The Kind Older Sister Is No More

Upon seeing Irene standing motionlessly, the maid who stood discreetly at the side, hinted playfully.

Duke? Noel?

The identity of the person who sent the box was even more unexpected. Curious about the contents that Noel sent, Irene immediately opened the box.

The maid, who was curious about the inside as well, looked over Irene’s shoulder.

“Oh my, how gorgeous. It would look beautiful on you, miss.” She exclaimed

What was in the box was no other than a beautiful sky-blue dress. The maid pulled out her dress.

It’s…

It was a dress she had seen before.

It was on the very first page of the design book…

It was the dress that Irene loved but could not even think of affording because it was too expensive. The design was the same, but the colour was lighter than the dress there, and instead of the vine pattern on the skirt hem, which seemed somewhat flashy, it was decorated with lace to exude elegance. Flowers were embroidered outstretching from the vines, spiralling upwards to the cinched waistline. The off the shoulder cut, would accentuate her upper half in an elegant and modest way. And the neckline… Opalescent fabric, with undertones of aurora green and pink and silver, was folded on the blue fabric.

The dress looked as if it were designed exclusively for Irene.

“He must have prepared it for tomorrow. I think it will go well with a tranquil and elegant exhibition. Would you like to try it on?”

“Oh…Yes.”

Irene stared blankly at the dress, mesmerised, and only managed a small nod. In fact, she could not hear what the maid said. It was just a reflexive answer.

Noel... prepared it for me....

Was it because of the sudden gift? Her heart pounded abnormally. The thought of Noel choosing a dress for herself made her belly flutter, cheeks smile.

“It’s done.”

While Irene was dazed, the dress-up was already finished. It happened in the blink of an eye.

Irene looked at her reflection in the mirror.

“Well, the size fits perfectly.”

The maid applauded. Irene could not take her eyes off the mirror. Perhaps because of the texture of the fabric wrapped around the body, her skin had become a little itchy.

“Did Noel come over personally?”

To Irene’s question, the maid answered with a nod.

“Yes. He left just before Miss arrived.”

Irene’s eyes widened at the maid’s reply. The throbbing accelerated. If she ran now, she might be able to catch up to Noel. With that thought in mind, she was about to chase him, when suddenly a ring case on the nearby table caught her eyes.