The Kind Older Sister Is No More

34 - Winter

While Noel was in deep contemplation and sighing without an end, Irene sleepily flickered her eyes. Unlike Noel, whose face was swarthy, Irene appeared fresh and rejuvenated.

On the first night, she found it difficult to sleep properly. After all, sleeping at someone else's house for the first time was indeed a little nerve-wracking. However, yesterday she had gotten a little more comfortable sleeping. No, it was the most comfortable bed she had slept in ever since she was born.

In Count Chase's house, she had never slept comfortably. Every night, she had to check Riel's condition and notify her family. She had thought only it was natural. That was how Irene had grown up. In name, the daughter of Chase. Internally, the servant of Chase. No, considering even servants disregarded her, even the position of a servant was held more important than her.

However, it was different here. Her world had been turned. There was no need to look after Riel and check on her condition, interrupting her sleep. Nor did she need to notify her family. She smiled at her refreshing sense of liberation.

Thank you, Noel.

Had it not been for Noel, she would have lost herself, remaining in the shadow of Riel. She would never have been able to fall asleep without any worries.

I wonder if Noel was comfortable last night.

Did he sleep well? She wondered. He must have also had a comfortable sleep. The beds here were soft and luxurious, and the room was warm but large enough to be airy. She was sure Noel, used to Kirsten estate, must spend every night feeling comfortable. At least she hoped so.

"Huh? My Lady, are you up already?"

The maid, who entered the room just as she had let her thoughts wander, asked in surprise. In her arms, she carried a basin of water to cleanse.

"Are you here to wake me up?"

The maid shook her head when Irene asked, placing the water near her.

"No. The viscount said to leave only this cleansing water here carefully so that the milady does not wake up. Of course, I had believed that milady, you were sleeping."

"The viscount..."

The maid smiled. "The Grand Duke's secretary. Viscount Tom Esquan." Then she placed the basin down, quickly glancing at Irene.

She attempted to read Irene's expression, but Irene merely nodded at insignificant fact.

So, Tom is the viscount.

With respect to the Esquan family, Irene was aware of them. The Viscount predecessor was resourceful in business and had become a major topic in the central province, and the Esquan family was now classified as quite an influential force.

She had known that he would not be an ordinary person, but Tom was a greater figure than she had initially thought. How competent Noel must be to have such a person following him. The more she discovered, the more Irene could not hide her admiration for Noel.

And the more she knew, the more she felt a sense of inadequacy -- she was infinitely inadequate. Noel was a man who could go out on his own without herself. However, she was too lacking in every aspect to stand beside him.

I should try not to show any flaws.

Irene made up her mind determinedly. Her maid, still looking at her, stood up.