At that time, the Duke of Windress approached and made a secret offer to her. He claimed to take revenge on her behalf if she were to become the power of his son, who inherited the imperial bloodline.
She accepted the proposal and eventually became the Duke’s adoptive daughter and later the Empress. Nonetheless, Her Majesty truly did fall in love with His Majesty the Emperor. For that, she decided not to follow the Duke’s will because the ‘nature of Duke Windress’ was too vicious. Around the same time, she also found out that the main culprit who exterminated her clan was none other than Duke Windress. Yet, she buried deep her desire for revenge in order to protect her current happiness]
[Her Majesty said that Duke Windress gave false testimony because he figured out she had no intention of placing his son on the throne.
Afterwards, the Empress told me her real name instead of her fake name as a token of our precious friendship.
Rivena.
That was the real name of my master and my closest friend.]
“...”
Silence overflowed. Irene did not know what to say. So much was going on that she had lost the sense of reality.
It seemed to be the same with Noel.
“So…”
She rolled her eyes nervously.
“The Empress…”
“This fact shouldn’t be known.” When Irene could not find the right word to say, Noel spoke up first.
At that moment, Louiselle’s voice was heard over the door, along with a knock.
“My Lord, you have a guest.”
Irene’s body stiffened because of some unknown tension.
It was right after they found out the shocking news. At Louiselle’s notification that a guest had arrived, Irene froze.
Noel looked at Irene for a moment and then asked Louiselle.
“Who is it?”
“It is Sir Mulliman.”
“Sir Mulliman?”
But the name that popped out of Louiselle’s mouth was out of their expectation. Noel let out a small sigh, stood up from his seat and turned to the surprised Irene.
“Irene, would you like to join me?”
“Ah, I…”
Irene hesitated briefly before putting the Viscountess’ diary back into the desk drawer and rose to her feet.
“Yes, I wonder why Sir Mulliman came. It would be a good idea to read the diary later with Noel. I need some time to reorganise my thoughts.”
It was as if a storm had raged in her mind. Too much unbelievable information rushed into her head all at once. She was so confused that she wanted to clear her head by diverting her thoughts.
Noel, looking at Irene quietly, nodded and held out his hand.
She left the room with Noel, following Louiselle to the lounge. As she entered, she found Sir Mulliman and his assistant, Ryun. The two stood up to greet them.
“Hello, Grand Duke, Grand Duchess.”
“Greetings.”
Mulliman greeted him, and then Ryun lowered his head.
“What’s going on all of a sudden?”
Perhaps he was dissatisfied that they came without any notice beforehand, Noel bluntly asked as he sat across from them with Irene. Mulliman, who immediately detected his mood, laughed it off casually.
“Does our relationship still require us to contact you in order to meet you?”
“So, it isn’t?”
“Too bad. I thought there might somehow be an exception when it comes to me.”
As Mulliman spoke as if he was genuinely sad, Noel pursed his lips. Mulliman, who smiled at his reaction, turned to Irene this time.
“It has been a long time since I last saw you, Madame. You have become more beautiful in the meanwhile. Haha.”
“Oh, thank you. I think Sir Mulliman has gotten younger too.”
“Haha, there’s nothing more praiseworthy than telling an old man that he has become younger. Thank you, Duchess.”
Even after he had finished speaking, Mulliman did not stop staring at Irene in silence. Seconds later, he slowly opened his mouth.
“The reason I suddenly came looking for you two today is none other than to see if the ring is working properly or if there is any problem.”
“Ah…”
“Also, I have something to say to the Grand Duke.”