The Kind Older Sister Is No More

“But, milady, even though it is Winter, the flowers are in full bloom? It is a landscape painting. I have not ever heard of a Winter when the flowers are in bloom.”

The servant, who claimed it was not Winter, stepped out and protested. Certainly, the servant’s words did have a point. But except for the fact that snow was falling from the sky, Winter is no different from Spring. Rather, it caused a sense of incongruity when it snowed.

“This is a painting by an unknown painter named Karl. At first glance, the painting looks like an ordinary landscape, but in fact, it is a picture drawn with memories of a lover who left. So, even though the seasons change, she hopes that the place where she was with him will remain the same. Even if the seasons change, the flowers will not wilt. One can speculate that the landscape in this piece does not actually exist. The truth is, only the painter knows.”

Irene went on to explain without any hesitation. When she was at Count Chase’s House, she had seen the paintings of new painters in the morning newspapers, unbeknownst to her father. Karl’s paintings had caught Irene’s eyes, and later she had found Karl’s paintings separately in the newspapers of artists or in booklets containing only the works of new artists.

“There is also an opinion claiming that the extra-terrestrial setting itself which cannot be matched with the landscape, represents the reality of Karl who cannot go back to that beautiful time. Therefore, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter are in the right order.”

“...”

After explaining, Irene raised her head, a little puzzled at the surrounding silence. All the servants, including her maid, were looking at her, dazed.

From their faces, Irene wondered if she had made a mistake. 

“Oh, but it may be different from what I am aware of…” She soon added, to reassure that it was merely her personal interpretation, and she could very much be wrong. 

But before she could finish her words.

“No, that is exactly it. Irene’s answer is right.” 

Startled by the familiar deep voice, she quickly turned her head. The servants quickly bowed for the incoming figure.

“Noel?”

Noel was walking with Tom. Irene looked at Noel in surprise as he approached. When she called out his name, there was a brief moment he held his breath as her voice reached him.

Unaware of that, Irene approached Noel, and her face brightened with joy. Naturally, Noel’s expression relaxed. Tom, who was accustomed to the situation, was fine, but the employees, glancing sideways, were astonished. The Duke, who always exerted a cold demeanour, could make that kind of face!

“I was about to head that way.”

“I’m glad our paths crossed. But what are you doing here?”

“Oh, I thought something was wrong.”

“So, were you helping?”

“I do not know if I helped. But I did try.” Irene smiled, shyly.

She was clearly embarrassed, but Noel softly looked at Irene, his gaze gentle.

As a strange atmosphere flowed between the two, the servants who were nervous besides them, cast earnest glances at Tom. Tom sighed lightly, as if he understood what they were thinking and thereafter he intervened between the two.

“Why don’t you move to some other place to chat privately?”

“Mmm.”

Noel nodded at Tom’s words. Irene tilted her head upwards to look at him. She knew, even though the maid did not tell her, the fact that he had to come to see her meant there was some business.

I wonder what it is?

She was worried that something might have happened, but when she looked at Noel’s expression, it seemed like it was not anything too serious.

“There is a greenhouse nearby. If you are fine with it, how about we move over there? I have something to say to you Irene.”

“Ah...Yes, that would be nice.”

Though Irene was slightly concerned about Noel’s words, she still nodded happily. The air in the morning was refreshing, and it was nice to take a walk.

Irene did not know the location of the greenhouse, so Noel took the lead. Though his legs were long, somehow his stride was exceptionally short. Walking side by side with him, Irene soon noticed that it was not his usual pace. He was slowing down, somehow, it seemed to be Noel being considerate of her?

“...Pft.”

In the end, she could not help it, and let loose a small giggle. Hearing that high pitched laugh, Noel looked down at her with a bewildered face. Feeling his gaze, Irene scurried to excuse herself. 

“Oh. I apologise if I offended you. It was just that...Noel’s consideration for me, is just too cute.”

“...”

Irene’s eyes widened after she spoke.

Noel stopped. 

Irene felt her cheeks heat up. Oh, why had she said something like that? She felt like she could combust at any time.

I can’t believe I just told a grown man that he is cute. He must be upset.

She had frankly told him at that moment that she thought he was cute and endearing when he walked. Because despite his long legs, he was considerate of her, but she soon realised a little late that her abrupt honesty could have put him in a foul mood.

Contrary to Irene’s worries, the reason Noel stopped was not because he had felt offended. Rather because it was too unexpected of her. 

“I am cute?”  Noel asked, looking at Irene baffled.

updated on onedaythreeautumns (Nov. 13)

//Oh darling, you are the cutest!! ♡(˶╹̆ ▿╹̆˵)و✧♡!!

What would an “I’m cute?” Noel look like, //screams into the GRand Duchieee

-Haban