“...”
Irene’s eyes twinkled. Meanwhile, Noel, who had rolled up the sleeves, took her hand and gently dragged her along as he took a few steps forward. Irene was flustered but soon walked parallel with him.
As they were steadily walking ahead, a cold wind rushed through them.
“Noel, isn’t it cold? Why don’t we go back to our room and get my coat instead?” Irene asked worriedly.
“As I said in the carriage, I am used to the north wind, so this is just like a cool breeze to me. Rather, don’t you find it chilly?”
“I’m not cold because I’m wearing your clothes, but Noel….”
“It’s all good then. That’s all that matters.”
Noel smiled softly at Irene with her hand in his and started moving forward in small, light steps. Irene, initially concerned that Noel would be cold, gave in to his calm and began to walk with ease.
In truth, the desolate Friedan Viscounty had no back garden or greenhouse to take a stroll like the Grand Duke’s residence. All they could do was to walk through an empty, vacant lot.
However, the sky was clean so that she could see the stars and the moon well. Its beauty replaced the withered flowers in this arid garden. The two stopped to sit down in a rocking chair and enjoyed the dazzling sight of the sparkling stars dotted on the dark, mysterious sky. The light they illuminated was enough to be noticed. But at moments, the glowing dots seemed so tiny that it felt as if they would be engulfed by the thick layer of darkness any minute. Soon, the appreciation for the magnificence was over clouded by Irene’s complicated thoughts. The butler’s words kept hovering in her head.
“Is it bothering you?”
At the voice from beside her, Irene looked back at him and nodded slightly.
“Why did he do that? For some reason, my father toward my aunt….”
Was he trying to let her die?
It was a terrifying scenario that she could not put into words. Her father, who had once more or less taken care of his sick daughter, abruptly decided to leave his sister’s life at the hand of the grim reaper.
There was hardly a way to explain his strange behaviour.
“I did not know anything.”
“Have you never heard of Viscountess Friedan before this?”
“Yes, not once… It’s just that I once lived with her when I was relatively small, but I still couldn’t figure out why.”
Irene’s eyes darkened.
“Actually, I used to think that Riel’s body was weak, so he must have left me in my aunt’s care for a while to focus more on Riel’s condition. But now... I have a hunch that it wasn’t the case. It feels like a secret is hidden.”
“Well, only Count Chase knows the answer.”
“I thought I would never have to see my parents again, but I think I should go back to the capital.”
“I hope you don’t overdo it.”
At Irene’s words, Noel responded while pulling her into his embrace. Irene gently rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
“If you are having a hard time, lean on me. I will be your strength.”
“Thank you, Noel.”
“...I am your husband.”
“...”
At Noel’s whispering, Irene’s eyes rounded. Shortly after, a soft smile was drawn on her lips.
“You’re more reliable than anyone else.”
“That’s true.”
A cheeky smile graced his lips. His answer was resolute and unshakable. His solid words were so faithful that she could not help but rely on him subconsciously. She ended up constantly showing her weak and vulnerable side to him.
Nonetheless...
I’m glad he’s here.
Without him, she would not have been able to endure this headache. She was grateful to Noel, who was always next to her during the most challenging times. But it was somewhat difficult to convey it through words…
Leaning on his strong shoulder, Irene shut her eyes as she tried to organise her complex mind.
♔♔♔