At the muted Noel, Tom smiled quietly and took a step back.
“You must be tired from the long journey, so please go up and rest first. I’ll take care of the rest. Louiselle and the crew also need a break.”
“…I’ll ask her.”
Noel’s expression was strange when he responded. He then bowed to the Grand Duke and returned to the room with Irene. As soon as they entered the room, Irene slumped down on the sofa. She wanted to hit the bed right away, but she had to put up with it since she had not washed up yet.
It’s relaxing.
It was not that the Friedan mansion was uncomfortable, but as they said, ‘home sweet home’.
As Irene buried herself in the soft, plush sofa, eyes closed, the fragrant tea scent stimulated the tip of her nose, and her eyes blinked open again.
Steam rose from the teacup in front of her.
“Oh, thank you.”
She was still worn out, so she was in dire need of some warm tea...
Irene gave Noel her thanks and took a sip. It felt like her body was melting, and a smile naturally crept upon her brightened face. Noel looked at Irene happily and decided it was the perfect time to bring up the subject.
“Irene.”
“Yes.”
The end of his words dragged on. Irene answered cheerfully and looked up at him when she could not hear his following words. Noel was looking at her pleasantly.
“Have you ever been to a festival?”
In response, Irene was surprised at his unforeseen question.
“No, not yet.”
Come to think of it. I’ve never participated in a festival before...Because I always had to stay by Riel’s side.
She had always wanted to go, but she could never dream of going. Since she did not have the liberty to do so, going to a festival was never a possibility.
I really want to go.
Irene, who sensed a bitter taste spread through her mouth, was about to take another sip of tea but then hardened at Noel’s following words.
“Then why don’t you join me at this festival?”
Irene’s eyes widened as she stared at him, dazed. Noel seemed to be a little embarrassed by that gaze. He later added while avoiding eye contact.
“I thought it would be fun, if it were with you, Irene.”
Irene blinked blankly at Noel. Noel’s expression darkened when no immediate reply came back from Irene. There was a hint of fear on his face that she might refuse.
“If you don’t want to….”
“No. I would love to!”
Noel, who was observing her, tried to take back his proposal, but Irene hurriedly accepted it before her chance passed. She eagerly interrupted his speech.
“I want to go. If it’s a festival with you, Noel, I won’t miss it for the world.”
She did not know whether it was because she had never been to a festival or because she was going with him, but Irene would never want to let go of this precious opportunity.
As Irene spoke earnestly with twinkling eyes, Noel, who was stunned for a moment, smiled quietly and opened his mouth.
“Yes, then let’s go to the festival together.”
As he spoke with a soft smile, Irene’s expression, waiting for his answer, brightened.
♔♔♔
On one starless night, unable to sleep, Riel got up and headed to her parents’ room. She had some questions that needed answers. Also, she had something she wanted to say.
However, Riel stopped in front of their room at the voice coming from beyond the door. It was the voice of the Count who had just returned from the Friedan Viscounty.
“I think Noel Kristen noticed something.”
“What do you mean?”
The Countess’ muffled one followed his voice. Riel listened closely to them through the crack on the door.
“About Irene. Not all, but he seems to have noticed something.”
“Th-That...! If he finds out, we will...!”
“Well, there’s no solid evidence, and he will never be able to take action ahead of us because he is also well aware that doing that would not bring Irene any good.”
“What if he’s blinded by fame, privilege, meritorious deeds as such and informs against us?!”
“...”
The Count’s voice faltered at his wife’s shouting. Hearing the private matter, Riel’s expression grew cold.
There was only silence for a long time, followed by the terrified woman’s meek hesitant voice.
“Before that, why don’t we tell them the truth first...?”
“You, do you know what will happen to Irene if that happens?”
“Of course I know. But there’s nothing we can do about it! She is not even our real child; we have to live at least! You are thinking the same thing, aren’t you? Shouldn’t we save our Riel first?”
“...Ugh. You’re right. But we cannot rush without solid evidence. Let’s wait a little longer.”
As the Count’s words wrapped up their conversation, Riel slowly removed her ear, which she had pressed against the door the whole time. She then returned to her room quietly, like a shadow, she gradually blended into the darkness. A sinister smile hung on her lips, barely exposed under the moonlight.
♔♔♔