That woman, will she stand by your side without ulterior incentive? Temptation is too tantalising to not be swayed by…I doubt she would.

The very moment Ascardo Rixis had appeared, a sliver of revolting disgust crawled up Noel’s spine. It was an accidental encounter, but of course, there was hardly anything ‘accidental’ about it. Noel was fully aware that this meeting was not so simple. He knew well that word about Irene had spread, and the network of nobles around him gobbled up gossip with overly nosy delight. How coincidental that the place he had encountered Ascardo was right in front of Irene’s window! It was clear who the person Ascardo truly wanted to meet was…

With that dirty blood of yours, do you really think there exists a woman who will truly love you as you are? Wake up.

Ascardo was unaware of the contractual relationship between Irene and Noel, so of course, he believed that they were romantically involved. It was a clear night, and the clock had just struck past midnight, but his mood could not be more foul.

At the sudden sound, both Noel and Ascardo’s line of sight abruptly averted to the window above them. Hair the colour of wheat quickly disappeared beneath the frame.

Enlighten me. I’m very curious brother, will that woman remain by your side, until the end? Well, well, goodnight brother.

“Irene.”

At the sound of his soft voice, Irene raised her head. Her mysterious olive eyes blinked at him, and Noel stared deep into those pupils.

Love- I never desired such a thing in the first place.

The moment his grandfather had turned his back to him, all of Noel’s expectations of affection had disappeared. He did not expect affection, let alone love, from anyone. Certainly, Irene may be a woman of faith; she was quiet, timid, yet hidden beneath that was a strong character of boldness and resilience. He acknowledged she was definitely a kind person, but never had he had fleeting thoughts of her as his romantic partner.

Still, Ascardo’s words had shaken him to his core. He knew his cousin well. Ascardo would go to any underhanded means to take her from him.

“Noel, is something the matter?”

Upon noticing his expression was clouded, Irene began to worry. Surely, he had not noticed her. Noel paused and stared wordlessly at her. Then he spoke.

“Irene, even if you wished to be with someone else, someone other than me, I will not let you go.”

Despite knowing such a thing would never happen, considering what he knew about both Irene’s character and her circumstance, Noel still could not help the feeling of anxiety encroaching on him. If even Irene, the hope he was clinging to, fell into their hands, he knew he would not have any way to deal with their games anymore. Somehow, Ascardo had stirred the impatience locked deep inside of him.

Noel tightened his fist; his nails digging into his palms. Such words, what use were they? As long as had given herself to him in their contract, and she believed in him, he must believe in her fidelity as well. He instantly regretted that he had spoken something so useless during his hotheadedness. Yet, a part of him still waited to hear Irene’s response. He wanted her to confirm.

Having been caught off guard at his unexpected statement, Irene’s eyes shook for a moment. Only a few seconds had passed before she regained her composure and replied calmly.

“That will not happen. I need you. It must be you Noel.” As if she had just convinced herself, Irene levelled her eyes to his stable gaze, and pressed her lips together.

Noel lightly chuckled looking at how serious she was. Much, to Irene’s confusion.

“My apologies Irene. I seem to have been worrying about nothing.” He politely offered his apology, and despite not fully understanding his meaning, she offered a light smile in return.

“I sensed it before, but I do think that is on your mind often, Noel.”

Struck by her words, Noel flushed in embarrassment. Seeing his awkward expression, Irene could not help containing her amusement and burst into laughter.

That was how the first night at the Kristen Dukedom passed.

 ♔♔♔

//Oh Noel, honey maybe you will change your mind soon (〃ﾟ3ﾟ〃)