“I want to be friends with Lady Jasmine.”
It was the first time she had said this to anyone, so Irene’s face turned a little red. Seeing that, Lady Jasmine knew that she was not joking or being playful.
Then there was an incredible burst of joy. It had been a long time since she had been this happy except for times she hosted parties. Lady Jasmine did not hide her happiness.
“It is an honour, Madame.”
“Likewise.”
To Lady Jasmine’s words, Irene responded with a slightly flushed face. Seeing that, the flower in Jasmine’s hand crumpled.
“This… I envy the Duke.”
“Yes?”
At Lady Jasmine’s muttering, Irene asked what she meant, but Lady Jasmine shook her head as if nothing had happened.
For some reason, Lady Jasmine had a feeling that she would fall for Irene.
♔♔♔
“Okay, Madame. It is going forward.”
“Ha-ha, okay.”
After dinner, Irene saw Lady Jasmine off. The Duchess’ carriage left, with the lady smiling with a stiffened face inside.
“Alright, it might be better to ask directly. Instead of worrying like this,”
With those thoughts, Irene resolved her nerves and headed to her room.
“Uh? Young Madame? Duchess Jasmine, did the lady return?”
On the way, she met Tom, and Irene nodded when he asked.
“Yes. Tom, is Noel in his office by any chance?”
“No. Master just went back to your room.”
“I see. Thank you.”
“Yeah….”
As Irene passed after their conversation, Tom looked at her back with a complicated look on his face.
“Have you ever had anything to do with Lady Jasmine?” His expression was solemn, and he was worried. But for the time being, Tom was busy with announcing the succession to the Grand Duchy. Thus he returned to the office in a hurry.
In front of the room, Irene took a deep breath. However, unlike the resolve a while ago, her heart weakened a little. She stood in front of the door.
No. I can’t be weak.
Having hardened her heart once more, Irene opened the door.
“Irene?”
And she ran into Noel right in front of her as he was about to leave the room. He paused for a moment, wondering if this meeting was sudden, and then spoke with a soft expression.
“Are you ready for today’s tea party?”
“...Yes.”
“I see. You’ve been through a lot.”
“Where were you going?”
Noel paused for a moment at Irene’s question. He then spoke with an awkward expression on his face.
“Yes. In the office... I probably will not be back tonight.”
“….”
At his words, Irene pursed her lips. Her olive-coloured eyes dimmed, and she fell silent.
“Noel. Why are you avoiding me these days? Did I do something wrong?” She spoke quietly.
“... Pardon?”
Noel asked with panic in his voice at the direct question. Irene raised her head, and she looked straight at him. She bit her lips tight. Noel’s eyes widened at the resolve and slight anger on her face he had never witnessed before.
“You are avoiding it, even now. I heard from Tom. He said, you just came from the office, so why are you going to the office now? Are you lying? Where do you go every night, like this…?”
As Irene reached out towards him, Noel was startled and pulled back. Her expression crumpled at his rejection.
“If I try to reach out to you, you will run away.”
“…that… it’s not your fault.”
“Then why?”
At Irene’s question, Noel shut his lips. Seeing that, Irene felt sadness in her words.
“Noel.”
She thought she was a trustworthy person to him, and he to her. Was it just her own imagination? Why on earth was he hiding so tightly and not saying anything? What was the reason?
He must have committed a great sin. In that case, please leave the room without engaging in business.
Suddenly, Lady Jasmine’s words came to mind. She did not think Noel did anything wrong to her, but he still did not want to face her as he was in this state.
Irene turned her gaze away from him.
“...don’t go out tonight. I’ll go somewhere else to sleep.”
Just as she was about to leave, Noel hurriedly grabbed her wrist.
“...Don’t go.”
“Then are you going to run away again?”
“If I tell you why Irene, you might start to hate me.”
At Noel’s incomprehensible words, Irene tilted her head.
“Whatever you are going to say, I’m never going to hate you, Noel. I promise you.” Regardless of the reason, she had to say this clearly.
“….”
Her tone did not waver.
Nevertheless, even then, Noel could not say why. It was because Irene’s belief and this were a separate matter.
“Noel. Can’t you believe me?”
Irene, who was looking at Noel, asked with a sad voice. As if it were her last plea. At those words, Noel’s eyes fluttered. He wet his lips.
“...No.”