers.

Despite the logic behind this belief, I disagreed with it.

Relationships start with the meeting of an Esper and a Guide, but not all such encounters lead to love at first sight or a fate-like bond.

If we were to follow the logic of fatalism, how then would we account for Espers and Guides who share animosity akin to enemies?

While it’s true I was immediately drawn to Ciel, it wasn’t sufficient for deep love to develop from just one encounter.

We were allies in life-threatening battles, each serving as the other’s sole lifeline. Faced with survival, coming together was our only option.

Thus, while the initiation might be attributed to fate, I believe that a relationship would deepen through accumulated shared experiences.

“Your Highness the Grand Duchess, could you please elaborate on your earlier remarks?”

I paused, lifting my gaze from the warm tea I had been enjoying in the reception room. The Count had been visibly uneasy all the while.

Eager not to prolong his anticipation, I started explaining.

“First off, I wish to acknowledge Your Lordship’s diligence. My father, too, has long grappled with the menace of the monsters.”

“I am well aware of the Closch domain’s distinction.”

“I’ve also heard of the formidable reputation of the Clausent domain. Not to mention, I’m fully aware of Lady Lacie’s exceptional valor as a knight.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Had our family been without a mother, maybe my childhood might have mirrored Lacie’s—perhaps neglected by the family, with the count inevitably tied down by his responsibilities.

“So, it appears you were unaware of the recent legislative changes.”

“Having been preoccupied outside, I returned not long ago, and so I’ve been ignorant of the updates. I apologize.”

“That’s understandable. I fully empathize with you, Count. My forthcoming words are not meant as criticism but as an enlightenment on Espers and Guides.”

I delved into a detailed exposition on Espers and Guides for the count. Ciel elucidated the aspects concerning Espers, and I took on the role of explaining the role of Guides—highlighting the agony Espers endure in the absence of guiding, the excruciating emergence process for Guides, their initially unrecognizable existence, and the potential impact they could wield within the Empire.

Initially taken aback, the count gradually regained his composure, then, with a mix of worry and contemplation, alternated his gaze between Lacie and Deneb.

“Father… It’s not solely because Deneb is a Guide. I merely desire his companionship. The prospect of guarding the manor alone no longer appeals to me.”

“Lacie…”

“Ever since Mother passed away, I’ve always been lonely. While I hold you in high esteem, Father, such solitude has become unbearable. I also yearn for happiness alongside my chosen partner.”

“I… I see…”

We allowed for a private dialogue between father and daughter, during which I stayed silent until Ciel intervened.

“I can understand your apprehensions, Count. Perhaps it falls upon our generation to bridge these understanding gaps. Yet, unequivocally, His Majesty the Emperor has enacted new legislation. If certain Guides or Espers do not have a title, they will be granted knighthood. And although it is non-heritable, the future course depends on their endeavors.”

Hardly had Ciel concluded when Deneb, who had been attentively listening, abruptly rose. He knelt before the count.

“I’ve always respected you, Count! It was thanks to Your Lordship’s hard work that common folks like us could stretch out and sleep comfortably. That’s why, at first, I wanted to reject the lady.”

His lips trembled as he spoke, clearly revealing how nervous he was.

“…But I couldn’t. I couldn’t let go of the lady whom I fell for at first sight.”

Tears streamed down his face as he finished speaking, dropping onto the back of his hand.

Lacie knelt beside him, gently wrapping her hand around his, wiping away his tears.

“Father, if we follow the Grand Duke’s words, our family won’t have any problems.”

The count looked down at the two with a complex expression.

“Please, Father. Please grant us permission to marry.”

“Please grant us permission, Your Lordship!”

The count closed his eyes, saying nothing for a long moment, while Lacie, Deneb, and I waited anxiously, hoping for their happiness.