The Kind Older Sister Is No More

The words came out of her mouth as a stark reminder – that she would not; could not, develop feelings beyond the confines of this contract. It was a shame that their personal boundaries had been defined by that piece of paper, Irene thought, but it was a pledge to herself too. She needed to keep herself safe; and Noel at that too. She spoke about the contract to convey to Noel that she would be professional and keep their relationship impersonal.

Irene believed if she said this, Noel would be relieved. But…

“Noel? Are you alright?”

Somehow Noel did not look too well. His dark brown eyes sank coldly, as if they had never been friendly in the first place. His lips which just moments before had been curved into arcs, were pressed in a thin light. Why did he have such an expression?

“...no, nothing.”

As if nothing had happened, Noel regained his composure. It was his outward appearance that was stoic, but inside Noel’s feelings had been tied into knots. His heart was in turmoil. 

What is wrong with me?

As soon as he heard Irene speak, it felt like he was shoved into something. Unconsciously, he stiffened his face. 

We’re going to break up in two years after all.

Noel looked at Irene. Mild eyes like a puppy, olive eyes, wheat hair, snow skin and a delicate physique. 

There’s nothing special about her, why are you like this…

Irene was embarrassed because she realised that until she spoke, she was in a contractual relationship with him. The moment she realised it again, Noel felt uneasy. It was because of this, he too, like Irene who had forgotten, remembered. But he quickly controlled his expression.

The banquet. All invitations have been issued, and most of the central nobles are expected to attend. By the way, perhaps Count Chase will also attend.”

“Ah…”

“Are you alright?”

Noel asked, worry spread across his face.

Irene nodded her head slightly. Of course, she wasn’t as good as she answered. It was not as easy as it sounded to see her separated family again. However,

“There’s no helping it.”

Needless to say, it was unavoidable. 

It was not a problem that could be avoided just because she felt uncomfortable. If she ever had to bump into them, the sooner the better. 

“I’ll try not to panic.” 

Irene clenched her fists. Noel glanced at her fisted hands. 

Must be a habit.

Every time she hardened her heart, she would tighten them. Noel looked at her hands for a moment without saying a word.

The sight of her small hands clenched into fists caught his eye and Noel looked at his own and Irene’s alternately. Then he took his eyes off and guided Irene to his seat. 

“What we are going to discuss is going to be long, so please take a seat. Coffee, is that good?

“Ah, yes.”

Noel went to his office’s refreshment counter and began to brew. Meanwhile Irene looked around the office and only had one impression.

Clean.

He must have been so busy preparing for the banquet, but his office was still neatly organised. 

You must be so busy. 

Even without seeing him, she knew because he had to take care of everything as the Duke and even prepare for the announcement of their marriage. It was such an important event, one could not just go with the flow, especially when it concerned both Irene and Noel’s future. 

I think I’m the only one with nothing to do.

He was running around frantically, let alone Tom. Meanwhile, she sat in her room and painted all day. Aside from the banquet, there were also wedding preparations needed to be made after the announcement.

“What are you thinking about?”

Irene was so lost in her thoughts that she did not notice Noel came near. A small dark green mug suddenly popped up in front of her. Irene, who came to her senses a bit later, smiled awkwardly.

“Thank you.”

“I hope it suits your taste.”

She felt the warmth as she was handed the mug with steam rising from within. She blew it, cooling the temperature down, while Noel sat across from her. Irene took a sip of her coffee and then burst out in admiration.

“How delicious! It’s sweet like a dessert.” She exclaimed.

Normal coffee was bitter and heavy, whereas the coffee Noel brewed was sweet and light like a brownie. 

“I’ve liked sweet things since I was little, but I don’t have sweet coffee, so I made it myself. Tom says it’s too sweet. Do you find it okay?”

“Yes. I like sweet things too.”

“I see, I’m glad.”

As Irene took small sips one after another, Noel secretly observed her reaction. He smiled and drank his own coffee. Noel’s coffee was really palatable. She had only drunk it once, so she wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to comment though and kept it to herself. It was interesting how he had made the recipe himself, but it was even more surprising to her that he liked sweet things. 

I thought he wouldn’t like sweet things much.

• The Kind Older Sister Is No More