“...”
Soon after, she fell asleep again. She felt more secure with him than being conscious of his existence.
Seeing Irene sleeping, Noel got up and tried to leave the room. His grandfather was busier than ever. The announcement of Noel’s succession to the Grand Duchy was right around the corner.
Time flies too fast.
He thought that the tea party was finally over, but soon the succession announcement date was set, and in an instant, here they were today.
Noel was more distracted than ever. He had to do all the rest, memorise the order of the presentation, and then change into a uniform.
But he soon stopped moving.
He looked at Irene, who was sleeping soundly. As she fell asleep, she lay facing the direction Noel was sitting. She believed he would remain there, and when she opened her eyes again, he thought she might be disappointed if he was gone. So, he could no longer move.
Those worries did not last long. He went back to Irene’s side again, and he stayed there until evening passed and at night when she woke up.
A week had passed since the tea party was over. Early in the morning, Irene had lost her mind. She was frazzled on the outside, but she was also a mess on the inside.
“Young Madame, we are almost ready. The Grand Duke is now coming here from his office.”
“Yes, yes, I got it.”
After her maid informed her of the rickshaw and reported, she busily left her room again. Oh, that was why she had not seen Noel’s face even once today, except for when she woke up. It was because he was busy with his own grooming and all the other preparations.
“It’s done.”
When the maid who helped her dress spoke, Irene got up from her seat and stood in front of her full-length mirror.
It’s strange...
Today’s outfit was not an ordinary dress but one that was tailored to Noel’s own uniform and matched his set. Her eyes were drawn to the pattern of the ducal family embroidered in gold on the skirt. Not only that: an emerald ring, emerald necklace, diamond earrings and diamond tiara. It was as if she had become a jewel itself.
“We are going to leave. May all your wishes come true today.”
“Yes, you did a marvellous job.”
“Thank you.”
At the same time as the maid left, Noel arrived just in time. Even though she saw him this morning, for some reason, it seemed like she had not seen him for a long time.
“Noel, are you okay?”
Just as she hadn’t been able to sleep properly in preparation for her tea party, he, too, had been unable to sleep for the past few days preparing for his succession announcement. Despite this, his complexion remained clean, but Irene, who lived in a room with him, knew well how tired he was.
So, as soon as she saw his state, words of concern came out. Noel smiled slightly at her words.
“I’m fine.”
His words were not false. He was also a human being, so it was natural for him to feel tired after staying up all night, no matter how cold-blooded he was. In addition, the job of the assassin was added, so he felt more tired.
But miraculously, the moment he entered the room and saw Irene wearing a matching set, the tiredness completely disappeared. His mind cleared. Only her figure filled her vision.
“I’m better.”
Noel spoke again and smiled at her. Seeing that, Irene also smiled a little. Soon after, the two went straight to the ceremonial room. The Grand Duke would be waiting there for the two of them.
Even if it was a ceremony, it was not as grandiose as a banquet. It was just an official announcement at a gathering of media outlets, vassals, and the elders. Therefore, although the ceremonial hall was gorgeous, there were no unnecessary formalities. It was just announcing and coming back.
Nevertheless, as it was an important point for his and her wishes to come true, there was no choice but to be nervous.
The ceremony took place in the centre concourse, so there was no need to go far. Before going down the central staircase, Grand Duke Kristen, who had been waiting in advance, greeted Irene and Noel. He was also dressed in the Grand Duke’s attire.
“I’m belatedly greeting you this morning.”
“Good morning.”
Neither Irene nor Noel had a moment to greet the great Kristen, as they had been bombarded since dawn. But the Grand Duke shook his head with a look of ‘no concern’.
“You must be very nervous. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes.”
“Sweetheart, aren’t you tired?”
“I’m all right. Thank you for your concern.”
The Grand Duke smiled at Irene’s words and looked at Noel. He looked at him and spoke slowly.
“Sorry to keep you waiting so long.”
At his words, Noel was silent for a moment. However, Irene lifted her head and looked at Noel as her hand grabbed his.
Noel, feeling Irene’s gaze, lowered his and looked at her. When their eyes met, he pondered what Irene would do with him. She just smiled and said nothing. Seeing that, Noel also smiled quietly.
The Grand Duke’s words did not waver at all.
“I’m fine. So you don’t have to feel guilty about me anymore.” Noel said.
“... Okay.”
The Grand Duke’s eyes widened at Noel’s unexpected response. His gaze swept down to the two tightly held hands and then fell. Then he turned his back and went down the stairs. Walking behind him, Irene looked up at Noel.
“Noel, you are so splendid,” she spoke brightly.
Noel responded with a smile.
“You are the one who made me this way. Irene.”
***