She only wanted to end her relationship, but Riel was holding onto their irreparable tie. And, she was trying to somehow bring Irene down. But she was not alone, there was a man by her side who would be there for her. This difference to her prior circumstance was the reason why Irene was not afraid of Riel.
Riel, ignorant of Irene’s inner feelings, continued to speak with great enthusiasm.
“My sister, while our parents were struggling, she turned away from me and left home mercilessly. It was all for her own selfish desires; for wealth. To my sister, our family’s situation does not matter. Eventually, after my older sister left home, I couldn’t even walk properly, and watching my parents grieving for not being invited to their own daughter’s wedding, I was ...”
Riel sat down as if she had just collapsed from the grief and anger that beheld her �� too upset to continue her words. Tears dripped from her big eyes.
In an instant, the gazes shifted to Irene.
“Come to think of it, Count Chase was not at the wedding.”
“I thought there was something going on, but I didn’t mention it.”
“That too, throwing away her sick sister.”
“Ugh... Sister, I’m sorry. Come back please ...”
Riel shed tears as she listened to the people who stood up for her.
“Is this true?”
Ascardo asked as he supported Riel. Ascardo was going to bite her no matter what answer she gave. If she affirmed it, she was in it. If she denied it, that made it suspicious too.
Feeling the Grand Duke’s gaze on her own, Irene looked down at her.
“Irene.”
Noel quietly called Irene. She said Irene looked at him quietly. Noel looked at her for a moment and then said to her warmly, indifferent to the situation as usual.
“It’s fine.”
“...”
“Do whatever you want.”
That was all he said. Irene smiled and she answered Noel.
“I’m sorry, Noel.”
Then she took a step forward and spoke with a confident voice.
“Riel’s words are true.”
“Unbelievable! How could a woman who had abandoned her one and only family become a member of the Grand Duchy! Your Excellency, her recognition must be reconsidered.”
“Yes!”
“Sir, please reconsider.”
In response to Irene’s reply, muffled murmurs of indignation resounded from all over the place. Riel smiled brightly as she was embraced by Ascardo. If Irene were to lose her recognition in the Grand Duchy at this rate, she would lose her worth and soon her position would be empty.
Riel certainly believed that Irene would despair. Every time she took her things away, Irene would always despair. This time, it would be no different…
“But it was my family who abandoned me first.”
... she thought so.
Why are you so haughty?
Even the slightest tremors of fear could not be found on her figure staring down at Riel. It was only then that Riel realised that she was not the older sister she knew.
“What do you mean, abandoning you first?”
At Irene’s words, the Grand Duke asked.
“Literally, take my words as they are. I did not make a proper social debut because of Riel, and I entered the academy late, graduating without proper academics and friendships. Because of her. Even after that, I could not take a single step out of the mansion and stayed by Riel’s side, but what came back was abusive language and violence. So, I left home to save my life.” Irene answered calmly.
“Hah! Even so, it is inhumane to abandon your family!” One of the vassals shouted.
When Irene looked at him, he flinched slightly. Irene was upright and confident even at this moment. However, her dignity never seemed to be conceited. It was a look that she could afford to be proud of.
“Then let me know. What should I do? Should I have waited for my family to kick me out of the house? Or should I have had to spend my whole life in that house under the name of a sister or daughter? Do you really believe I deserved to be subjected to that, do you believe that it was appropriate?”
“...”
No one was willing to speak up. Because no one had the right to tell her that she should have her life taken away.
In the silence, Irene turned her gaze and looked at Riel again. The moment she saw Riel, she almost burst out laughing.
Why are you making that face?
She had come all the way here to get herself entangled in troubles, but Riel appeared to be at a loss, as if she was in trouble instead.
“I will leave the judgment to you. Sorry for causing a fuss.”
Irene bowed deeply toward the Grand Duke with sincerity. The Grand Duke just looked at Irene sadly.
// @the vassal…Mate.