The Kind Older Sister Is No More

31 - To Be 'Husband' and 'Wife'

"Then, this depends on your approval. Please be honest and talk to me if you object to this."

"What is it?"

Irene asked with a curious glance, hearing Noel's statement. Noel took a few papers and a pen and then said.

"While we're in a marriage relationship, I hope we don't have a lover outside our marriage."

"Ah."

Irene's eyes widened at his unexpected remark. But soon, she understood and nodded in agreement at that condition. Surely, if you had another lover in a marriage, it would create bad rumours. Irene didn't care about rumours that spread, but it would bring trouble to Noel, who would become the Grand Duke.

"I don't have any problem with that."

Moreover, Irene wasn't really interested in having a lover. Rather, Noel would be the one who would have to pay more attention to that matter. If he became the Grand Duke, his only flaw, his origin, would no longer matter. On the contrary, there would be a lot of women who would aim for him. He was, after all, a man who had good looks, good manners, and a well-respected title.

In fact, Irene thought the clause would only shackle him because, to Irene, it didn't matter if he had a lover. Irene looked at Noel whilst thinking that, but Noel didn't seem to be very worried about it either.

"Then, after the two years of marriage is over, when you and I get divorced, I'll send five hundred gold to you every month for the next 90 years. Of course, I'll also support everything that you need to live well."

"Tha... That's too much."

Irene's eyes widened at his words. Five hundred gold was not a small amount. The problem was that he would pay 500 gold 'every month'. The amount was large enough to fill up a store. Furthermore, he said that he would provide all the support for her to live comfortably. It was an unreasonable amount for Irene. She thought that she did not need that much money.

But Noel was adamant.

"The dukedom you're going to give me is far more valuable than this to the point where I can't even dream of it. But you let me have it, so that's a given."

"But, still..."

What Noel said was understandable, but still, it was a little burdensome for Irene. However, Noel also showed no sign of backing down. Noel smiled, satisfied when Irene nodded.

Not long ago, Noel had said that she was stubborn, but Irene thought that Noel was more stubborn than herself. Irene wanted to speak, but Noel beat her to it.

"This is all I have to offer. Please let me know if there's anything you'd like to add, Irene."

Hearing his words, Irene tried to think about it. However, most of the things already put in were sufficient. She found that there was nothing more to add.

Suddenly Irene exclaimed. But then, she wondered if she could really say what was on her mind. However, she decided that there was nothing wrong with making sure about it. Irene managed to open her lips with a red face, and the embarrassing words on the cusp of her lips stumbled out.

"How can a relationship between a husband and wife be...."

Noel tilted his head when Irene seemed to find it difficult to say what she wanted to say.