The Kind Older Sister Is No More

She had to say what needed to be said. Even if it were in front of him.

Irene raised her head and looked the Great Kristen in the eye. Her gaze filled with honesty and sincerity.

“I do not know of everything that happened between you and Noel, but I know that Noel has suffered a great deal. And I also know that the Grand Duke cares for Noel, however...I think it might be a little too much for him to accept this. So, I cannot ask Noel to wear this ring, but I will do my best to convey your true feelings. I am sorry if I went off topic.”

If she were to change her position and perspective on it, she would have done the same.

If the family which one thought would never be able to get close to, asked that person to accept a gift one day because the other party wanted to get to know them better, the said figure would be confused and not know what to do. Disappointment and absurdity would take precedence over emotion. Now, why are you doing this? It would be clear that there would also be that kind of doubt.

I don’t want him to be that kind of person to Noel.

Noel was also greatly hurt by his grandfather. The scar was still there and trying to touch it now would only cause more pain.

She was familiar with this feeling. And knowing that gave Irene the strength to speak firmly in front of the Great Kristen.

Despite being full of spirit, she was having a hard time making eye contact with Duke Kristen. It was because she could not withstand her sudden, natural flow of enthusiasm. However, Irene was not at all discouraged. It was not because she wanted to break his will, but because she really wanted to persuade him.

Irene herself did not know, but the Great Kristen had recognised Irene’s pure heart. So, he liked this child even more. He was convinced that this child would truly be able to touch, and possibly repair Noel’s broken heart -- it was a task he would give her, because he knew he would not be able to. And…It could be that she might bring back the relationship between him and Noel, which had long gone down the wrong path.

“I have made a great mistake. I’m sorry, darling.”

When the Grand Duke politely apologised, Irene was startled and dissuaded.

“Oh, no, no. Please, it’s alright.”

“No. I was too hasty. You’re right. What you say, makes complete sense. Do as you see appropriate.”

“Thank you…”

Nevertheless, Irene had no choice but to accept the Grand Duke’s recognition, but she was overcome with a foreign sensation unbeknownst to her.

Have I, somehow, been acknowledged?

Of course, she might be the only one who thought so excitedly, but it felt good anyway.

No one has ever listened to me…

It was a strange thing. After leaving Chase house, she began to meet people who listened to her and acknowledged her -- from Noel to Great Duke Kristen.

There were only two, but it was a big deal for Irene.

Irene touched the red velvet-textured box and looked at the two rings lying side by side. Seeing the rings’ difference in size, an odd feeling settled upon her.

The vermilion sunset came in through the window slit. Irene thought she could not wait to go back and see Noel.

♔♔♔

“Thank you for today.”

“It is I who has to say that. I enjoyed my day because of you. It has been a long time since I last had a heart-to-heart conversation with someone. Thank you, dear.”

“Oh, no, it’s nothing.”

Irene blushed at the Grand Duke’s warm voice and compliment. She had to prepare in advance for tomorrow’s event, so she tried to hurry in after saying goodbye, but his voice caught her.

“Darling...”

Irene looked back with a puzzled face.

“Thank you and, I’m sorry.”

At the unexpected statement, Irene only blinked then answered with a smile.

“Me too, thank you.”

Irene quickly went into the house as soon as she finished talking. She was embarrassed, and she was planning on calling a maid to prepare a dress for her tomorrow.

Before that, Irene first washed her hair and body, which was stained with juice, and changed into a comfortable and mobile chemise dress. The material was light and fluttered. This kind of dress, she thought, definitely suited her.

As she entered the room, she attempted to tell her servant to prepare a dress for her to wear the following day, but as she approached the bedside, she could not manage to utter her initial intention.

It was because a large dark blue box with a ribbon was placed on her bed. It certainly was not there when she went out in the morning.

“The Duke sent it.”