[TKOSINM] 115 – Hall of Portraits

As loose strands of hair swept past his eyes, Irene raised her to gently brush his hair. Noel’s gaze followed her fingertips and then turned to her face. Irene touched his hair and pulled her hand back awkwardly. She quietly parted her lips.

“...okay.”

“...”

“I’ll do what you say. I’ll only look at you Noel, and care only about you.”

When the words left her, she focused her eyes on him, who she had been avoiding. Her heart thumped strangely. 

“Perfect.”

He was smiling. When he was expressionless, the impression Noel gave off was cold, as if he were to freeze everything in the world. But when he smiled, he was warm enough to melt ice. If Tom were to see him like this, he would jump in fright and yell ‘nonsense’. But at least, in Irene’s eyes, this was him.

♔♔♔

“This is an exhibition room with the portraits of successive imperial families. They are preserved in enchanted glass, so cannot be damaged. But if you touch them, you will be punished by Imperial Law, so be careful.”

“Yes.”

After passing the flower garden, Irene and Noel went to the exhibition room located inside the main palace. It was a corridor where you could appreciate portraits of the successive imperial families. Heeding his warning, Irene wandered, starting from the first emperor. In addition to being able to see the imperial portraits, it was interesting to observe the painting styles, the type of paint, and how the techniques changed with time. Among them, the blonde hair of the current emperor was most notable. Since the current empress’ position was vacant, the seat next to the emperor in the portrait was empty.

Because he became an emperor through rebellion…

Even if he could not permis an empress at that time, twenty three years had already passed. She was surprised as to why he still did not have an Imperial Consort. She was curious, but she did not want to know. Irene looked away from the emperor’s portrait and turned her head.

 “These are the former Emperors and Empresses, right?”

Irene asked, after seeing the portrait of the current emperor. A little farther away, was a portrait of a couple who stood side by side, staring straight ahead.

“Yes, that’s right. His Majesty Akandru Weilian, the former emperor, and Her Majesty Lilliana Lu Weilian, the former Empress. The portrait can’t seem to be removed because of magic.”

“I see, they seem to get along very well.”

“The two of them were said to be quite famous.”

“I see..”

Irene, for no reason, felt bitter. They looked so happy, but they lost their lives in rebellion. Sadly, she could not take her eyes off the painting.

“What are you doing here?”

As they were focused on the portraits, suddenly a strange man’s voice sounded. At the sudden break of silence, Irene whipped her head towards the footsteps echoing through the hallway. Between the shadows of the pillars, a man walked out. Naturally, her eyes widened -- it was a few she recognised.

“Kristen the Great, and…”

His gaze turned towards her.

“Lady Irene Chase.”

“...Earl Rixis…”

Irene murmured quietly. He walked closer, as if finding the situation unpleasant, his eyebrows scrunched.

“We are waiting for His Majesty’s approval. Uncle.” Noel spoke coldly. 

The Earl’s gaze switched from Irene to Noel. His frown deepened. The contempt was clear.

“Filthy bastard.” he muttered, as if he were forced to face something repugnant. Intentionally making them listen to him, he continued without letting the couple interrupt. “The person who inherited the blood of a filthy commoner, now wants to become the master of the Kristen Duchy? Know your place and leave. Who do you think will recognise you as the Grand Duke?”

How horrible.

Contrary to the reaction those spiteful words would elicit at the person they were aimed for, Noel was calm, as if he were used to this treatment. But Irene was furious. How could they treat Noel as a bastard, and view him only by the blood coursing through his veins. When Noel did not react, he switched to Irene.

“Believing in a woman like that, how much strength do you think she will give you?”

“Watch your mouth. I won’t be docile hearing that from my uncle.” Noel, who had been silent all along, reacted when he targeted Irene. Seeing his quiet demeanour change, he frowned sarcastically.

“Are you trying to talk back to me, because you’re in front of a woman? Hold your breath like you’re dead as always. Don’t even think about the seat of the Grand Duke.”

“Are you afraid?”

“Huh? What?”

Noel cut him off, and the Earl stammered in embarrassment. Having been expressionless the whole time, he laughed.

“I asked if you were afraid. Afraid I might inherit the Grand Duchy.”

“I can’t be afraid of you…!”

“You must be scared. Your excellency, Earl Rixis. If you are careless, who knows. Your position could be in jeopardy.”

“Ha, this bastard is trying to intimidate me! Trust her! How long do you think this woman will be with you! You think she truly wants to be with you…!”

“Put your hands away. If you continue to be rude, I won’t stand still. Neither me, nor him.”

Though no one was there, they knew who ‘him’ was in reference to. It was well known by now that Irene was favoured by the Grand Duke.