The Kind Older Sister Is No More

As much as Irene wanted them to be able to trust each other wholeheartedly, she knew it would take time. After all, she wanted a relationship with marriage based on mutual respect. However, Irene was also aware that their original purpose was only marriage, so they did not necessarily have to know each other in detail but she could not help but feel bitter about that fact.

“No. As much as I know about you, I think you should know about me too.” He said. If you are not reading this on onedaythreeautumns.com this translation is stolen.

Contrary to what she wanted to console him that she did not have any ill intent, Noel’s words broke Irene’s resolution. Irene looked at him with astonished eyes. Then the carriage drove past the road again into the darkness.

“The person before is called Ascardo. He is the young count Ascardo Rixis.” Noel began.

“The Young Count Ascardo Rixis?”

Irene’s eyes grew wide. It was an unfamiliar name. However, looking back, she remembered that name being mentioned together with his, at the Duchess Jasmine’s ball when she had first heard about Noel. 

“He is the son of my father’s brother. So, he is essentially my cousin. But unlike me, he is of pure aristocrat blood.” Noel stated. Though Irene could not see, Noel’s teeth were clenched, and his fist had tightened into a ball.

“Ah…”

Noel’s words left Irene speechless for a moment. Irene immediately knew what he meant; that person was a relative in the enemy’s line. He was probably the one who had done anything they could have done to impede Noel’s pathway. For Noel to react like that, where even at the mere mention of his name, Irene could detect an unspoken tension, Irene knew that Ascardo Rixis had done more than just ‘inconvenience’ Noel.

“But does he not already have a title?” Irene quickly asked.

“He was the son of Count Ascardo, so he has been granted the title of Count. However, his title that he has inherited, comes with no actual works, achievement, or power. It is just a mere title. Above all, the Grand Duke title has a higher rank than the Count, so obviously he wishes to take over the title of Grand Duke. Because he is also a legitimate heir like me.” Noel stated grimly. The shadows obscured his face, but Irene could tell his expression was dark.

“That…”

When Irene was unable to come up with words to speak, Noel, who had been silent for a while, quietly spoke again.

“I did not tell you about it because I did not want to show you how bad my situation was. Even though I should have told you first. After all, you are the first person now who I should tell. If you became my wife and became the grand duchess, you will become the main person who will be threatened by him.” Noel paused and then sighed deeply. In the quiet carriage, he shifted his position to properly face Irene.

“...Noel.” Irene could not muster up words to comfort him. She knew that he did not want to put him at risk, but she also knew that it was inevitable if she were to marry him.

“It will be so incredibly dangerous for you. The possibility exists that you could even die because of that. Because they never sit idly by. They eradicate the people who block their way, no matter who that person is, or how high a position that person holds. One way or another, they will get them eventually through devious means. I understand if you want to break our agreement now because of that.”

The carriage grumbled past a sliver of light from an early lit, standing lantern post on the road. For a split second, the light bounced off Noel’s face, highlighting his brown eyes. Irene saw for a fraction of a moment, the frail boy that was concealed in them.

Irene was slightly surprised to see how full of anxiety Noel was. After all, she had only known him to be stable and relaxed. But at the same time, Irene felt relieved that Noel was also nervous because she could finally be of some help to him. She also wanted to help him because Noel had helped Irene in many things.

Even though she knew that Noel would be upset, she refused to back down.

“Noel.” Irene’s voice rang solid in the small space of the carriage.

Noel’s eyes focused on Irene when she called his name. Noel was taken aback because Irene was calmly smiling at him.

He said that I could die.

Contrary to Noel’s belief that she would be frightened upon hearing the danger of marrying him, Irene was even more resolved and determined.

With a strong and clear voice, she spoke resolutely.

“I will not give up.”