The Kind Older Sister Is No More

Irene stood in the corner of the room, in front of her last desk drawer and pulled out a pouch. Metal clinked inside the bag. 

In her pocket were the gold coins that she had gained from selling her own paintings. It was a meaningful amount of money, but this was all she had left right now. If she talked to Noel, he would get her a dress right away, but Irene did not want to do that.

Irene changed into casual clothes, took the gold coins, and went to look for Tom. She wanted to borrow a carriage. However, her plans were intercepted by a person on her way.

“Where are you going in such a hurry?”

Although he was old, his waist was upright, and his appearance was like a tremendous firm mountain. Irene bowed to the Great Kristen, who she had bumped into on her way. Although he provided her with convenience and the distance between them were reduced considerably, Irene still had a hard time dealing with the Great Kristen. It was because he was too great to be close to.

The only person of the Kristen Duchy to lead the greatest revival period of all time. The triumphal general who ended a long war. A living legend. The achievements attached to him were endless even if a person listed them for a while.

Who could so easily approach such a person?

“I was on my way to find Tom to borrow a carriage.”

“A carriage. Are you heading out?”

“Yes. I need to buy something urgently.”

“Without an escort?”

Irene was confused for a moment at the Great Kristen’s question. Should she have an escort even though she was only going out to buy a dress?

Actually, it was common for nobles to have escorts when they went out. However, Irene had never been out with an escort before. This was because not only did her parents not take care of her, but also thanks to Riel, she never had the chance to go out properly.

Irene lived a life far different from the ordinary aristocracy, and such customs became natural to her. Like riding a carriage alone without an escort.

When Irene failed to respond, the Great Kristen stared at her with his deep eyes. He then prompted.

“Well then, why don’t you go out with me?”

“Pardon? Your Grace, are you saying that you want to accompany me?”

“Hm, you find it distasteful?”

When the Grand Duke asked with a dejected face, Irene quickly shook her head.

“No, of course not.”

“Haha, that’s fortunate. Then let’s go get a carriage together.”

“Yes …”

When the Grand Duke started to move, Irene walked along his side. A broad smile hung on the duke’s face, he seemed to be in a good mood. Irene, who noticed the smile when she glimpsed at the Duke, made a strange expression.

Now you look more like an ordinary grandpa.

Irene had that thought in her mind, though he might get angry if he heard. Maybe it was not so bad to go out together like this.

♔♔♔

Tom looked at the two people before him with disbelief.

What on earth is going on?

Since Irene had entered the Grand Duchy, strange things have started to happen.

Every time Noel encountered Tom, he annoyed him by asking unanswered questions such as whether he was cute or what points of his was cute, but this time the one who came to visit was the Grand Duke of Kristen, who proposed that he would accompany Irene.

The one who never gives in to someone…

Irene’s figure somewhat felt small standing next to the Great Kristen, who still boasted a grand aura and appearance, which was not compatible with someone her age.

When Tom first saw Irene, he was not too expectant of her. A contractual relationship was a necessity; she was merely Party B. He believed that it was a relationship that would break without regret when the respective parties had attained their goals.

Perhaps it was my miscalculation.

Noel did too, but the change of the grand duke was the most incredible. 

There were many people who had tried to stand by him as much as his achievements, but he had never given them a chance.

Except for his deceased grandson.

However, by the time Tom entered the mansion, he was already dead, and in fact, Irene was the first person to be seen standing next to him.

That was why it was even more implausible. On the other hand, Tom had a weak and vague but hopeful expectation towards Irene, who was standing by the Grand Duke’s.

Maybe she would bring a new breeze to the cold, heartless grand duke.

Was that good or bad? He did not know.

♔♔♔ 

//slaps desk– ofc good honey