Chapter 151
Translator: Yonnee
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"My apologies, Your Highness. I'm not certain if we are intruding on your and the Saintess's valuable time," the baroness remarked politely.
At this, the crown prince's lips curved in satisfaction. The more he observed, the more pleasant the family seemed.
He wondered why his father, the emperor, despite his interest, had not summoned them to the capital. It seemed he might understand the reason.
Moreover, as the atmosphere perfectly shifted, he felt pleased. There was nothing to gain from rumors of discord between the saintess and the duke.
Personally, though, he strangely felt elated whenever Ciel rebuffed Seo-yoon.
"No, not at all. I have arranged guest rooms in the palace for you, so feel free to stay as long as you wish."
The crown prince's statement stirred murmurs among those nearby. Not only had the Closch family secured a place beside the Duke but now were receiving favors from the Crown Prince himself.
What in the world does the Closch Barony possess?
At that moment, however, Helen politely declined.
"Your Highness, we are grateful for such an honor, but we regretfully must decline as we have already been invited by His Grace the Duke."
"Well, the Duke's residence is not far from here. Or perhaps the Duke could also stay at the palace."
The crown prince's firm suggestion made it difficult for Ciel to refuse. Observing silently, Irene bowed to Jace, expressing her gratitude.
"We are deeply honored by Your Highness's consideration."
"Deeply honored, Your Highness."
Following Irene's lead, Helen, Arthur, David, and then Ciel and Aiden, each offered their respects.
"Haha, no need for thanks. Consider it a favor returned."
While Jace was buoyed by the mood, Seo-yoon was filled with irritation.
All she saw was Ciel's constant attention to Irene.
Why would an Esper be so engrossed with a mere regular person?
Aiden, having been warned by his brother before coming here, was intently observing Seo-yoon. Now, with the distance so close, he felt he could properly read the saintess's mind.
He had been baffled when his older brother asked him to use such a sordid ability on the beloved saintess of the god, Astera.
But the more Aiden delved into Seo-yoon's thoughts, the more he felt disoriented.
[ So damn annoying. F*ck.]
[ What's so special about that woman. Just some random Barony b*tch dares to make me so annoyed? And you. If you're an Esper, act like your kind, would you. Stupid dumbass Duke. ]
Was he using his ability correctly?
Aiden couldn't help but doubt his powers. The saintess's mind had been filled with nothing but curses until now.
[ I need to show that woman her place. I am above her. How dare she look at me like that. ]
Aiden had never deliberately delved into someone's mind like this. The confusion and disorientation caused his powers to activate excessively.
His heart raced, and without realizing it, Aiden found himself delving deeper into Seo-yoon's thoughts.
He saw a path not laid with stones but made of something black. And bustling past more barriers in her mind, he saw people with black eyes, unlike the empire's.
Suddenly, lightning struck from the sky, and strange objects flew past, attacking.
Aiden stood alone in this unfamiliar space, trembling with fear.
As a realization of something amiss dawned on him, a warm touch grasped him.
Gasp-!
Instantly pulled back to reality, Aiden, with a sweat-drenched face, looked down at the hand holding his. Then slowly, he raised his eyes.
Through her touch, faint guiding energy flowed into him, calming his once wildly thumping heart.
Blurred red eyes met Irene's, filled with concern.
"Young Duke, would you step outside with me for a moment?"
Her softly asked question was such a relief. Aiden could only nod in agreement.
"Aiden."
Ciel called out with an equally worried expression.
"...Brother."
"I'll ask someone to prepare a lounge room, just wait."
Ciel immediately signaled to a palace attendant, and in that moment, Irene pulled Aiden by the hand.
"Let's go out first."
Feeling the gazes of others as they left the hall, Irene quickly led Aiden out, wary of the saintess or the crown prince taking notice.
"...Lady. W-Was I acting strangely?"
"It's alright. You don't need to worry."
However, before leaving the hall, Aiden inadvertently overheard the thoughts of others.
"Did I have a seizure? There was one time in the past..."
Irene hurriedly took him to a secluded place in the garden. In its depths, she firmly grasped Aiden's hands.
"L-Lady..."
"Close your eyes and take deep breaths. Don't pay any more attention to other people's thoughts."
