The Kind Older Sister Is No More

6 - First Meeting

He was an illegitimate child who became a duke. People naturally hated him because of that reason.

Would I have been in a similar position if I was on his side?

The rumours about Noel that came from their mouths were all awful to hear. In this society, people considered it completely normal to disrespect someone because of their descent or origin, but Irene could not tolerate that. She could not help but imagine the wild gossip that had been spread about her when she was stuck taking care of Riel in the mansion.

However, Irene found an extremely slim hope in this conversation about Noel. If what the woman said was true, that Noel needed to get married if he wanted to inherit the dukedom, Irene thought she could help him attain recognition from his grandfather, the Great Kristen.

First, Noel needed a partner to get married, and Irene also needed to marry someone else to leave the house and avoid marrying Boris. Irene did not need love.

Maybe, just maybe....

If Irene married Noel Kristen, would not all of their problems be solved? He could inherit the dukedom, and Irene could unchain herself from the Chase family. This was ultimately the most desirable outcome for her.

But I know that it can't be that easy. Irene sighed whilst thinking that.

♔♔♔

When Irene returned to the banquet hall, the atmosphere in that place had become tense. The aristocrats in their flamboyant dresses and suits, who were supposed to be dancing and chattering away, were all crowded in one place.

Upon seeing Irene's puzzled face, Duchess Jasmine urged Irene to come. Irene approached the Duchess, and then Duchess Jasmine led her to the centre of the crowd. Two men were confronting each other in the centre of the circle. One man appeared to be slightly unconscious, unable to maintain his balance and having had his nose broken whilst the other man...

Wow, he's so handsome.

Irene had never seen such a handsome man in her life. He was around a head taller than her, even with heels. His shoulders were broad, and he had mystical, silver-grey hair and dark brown eyes. His indifferent face seemed to freeze his opponent.

"Miss Jasmine, what is happening?"

"I was also surprised to see this. Look at that person."

Jasmine's fingertip pointed at the person on the opposite side of the unconscious man.

"It's Noel Kristen. The Grand Duke of Kristen"

♔♔♔

Irene's eyes widened at Jasmine's words. He really is handsome. Irene had only heard rumours about his appearance, but unexpectedly, the real person was much better looking than she had first thought. However, the situation in front of Irene did not match his appearance.

"What a dirty bastard! Do you know that you have to apologise if you bump other people's shoulders?"

The half-unconscious man staggered and pointed his finger. The man appeared to be so heavily intoxicated that the pungent smell of alcohol emanated from him even from far away. However, no matter how drunk he was, it was not easy to deal with the level of criticism he had said against his opponent. The eyes of the audience were curiously anticipating Noel's reaction.

It must be such a nuisance for him to have to deal with this.

Noel sighed inwardly at the sight of the man pointing at him. This was the reason why he did not like attending social events. Although he was reluctant, Noel attended this event because his secretary Tom had urged him to find a bride.