Irene blushed at his sudden remark. She could not relate to what he said at all. Irene had never considered herself ill-looking, but neither did she ever think that she was exceptionally gorgeous. Compared to Riel, she had a rather plain appearance. She had thought of herself that way all her life.
Therefore, she could not entirely agree with him when Noel said she was pretty and beautiful out of the blue.
Nonetheless, she knew he would not back down easily, so Irene remained silent and nodded shyly. Noel, who looked at her satisfactorily, belatedly added.
“However, the similarity I’m speaking of is a little different. It’s something like the demeanour or the aura she gives off.”
“Aura?”
“Yes, I don’t think Irene notices.”
“Yes…”
At Noel’s words, Irene nodded awkwardly. Noel looked at Irene lovingly and handed the picture back to her.
“I don’t know who the owner of the painting is or who is Rivena, but I will be here to help you find the answer.”
“Thank you, Noel.”
Irene smiled quietly.
♔♔♔
“The grace I have received from you two is tremendous.”
The butler said, standing in front of the carriage in which Irene and Noel were seated.
“Thanks to you, I was able to send my mistress away safely.”
“Thanks to you, we have also had a comfortable time. Thank you.”
The butler’s eyes were moist at Irene’s heartfelt words.
“The Friedan Viscountcy is a family that has lost its power to the point where it is difficult to find someone of the extended line. But as someone who has inherited the rights of the family, I want to be of strength to you, Madame.”
It was like Viscountess Friedan’s vow to follow Irene. Despite being astounded at his claim, Irene soon grinned as she replied.
“Thank you. It would be a great help to me.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
“We are leaving soon.”
At the end of their conversation, the coachman signalled. As the carriage’s wheels started rolling, Irene spoke to the butler and the servants one last time.
“I hope spring will arrive in this estate.”
“…Thank you, Grand Duchess.”
After the butler’s last greeting, the carriage exited the Viscounty.
Irene drew herself back in the carriage that was quickly crossing the Friedan Territory and looked out the window blankly.
“What are you thinking?”
“It’s just when I first came here. I did not think that things would turn out like this. So many things have changed, and I’m already heading back. Especially…”
Irene opened the Viscountess’ diary, which she had been holding all along. On the very first page, a mini portrait was neatly placed.
I didn’t know I was going to get something like this.
She wanted to resolve her query, but she ended up returning with even more questions. However…
It feels like I’m one step closer.
She did not know what it was, but she felt she was slowly approaching the great truth. What truth was hidden there? It was a little scary too. It seemed that too many things were intertwined at once. At that, Irene closed her tired eyes.
But whatever it is, I shouldn’t back down.
It seemed she had come too far to run away.
She had too many things in my hands that she wanted to treasure, too many dear people that she wanted to protect.
“Noel, I will sleep a little….”
“Yes, have a good night’s sleep, Irene.”
As soon as they got out of the carriage, the Great Kristen, who had been awaiting them, approached. His face was full of joy. The first thing he did was check Irene’s condition.
“Welcome back, sweetheart. Are you feeling okay? You came back from a cold region. You didn’t catch a cold, did you?”
Maybe it was because it had been a long time, but Irene felt like he was making more of a fuss than usual. Irene felt awkward upon receiving his attention, but she did not show it on the outside and smiled casually as if nothing serious had happened.
“I am fine.”
“I’m glad you are okay. You must have been exhausted, though, so let’s get inside and rest.”
“Yes. I will do that.”
Tom approached Noel while Irene was talking to the Great Kristen.
“Welcome back, my Lord.”
“I went around to see what had happened while I was away, and the streets seem bustling.”
Tom nodded at Noel’s words.
“Yes. There will be a festival soon.”
“Festival?”
“Yes. Don’t tell me you didn’t know?”
“I didn’t. Should I know?”
“Not necessary, but isn’t it the day people of the Empire look forward to the most?”
“I don’t think of myself as an imperial citizen.”
The moment Noel replied indifferently, Tom had a ‘Such an insensitive person’ look on his face.
“But it might be a different case for your wife.”
Tom whispered, to which Noel flinched.
“I don’t think Madam has ever properly participated in a festival.”
“...”
Noel did not respond to Tom’s words.