[TKOSINM] 116 - Seal of Approval

“Interesting…”

He had also heard of the rumours, so he knew he could not touch Irene anymore. He looked disgusted, displeased with the situation and turned his back. Irene, looking at his back, opened her mouth.

“It’s not going to go the way you want it to.” At the unexpected voice, he stopped walking. Noel also looked at her in surprise. Irene only looked straight at Earl Rixi’ back. Even though he wasn’t looking, he clenched his fists and the glare in his eyes was lethal.

She was angry that he was ridiculing Noel, rather than ignoring him. So she wanted to speak up.

“Because I will never leave Noel’s side. Noel will surely become the Grand Duke. So, Earl Rixis, don’t be too confident.”

Hearing her words, the Earl, who had stopped, resumed walking again when she finished, and left the exhibition room. As his back disappeared, Irene let out a heavy sigh.

I was nervous.

She did not expect to declare ‘war’ on others, especially against the powerful Earl Rixis.

But I couldn’t just let it go.

It was disturbing to hear how confident he was that she would leave Noel. So she wanted to say something. Somehow, she had declared war, but she had no regrets.

I feel bad.

What kind of bloodline was that? Why should Noel be treated like that? It made no difference to the fact he was the most upright and decent man she knew. Maybe that was it.

“Noel, it’s okay…”

Irene raised her head worried about him, unable to speak anymore. His dark brown eyes were staring intently at her. She paused for a moment to ask, “are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Rather, pretty good.” he replied.

“Ah…”

Earl Rixis said that and you’re happy about it?

As she tilted her head confused, she heard the voice of the maid, looking for Irene and Noel.

“The two of you, I found you. His Majesty is waiting.”

“We’ll go.” Noel answered, and held Irene’s hand.

She looked up at him briefly, and walked beside him, following the maid.

“It’s because of you.”

As they returned to the audience room, Irene blinked at his voice. 

“What?” she said. Her expression was clearly puzzled. Noel looked at her with a soft smile.

“You made me feel better.”

“Ah…”

Perhaps it was because of what she’d said to Earl Rixis. 

I didn’t say it to make you feel better…

Noel may have been offended by the Earl’s earlier words, but she had said it out of anger hearing the unpleasantness. Primarily, to praise him. 

I’m glad you’re feeling better, though.

Irene’s lips lifted up in a happy smile. Noel captured her smile in his eyes.

♔♔♔

“I approve of Lady Irene Chase becoming a member of the Grand Duchy of Kristen.”

The emperor signed the top of the seal, and the maid who was watching from afar walked over, to hand Noel the letter of acknowledgement. 

[I hereby permit Irene Chase to become a member of the Kristen Grand Duchy.]

Underneath it was the emperor’s handwritten signature and seal.

Although it was just a piece of paper, with a single sentence engraved on it, there was no doubt that this signified Irene would hold great power in marrying Noel. Irene bowed her head.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Oh, what are you thanking me for? I am also looking forward to the day when the new madam enters the Grand Duke’s register. After the ceremony, enter the palace with the Grand Duke. It would be nice to have a meal together.”

//Here he is referring to Noel, whose status is of a grand duke,  though title wise I have been using Grand Duke to refer to William and just Duke to Noel. They are both Grand Dukes, William is just the head of the Kristen household.

“It is an honour.”

After the conversation with Irene, the emperor looked at Noel. He gazed at his silver grey hair for a moment, then parted his lips.

“It must not have been easy, you’ve been through a lot. Don’t forget that I am always supporting you.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

“Ha-ha, well go back to the palace.”

“Yes, excuse us, we will depart.*”

*to step down from someone’s presence

After completing their business, Irene and Noel quietly left the audience room. 

“I will guide you to where the carriage is parked.”

When the pair came out, the maid waiting for them greeted them politely and walked ahead. They followed her silently. Only the sound of walking filled the air. But Irene found it neither awkward nor uncomfortable. Because Noel was by her side.

“I hope you return safely.”

The maid who guided them back to the carriage bowed deeply. Soon the carriage carrying Irene and Noel left the grounds of the palace. In the moving carriage, Irene sank deep into the seat. 

I met Earl Rixis on the way, but…

Still, it was good that they could attain approval without any obstacles. 

“Are you tired?” Noel asked Irene who had closed her eyes.

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