The Kind Older Sister Is No More

There was nothing prepared for the greenhouse trip because it was unplanned. The top of the table felt empty.

As soon as I go back, I must tell Tom to organise afternoon tea.

He thought it would not be too bad if he served tea to Irene himself.

“Noel?” 

Noel was in the midst of thinking what kind of tea would be better, when he heard Irene’s voice. Only then that he realised what was going on. He brought her there saying he had something to tell her, but later he acted rudely by zoning out.

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright. But what do you want to say?”

“It’s nothing special, but I think Irene said that you’re interested in painting before, right?”

“Yes? Oh...”

Irene narrowed her eyes at the unexpected question. Not long after he had said that, she remembered that she had mentioned something similar to him at Duchess Jasmine’s estate, where she had met him for the first time, to make that proposal. Thinking about that, she found herself feeling strangely surprised.

I never thought you would remember, Noel.

She thought he must have heard and spilled it, but she did not think he would remember it until now. Her toes suddenly felt ticklish. 

“Yes. I am fond of it.”

Irene looked at Noel and said, trying to hide her shyness. As he looked straight into her olive-coloured eyes, Noel thought that they blended well with the greenhouse’s surrounding, which was green-filled. Clear and fresh, but not as bright.

“Good thing. Then why don’t we go there together?”

Noel took something out of his pocket and handed it out to Irene. Irene looked at it, confused. It was a dark orange envelope.

“This is…”

Upon checking the contents with a puzzled face, Irene’s eyes widened greatly.

“This time, the Duchess of Jasmine is holding an exhibition for the purpose of sponsoring poor artists, and she sent me an invitation to it. Normally, I would not go there, but if Irene is interested…”

As Noel paused at the end of his words, Irene paid close attention to him. He muttered in a small voice, avoiding her gaze when their eyes met.

“Would you like to go with me? Only if you are willing to…”

“...Oh.” 

“If you want to go alone, please tell me. I’ll arrange all the necessary conditions…”

“I would love to!”

Irene pushed her upper body forward and exclaimed excitedly. Noel’s eyes widened slightly at her abrupt reaction. Irene spoke quickly.

“I want to go with you, Noel. Thank you for telling me. I’m so happy.”

She was resolute and firm, unlike her usual self. But after she calmed down, Irene’s face heated. She was so embarrassed, she could burst.

When Noel told her that she could go alone, she responded urgently. Irene restored her staggered upper body to her initial posture. Nevertheless, she did not take her eyes off Noel with a determined look.

It was an exhibition with Noel. She would never want to miss that chance. Irene herself could not tell whether the reason was because of the exhibition or because she was going with Noel.

Meanwhile, he had been worrying about what to do if she wanted to go alone, or whether he could let her go out alone, but seeing how actively she had responded, implying that she wanted them to go together like that, Noel felt odd.

Is it because I could not get enough sleep that I’m going insane?

The feeling was indescribable. He was happy, a little overwhelmed, and embarrassed...

The two people, who were speechless in such a subtle atmosphere, stared blankly at different places for some time. Suddenly, the table and plants became so interesting. After some time had passed, unable to stay like that any longer, Noel broke the silence first.

“As stated on the invitation, the date is a week later. We will be leaving for quite a while, so if there is a place you want to visit, then think about it.”

“Yes. I will let you know.”

Even though it was not a big matter, Irene nodded earnestly. Noel suddenly realised it while looking at her.

Before he knew it, at some point he had started smiling.

The time at the Duke’s residence passed quickly, albeit to Irene it seemed slow. 

The people of the Grand Duchy still quietly ignored Irene, but rumours that Irene was a person who perfectly explained the origin of the painting by an unknown painter, circulated. In addition, with Noel, the pair called each other by name comfortably, and the disregard subsided a little.

Irene hoped that a week would pass as quickly as possible, because she wanted to go to the exhibition soon. Then on that one day before the exhibition, Irene fell into extreme distress.

Irene looked sullen in front of the dressing room.

What should I do? I have nothing to wear.

A sigh came out.

There was no dress she had brought from the Chase residence, only several outfits provided by Noel, but they were all casual clothes that were comfortable to move in, which did not suit the exhibition.

Noel would not mind whatever she wore, but Irene could not accept it. 

I want to care.

As it was an important event, she wanted to dress appropriately and elegantly.

After contemplating for a long time, Irene rose from her seat as she had finally made up her mind. 

I’ll buy it.