At the Grand Duke’s words, Irene and Noel moved to stand at the centre of the room. Around them, circle the huge, long conference table. Eyes from all directions were now drawn to them, but Irene did not waver or panic. She was only looking straight at the Grand Duke.
The words Noel had told her was the underlying reason for her confidence.
‘Shall we run far away, so far that the pursuers cannot chase us and live together? Of course, as long as Irene is alright with it.’
He may have said it as a joke, but to Irene, hearing those words was relieving.
Remembering what Noel had said, in spite of their current solemn atmosphere, her lips curved up into a smile.
How could she be so relaxed in this situation? Unlike her, the vassals and elders were staring at Irene in dismay.
“Until this very moment, I still acknowledge her as the young Duchess. In particular, with reference to the first condition I put forward, which was for you to marry a woman whom I recognised. However, there still seems to be a great deal of resistance among the vassals. Yet, in order to officially inherit the Grand Duke title in the future, it is necessary to gain the trust of the vassals and the elders. Their approval is integral. That is why I am proposing an offer. It is up to you whether to accept or reject it.”
“Alright.”
Noel answered the Grand Duke calmly.
“Recently, strange things have been witnessed in the Western Grand Duchy of Kreisen.”
“What is so bizarre about them?”
Kreisen was a place he knew well like the back of his hand. Because it was where he used to live before he entered the former Grand Duke’s mansion, holding his father’s hand.
Noel’s question was followed by the Grand Duke’s instant answer.
“It was originally an area where monsters had no habitat to thrive, but it has been reported that the frequency of them appearing has increased lately. After looking into the problem and finding the cause, we have come to a unanimous agreement. This issue will be given to Duke Noel Kristen as the heir to the Grand Duchy, in speculation of his services and abilities. This is the result of the council’s meeting. Also, though this work has nothing to do with the young Duchess, she will have to accompany you in this journey. Will you accept it or refuse it?”
“...”
Noel frowned. If it had been him alone, Noel would not have given it much thought. However, it would be a completely different story if Irene were to be involved.
The increase in the frequency of the monsters’ appearance meant that it was a hazardous area. There was absolutely no way he could possibly take her to such a place.
I would rather decline.
It did not take long for him to come to the decision. He could not bear to put Irene in danger because of his own selfish purposes.
“I...”
“Noel, take the offer.”
Noel turned his head toward the direction that Irene’s voice came from as she whispered. Irene repeated, still looking straight ahead.
“You were not about to turn down the offer just because of me, were you?”
“…it is not like that.”
“Then accept it, I am fine.”
“No, you never know what kind of danger lurks.”
“It’s okay. There is also the ring that I got from the Magic Tower…”
Irene smiled broadly at Noel.
“Besides, Noel will definitely protect me.”
“...”
“And not only Noel, but the guards will also be accompanying me. Therefore, I do not think there is any reason to refuse if the only condition is that I come along.”
“…You are putting yourself in danger.”
“I think that is because I trust Noel.”
“Haaa...”
Rarely did Irene act this stubbornly, Noel let out a brief sigh. He lowered his gaze, hesitantly pressed his lips together, then added.
“I will never let you get hurt.”
“I believe you.”
“If anything happens, I will be the first to protect you.”
“Yes, I will be in your care then.”
“… Also, you are stubborn.”
At his last words, Irene answered with a smile.
“Thank you.”
Noel once again let out a dispirited, helpless sigh then turned to face the Grand Duke.
“I will gladly accept the opportunity you have provided me, but may I ask you for a favour?”
“What is it?”
“Please give me permission to organise the investigation team.”
“So be it.”
“Thank you.”
Noel expressed his gratitude as the Grand Duke gladly agreed.
“Then let the meeting end with this. The Duke and his wife will remain for a while.”
When the Grand Duke announced the repercussions, the vassals and members of the former senate rushed out of the meeting room.
“…you are lucky, brother.”
Ascardo said as he brushed over Noel’s shoulder. Meanwhile, Noel displayed a rather nonchalant expression.
“You must be stupid.”
Upon leaving those words behind Ascardo quickly turned his head and walked away, but Noel did not even bother to spare him a single glance.
Not until the conference hall was empty, did Irene and Noel approach the Grand Duke. As soon as he saw Noel, the Great Kristen spoke in a somber voice.
“Sorry.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just, for everything. I want to apologise for everything. And darling...”
“…Yes.”
The Grand Duke’s gaze turned to Irene as she also made eye contact with him. The Grand Duke looked at Irene silently, then added a bit later.
“You have been through a lot, it must have been tough.”
“Oh…”
Irene was dumbfounded because it was completely unexpected. Before long, she bowed her head.
“No, it is fine. Thank you for your consideration.”
“Alright…For now, go back and get some rest, you must be tired. We had better talk about this later on. I am sure you are exhausted, too.”
At the Grand Duke’s suggestion, Irene’s expression became questionable. In fact, she was not tired in the slightest. Rather, she felt more refreshed than ever because she had said what she wanted to.
However, she just bowed her head since she could not possibly raise an objection in front of the Grand Duke who was being considerate of herself.