The Kind Older Sister Is No More

About three days passed since Noel and Irene went to Duchess Jasmine’s exhibition.

“It’s hectic. Now Count Chase is so busy with invitations for you, milady.”

“Because they don’t know I’m here,” Irene let out a small sigh.

Rumours had begun to circulate that the relationship between Irene and Noel was unusual. Additionally, there was talk that she was even favoured by the Great Kristen himself. The world around Irene became the centre of noise; the eye of the typhoon. 

The Grand Duke’s servants often waited for her to pass by, attempting butter up to her, in an attempt to impress Noel. The number of people who came in to flatter her, and then left without doing anything meaningful in order to catch the eye of Noel was giving Irene a headache. 

Of course, Noel did not meet any one of them. But Irene was concerned about the seat of the Grand Duke of Kristen. If Irene had been a simple lover, she would have been so worried, however, there were rumours flying about that she was recognised by the great Kristen. That being said, it was thus highly likely that Noel would rise to the throne.

*Throne as in the seat/position of the Grand Duke

There’s a fire burning…

Everyone, including Noel, thought that the Great Kristen had imposed such conditions in order to hand over the Grand Duke title to others. That was why she had let her guard down carelessly. 

For an instance, the ‘Young Earl Ascardo’ popped into mind.

The opponent who Noel had been wary of all along. How would he feel?

On that thought, Irene pulled out a fresh piece of paper.

The biggest change that had happened to her since she had entered the Grand Duke of Kristen was that she could paint as many paintings as she wanted to, whenever she wanted to. Irene turned her head and looked at the art piled up next to her desk. Up till now, she had painted images of the Grand Duke of Kristen, the figures of her servants, and landscapes of the sky. These were the pictures on her drawing paper.

“Because all that’s left is time.”

Noel had said to refrain from entering the house as much as possible because it would be annoying if she caught the eye of those who went in and out.

As he said, Irene obeyed and did not go out. She just stayed in her room to draw pictures. Perhaps because she had been feeling accumulated resentment, in the meantime, she could immerse herself in painting and work harder on them. 

The result was that.

But it’s fun.

Often, the head maid, who saw Irene draw, was surprised, and asked if she was still painting after hours on end. But Irene enjoyed painting to the point where the passing of time was overshadowed for Irene.

It was because it felt mysterious and daunting to transfer a certain scene onto the canvas through one’s hands. The weather was nice today too. Opening the window with a pencil to draw the entrance of the mansion, Irene tilted her head at the crowded main gate. 

Why are there so many carriages?

“Oh, there are gifts coming in to celebrate the banquet. It is just the beginning,” said the maid, reading Irene’s question, though she had not said it.

“A celebration banquet?”

“Yes. In a week, the 700th anniversary banquet will be held. Words are a congratulatory gift, but in fact, they are nothing more than a bribe to get attention. You become too talkative. Anyway, at this time of year, when that happens, the front door is full of carriages like that.” The maid said. She had become more comfortable with Irene, and only later realised that she had inappropriately commented, and hastily changed her words. All those who sent gifts were high-ranking nobles, so her remark could be counted as defamation of the nobility.

But Irene could care less. It was the complete opposite that occupied her mind. What she cared about was, the ‘700th anniversary banquet…’

The banquet itself was meaningful, but it was a very special day for Irene. 

Marriage announcement…

Just the thought of it made her face hot. Announcement of marriage. Until now, it had not felt very realistic, but now that each day passed and she got closer to the eventful banquet, she felt strange for no apparent reason.

However, when she happened to meet Tom not too long ago by chance, she noticed that there were deep shadows underneath his eyes.

He seemed exhausted. Irene did not say anything, but she had a hunch that the cause was the preparation for the banquet. 

Noel did not show any feelings of tiredness, but she knew he was.

I’m sure he must be very tired too.

Irene could not help but think about her circumstances. Was it alright to be so relaxed and secluded by herself?

I want to see Noel.

There is not much time left until the 700th anniversary banquet, so she wanted to help him if she could. But she thought it would be difficult for Noel to come here. 

Still, her face is not well known. It would be better to go on her own…

//Irene please don’t make a big oopsy.

Looking out of the window, Irene took a deep breath and turned her head back.

As soon as you leave, you’ll get everyone’s attention.

Those who came in to deliver gifts, they had keen eyes eager to find out more information for themselves. They wondered what kind of woman she was, if she was worthy, if she could conciliate even a little. There was much hidden conspiracy lately. Moreover, with her appearance already known, it was clear that if she went outside without any protection, she would have to return without taking a few steps.

In order to go to the main house, you must pass through the main gate...

• The Kind Older Sister Is No More