The Kind Older Sister Is No More

Because it was impossible to deal with Noel personally. It could be deduced from the fact that Noel till now. Then, the person who they would be aiming for would be Irene, who was not yet a member of the Kristen family. Without her, it would be virtually impossible for Noel to become a Grand Duke.

However, if they officially announced Irene at the banquet, they would not be able to touch her in advance.

I could cover my eyes and pretend that it’d go away.

That was why Noel had said it would be dangerous. Irene remembered what Noel had said in the carriage the other day. But Irene wondered why she wasn’t too worried about it. The reason for that was probably because…

“That’s why, don’t stay away from me until then Irene.”

Irene looked at Noel when she heard his voice. Silver grey hair and dark brown eyes that shone brilliantly in sunlight. At first glance, his gaze looked indifferent and cold, and his face had perfect features. His heart and soul were also as beautiful as his appearance, but he was also a man full of scars.

Irene nodded.

“I understand Noel. I’ll never slip away from you.”

Perhaps… It was because Noel was too reliable that Irene didn’t feel threatened at all. It was as if he would protect Irene no matter what.

♔♔♔

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning then.”

“Ok. Ah, there is…”

Noel, who was about to go back, was stopped when Irene hesitated. Noel tilted his head and looked at her. Irene fiddled with her finger and shyly enquired.

“By any chance, can I get some paper? It would be better if you also have a pen or paint. I’m fine if I can’t have it…” She requested.

Noel, who looked at Irene quietly, replied.

“Paper and pencil are in the desk drawer. I’ll find the paint and the tools you need as soon as tomorrow comes. Do you need anything else?”

Noel easily answered without any hesitation. Irene quickly shook her head at his favourable remark.

“No, that’s enough. Thank you.”

Noel spoke calmly.

“You don’t have to thank me. You can just tell me if you need anything. Now, this is also your home.”

“...Ok.”

“Then take a rest. I’ll get going.”

After Noel closed the door, Irene fanned her face. For some reason, she felt her face was hot. In order to cool her face, Irene went to the window. The wind blew when she opened it.

Because of the wind, Irene grabbed her hair and tucked it behind her ears and then she leaned against the window frame and held her head out. The view from the window of the Kristen mansion was wide and bright and couldn’t be compared with Chase mansion.

Irene looked at the view outside her room whilst still leaning her head. It had been two days since she had come to the mansion, but it did not feel foreign to her, as it was due to her many visits before.

I know the structure of the house.

Even though she did not know all of the separate buildings, she was already familiar with the main building and the surrounding area. It was thanks to two weeks of her steady visits.

Ah, I remember something.

While seeing the calm and peaceful view, Irene recalled what Noel had said, and opened the desk drawer.

“There it is.”

Just like what Noel had said before when Irene asked, there was paper and pencils in the desk drawer. The quality of the paper and the pencils were good.

Can I use it?

Irene brought a big and thick book from the bookcase and leaned it on the window frame. Then she spread the paper on it. Although the paper was wider than the book and left the end without support, it was enough for Irene.

Usually, I wouldn’t have been able to paint like this from the window.

There had been a day when someone had caught Irene painting. Then her father had come in and loudly scolded her. That was why Irene had to close her window tightly in the middle of the summer to hide and do it in secret so that no one could see it.

However, …

In the end, the paintings had been torn to shreds and thrown into incinerators. When that scene came to her mind, Irene closed her eyes. Irene had no particular hobbies since childhood, so painting was the only thing that she loved. The truth was Irene preferred to admire the painting, but all she could see was Riel. That was why Irene began to draw on her own.

The scenery of the Chase mansion, the sky, the garden during all the four seasons, and then the painting of her family smiling with her. Although, she was the only one who didn’t smile.

16th Oct: I lied, here's an early update- pls read on onedaythreeautumns ;-;

//More smiles for you in the future. only good things will happen Ireneヾ(⁍̴̆◡⁍̴̆。)ノ