The Kind Older Sister Is No More

It is never good to have preconceptions just by judging a person’ appearance. But because of that, Irene thought,

There are many surprises.

Irene fiddled with the mug that was still warm. Like this sweet coffee that she was drinking, for the first time today, Irene found it nice to learn something new about him. It was as if she were taking a step closer to him. 

For no reason, her heart jumped. * Irene replaced her mug, and Noel too put his down.

*literally: her heart was tickled. 

After a short break, the two got down to business.

“The banquet starts at six o’clock, but we will enter after the banquet has started. Together.”

“Is there any special reason?” Irene asked. 

“Because it’s good to get attention.” Noel answered calmly.

The reason he wanted to enter after the banquet started was to garner the attention of everyone present in the first place.

For this reason, those who liked to receive attention often intentionally entered after the banquet began. However, this banquet was the anniversary banquet of the Grand Duke of Kristen.

Who dared to try to get attention in a place like this? Except for the two people who had a special purpose. Although she did not have much banquet experience, Irene knew Noel’s purpose clearly. As Irene nodded, Noel continued. 

“On that day, only three people will know that we were going to announce our wedding: Tom, you, and me.” Noel paused hesitantly.

“But since we don't know what variables will appear, we need the permission of one person.”

“You mean the Grand Duke.”

“Correct.”

Irene became cautious. Certainly, Noel had a point. No matter how organised the banquet was, one would not know when, where, and what could unexpectedly happen. If the plan went awry, it would be difficult to seize this opportunity again. After taking a moment, Noel opened his mouth.

“...Irene. I will get my grandfather’s permission.”

Irene, who thought she would go with him, blinked at his unexpected words.

“Is that alright?” she asked worriedly. It was because she knew that their relationship would not be easy to navigate, even if it had improved.

As he had read Irene’s mind, Noel smiled generously. 

“It’s alright. Irene mustered the courage to. So, shouldn’t I too?” he made eye contact with her as he spoke.

Did she have the courage? She was bewildered because his meaning was hard to instantly understand.

“You cut ties with your family and left Chase house, that is by no means an easy feat. But Irene had the courage to carve out her own path, not resigning to one carved for you.”

“Ah…” his explanation opened her eyes up. She had never thought of it as courage before. She merely believed that it was something she had to do to leave. 

“You’ve been so courageous, so shouldn’t I try as much?”

He spoke clearly, as if to wrap up the topic. It would be disrespectful for her to continue to look worried when he said that.

“Don’t overdo it.” she replied. 

* ‘Don’t push yourself too hard.’

“Okay.”

The somewhat frozen atmosphere eased. The first item on the agenda was passed, followed by the second. 

“The outfit for that day. Don’t worry about it; I will prepare Irene’s outfit. I will ask a professional designer and leave it to them.”

“But…”

Hearing him, Irene showed hints of hesitation. Noel glanced at her and casually stated.

“I said so last time, all of this is the procedure for me to become the Grand Duke. It is my job and Irene is in the position to help. So of course, it’s only right for me to handle it.”

His tone was so resolute, as if deciding it with a verbal seal.

It was difficult to raise any objection with Noel’s determined appearance. Irene complied helplessly, nodding so much until Noel smiled in satisfaction.

“Don’t worry. I’m more financially relaxed than Irene thinks. It gives me the ability to match Irene with a dress just as beautiful.” 

//SWEET TALKER NOEL. prolly because of all those sweet things he eats hmmmmm…

• The Kind Older Sister Is No More