Chapter 148
Translator: Yonnee
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"Hmph, really. It's unfair."
"...I'm sorry."
"I accept your apology."
"Thank you."
"Next time, I hope you're more aware of your own looks."
"...Alright."
Ciel felt his face heating up for no reason. He wondered if she realized that all her talk about his appearance was essentially a compliment.
This caused his lips to twitch involuntarily. Anything was fine if it was praise from her.
As the surrounding nobles looked for an opportunity to speak, the herald once again announced loudly,
"Entering! His Highness the Crown Prince-Star of the Stern Empire-and Her Eminence the Saintess, the Empire's Treasure. Everyone, bow in respect!"
At that moment, Ciel and Irene's calm eyes turned cold. Nonetheless, they both bowed respectfully as Seo-yoon entered with Jace.
Seo-yoon entered with high expectations. Freed from her usual sack-like vestments, she felt elated, anticipating the respectful gazes of the people. Thus, escorted by Jace, she entered confidently.
As everyone bowed their heads, they gradually looked up as the pair took their seats at the high table.
Seo-yoon waited a moment.
Yes. Soon enough, everyone won't be able to take their eyes off me.
Scanning the hall with an excited expression, she noticed something was off. While some nobles showed their reverence, about half of them kept glancing in a certain direction, whispering amongst themselves.
Involuntarily, Seo-yoon's eyes followed their gaze. There she saw a woman in a cream-colored dress, as radiant as the dress itself.
It irked her that the woman chose cream. It was a color everyone else avoided as it symbolized the saintess.
What confidence did this woman have to wear cream?
Her displeasure deepened when she belatedly noticed the tall, handsome man beside the woman-the very duke who had refused her guiding energy. Her annoyance doubled in an instant.
Seo-yoon tried to maintain her composure, but her face contorted upon realizing how that woman was Irene, whom she had seen before.
Jace immediately asked,
"Saintess, are you uncomfortable with your seat?"
"......"
Jace, puzzled by her silence, followed her gaze.
"So the Duke is already here."
He felt relieved seeing Ciel, who had arrived earlier than usual. Worried that Ciel might not leave the barony, Jace had sent a formal invitation, asking him to come with the baron's entire family as well.
As expected, Lady Closch and the rest of her family arrived with Ciel.
"Saintess, over there is the family that helped bring you back here last time. Shall we take this opportunity to greet them?"
"...You mean that woman over there?"
"Yes, Lady Closch and her family."
Seo-yoon internally scoffed at Jace's response.
Hmph, how dare a mere daughter of a baron wear such a glamorous dress?
Seo-yoon tried to shake off her annoyance.
Right, no need to spoil a pleasant banquet over such a trivial matter.
"Ah, the Duke is completely smitten."
However, the crown prince's scoff-like laughter and comment made it impossible for her to let go of her irritation. An Esper falling for a straggler at the lower echelons of society-it was something unsightly, even in Korea.
Seo-yoon was supposed to be the Stern Empire's one and only Guide. How could this happen?
"...Since Your Highness says so, it would be best to first greet the Baron's family."
"Would it? It will be an honor for them."
Seo-yoon's mood lightened slightly at his words, but she couldn't take her eyes off Ciel.
It felt like something originally hers had been taken.
She had used her abilities the last time she saw him... He must be an Esper, so why didn't her guiding work on him?
She inwardly swallowed her irritation when Jace spoke up.
"Ah, the Duke developed the tteokbokki and patbingsu you enjoyed last time. It's a wonder how he managed to create something so similar to your homeland's cuisine... He's a curious man with unusual talents, even by my standards."
Pride tinged Jace's voice. Though Ciel had been acting strangely recently, he was still proud of his friend.
Seo-yoon couldn't hide her surprise.
"...The Duke created them?"
"Yes, indeed. Surprised, aren't you? He has developed other dishes as well, like rice wrapped in seaweed. He never used to be like this, but he suddenly took an interest in food lately. Well, it's not a bad thing, as the nobles now have wholesome amusements, thanks to the Duke."
As the crown prince spoke nonchalantly, Seo-yoon's face grew paler.
She had been wondering who made the tteokbokki and patbingsu. Were they really Korean cuisine, or just a coincidence?
And it was made by that man!
