“Let’s make the announcement as soon as possible.”
With the decision of the official heir, the atmosphere in the conference hall became heated. On the other hand, some of the people in the conference hall were unapproachable; the atmosphere around them was as cold as winter.
“Let’s end today’s meeting here. I would like to have a few words with the future Grand Duke about preparations for the announcement, so please come to my room.”
“Okay.”
Albeit the Grand Duke had left the conference hall, the atmosphere was still stiff. It was because Noel was still there. They were all busy contemplating how they were supposed to face him, who was now the rightful successor, and whether they would get on his wrong side.
But Noel did not give them a single glance.
“Shall we go?”
“Yes.”
Watching the troubled vassals, Irene turned her head at the sound of Noel’s voice.
After having left the meeting room, Irene said to Noel upon getting into a carriage.
“Congratulations on becoming the formal heir. You have been working hard so far.”
Then Noel quietly looked at Irene and spoke.
“It was possible because of you, Irene.”
“...thank you.”
As he stared straight into her eyes, Irene was bashful. She thought she had gotten used to his straightforward speech. Even so, she still struggled to react accordingly whenever this happened. Irene’s pupils moved around frantically, trying to find an appropriate place upon which to rest her gaze. The corner of Noel’s mouth curled up softly.
“Irene.”
“Yes?”
Forgetting that she was avoiding his gaze when he called, Irene raised her head without much thought. And at that moment, Irene’s eyes widened.
“No, Noel?”
“As a token of my gratitude…for a moment, please stay still.”
Noel, who got up from his seat, locked Irene in position with his arms and gradually brought his face closer to hers. It was as if they were about to share a kiss. When Irene’s vision locked onto his thin lips, her face heated, ready to burst any moment soon.
“W-wait…”
Irene couldn’t utter anything and clenched her fist tightly.
Ba-dump ba-dump.
The sound of her heart beating was even louder than the sound of the carriage’s wheels rolling.
It was not the first kiss with him.
“At the wedding….”
I had already kissed him once to imprint on the ring.
But it was inevitable back then…
Anyway, since it was a wedding, she was to kiss him formally. Unlike then, when it was compulsory, this was a private moment just between Irene and Noel. So, if he were to kiss her now, it would also be kept private and personal.
Should she avoid it? Did she have to say no? Her mind was complicated. Numerous options churned in her mind at once, but in the end, she still could not decide which one would be the most reasonable. Meanwhile, Noel had neared her, to the point where his breath tickled her. Irene quickly shut her eyes tight, hoping their lips would touch with just a slight contact. It was somewhat like implicit and unspoken permission from her. However…
“It suits you well.”
His voice rang beside her ear. It did not come from his lips, to which she was paying all her attention. Irene opened her eyes with a puzzled expression.
“I prepared it because I wanted to give it to you as a present.”
“...a gift? Oh….”
Irene’s gaze traced downward, following his fingertips. Before long, she found a necklace hanging from her neck. It was a bright emerald one.
“Did you know? That the colour of the emerald is very similar to that of your eyes. So I thought it would look good on you. It suits you well, just as I expected.”
Noel said with a satisfied look. Irene absentmindedly touched the necklace around her neck. The tiny jewel rolled gently between her fingertips. Ring and jewel were alike. She could wear his gifts anywhere she went. Yet…
Why does it feel so empty?
She was honestly happy and grateful to receive the necklace, but a sense of emptiness clung to her heart for some odd reason. Still, since it would be impolite to show such a melancholic appearance in front of the giver, Irene tried to thank him with a bright smile.
“Don’t you like the necklace?”
“Pardon? Oh no! I really like it!”
Having noticed Irene’s already subdued mood, Noel asked worriedly. Even though it was meant to be a surprise gift, he regretted not asking Irene about her taste and preference before buying it.
“I will prepare a better gift next time.”
“No, this necklace is really lovely! I love it. I’m serious. It’s just that I….”
“...?”
As Irene hesitated, Noel’s expression was perplexed. He was worried that something might be causing her discomfort. But…
“I, I thought you were going to kiss me….”