Chapter 132 - Like a fool
Translator: Yonnee
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Not as much force was used like back then, so Ciel didn't faint this time.
Well, to begin with, he hadn't lost his senses, so he should be fine. Still, Ciel had to experience his heart racing.
"Wow... Milady, you're so cool!"
Rose exclaimed with applause.
"Yes, so cool..."
Aiden followed Rose's lead in applauding. His older brother was cool, but Lady Closch looked even cooler.
"Your Ladyship is much smaller than Brother, but how did you do that?"
Aiden's curious voice filled with interest triggered a sense of rivalry in Ciel.
"There's a different approach to it."
Irene casually accepted his challenge.
"Then, try attacking me another way."
"Alright."
This time, Ciel used his leg instead of his arm. It was a lethal technique, but in reality, when Guides were often taken advantage of by Espers, this kind of situation occurred frequently.
However, Irene didn't take it lightly either. After lightly jumping over Ciel's long leg, she hesitated for a moment and said to Rose.
"Unless you're experienced, it's hard to dodge something like this. I need to teach you from your perspective, so let's assume that you'd get caught by the leg here."
"Yes!"
Irene stopped and then suddenly grabbed Ciel's collar.
Gasp!
Ciel was caught off guard and used his ability reflexively. It was a close call just before she hit the ground.
"Irene! This is too dangerous!"
Ciel, who couldn't hide his shocked expression, levitated Irene in the air and scanned her surroundings.
"Ah..."
He sighed after looking somewhere. He touched his forehead, then moved his fingers back and forth, brushing the hem of her dress.
"What... are you doing?"
Irene asked in disbelief, but he replied seriously.
"You need to be careful. There's dirt on your dress now."
"Ha..."
Irene couldn't believe it when she saw him making a fuss over a little dirt. Why did he remind her of Arthur and David in his appearance?
"Huu... Can you put me down now?"
"Ahem, yes."
Realizing his own actions belatedly, Ciel cleared his throat and gently placed Irene back on the ground. She turned to face Rose and Aiden.
"In a situation like just now, you need to practice. So, Young Duke, would you please assist Rose?"
"Umm... I'll try."
Aiden awkwardly grabbed Rose's arm, and her cheeks flushed.
"W-Why? Does it hurt?"
"...No, it's not that."
"T-Then? Now, it's Rose's turn to attack..."
"That's..."
Rose mumbled and trailed off, then glanced at Irene.
"Rose, do you have something to say?"
When Irene asked, Rose responded as if she had been waiting.
"Young Master, he-! He would never do such a thing! He can't do it!"
With her fists clenched and her eyes tightly shut, Rose shouted. Irene stared at her, her hand on her forehead. Even as a guide herself, Irene couldn't help but feel that there's no helping this Esper-Guide couple.
"Haha!"
At that moment, Ciel, who had been standing nearby, burst into laughter. It was clear that Irene was not the only one who found the situation bewildering.
Without hesitation, Irene and Ciel, who had been attacking each other, looked at Rose and Aiden with amused expressions.
* * *
Ciel returned to their accommodation with Aiden. Throughout the journey, he had continuously heard his younger brother's cheerful voice.
"Lady Closch seems to know everything, and she even knew I was an Esper! Yet she didn't treat me strangely, Brother."
"She wouldn't do that."
"Right! Even though I can read people's thoughts, I told Rose that I won't do it without permission!"
"Hmm... Aiden."
Ciel, while listening to his brother, became curious.
"Yes, Brother?"
"Then can you read that girl's thoughts whenever you want?"
"Err, um... technically, yes. But I'm trying not to."
"I see. What about Lady Closch? Can you read her thoughts too?"
To be honest, it would be a lie to say that Ciel had no ulterior motive in asking this. If Aiden could peer into Irene's thoughts, it might have shaken his conscience.
However, Aiden, with a bright voice, firmly replied.
"No, not at all! And it's amazing, too! Even if I accidentally lose control, I still can't hear a single thought from the Lady!"
"...That's a good thing."
"Yes, Brother!"
Upon arriving at the accommodation, he got off the carriage and suddenly felt uneasy. He had no intention of staying here for long, so how long would he have to stay at this faraway place?
"Rouman!"
Therefore, he immediately called for his butler.
"Yes, Your Grace."
"I want a villa in the Closch territory. See if there's a suitable building available right now."
"...A villa?"
"Yes. Find a place as soon as possible."
"...I understand, Your Grace."
"Get it done as quickly as possible."
"Yes, sir!"
