[TKOSINM] 121 - Residence at Night

“Yes? Suddenly, pardon…?

Irene was confused at the abrupt suggestion. “...Tomorrow, I have to perform an interim check on the design of the dress and cycle with the maid. There are many places I have yet to see. I asked the designer to proceed with another dress tomorrow, and the tour is…” 

Noel, whose words were blurred into the background, rose from his seat. He walked in front of Irene. “I’ll do it with you now”

Suddenly, his hand reached out to her, and she panicked. But soon, she shook her head and held his hand. She did not know what on earth he was asking for her to cancel tomorrow’s schedule, but Irene consented without hesitation. Because he wasn’t a person who acted without reason. Holding his hand, Irene rose from her seat and allowed Noel to lead her to the terrace. Tom, who was left alone all of a sudden, sighed deeply. He was just a shadow. By the way, what was he thinking about cancelling all of his schedules tomorrow?

Are you going to take Lady Chase there?

Tom looked oddly at Noel who exited.

♔♔♔

“This is the training ground. It’s where the family knights gather to train. The time for training is from 7 a.m. till sunset. Other than that, there are only those who are undergoing additional training who use it, so you can use it freely.

“Yes.”

Noel and Irene went around the residence and he explained to her what she needed to know. They walked together as she listened to him. I think I can memorise it better.

Perhaps it was just her. The head maid’s explanation was succinct, but Noel’s explanation ingrained itself in her. 

“We’ve looked around all the important places in the residence. Is there any place you’re curious about or wish to visit?” Noel asked.

Irene thought hard, but there was no place she could think of. In fact, she’d looked around the residence several times in the past few days, and remembered almost everywhere. If there was a place she couldn’t remember, she could ask the help of the head maid. So instead, Irene asked something else. “The Grand Duchy residence is beautiful at night.” Noel tilted his head at her change in topic. She briefly glanced around. The two were standing at the entrance to the training ground, and their surroundings were dark, but the road they were on was full of light. Usually, the lights that lit the exterior of the mansion were made of a special stone: ‘luminous stone’. Although this luminescent stone had no special ability or effect, it was sold at a high price because of its natural brightness. Mainly, to light the exterior of a mansion or for dark streets. The number of luminous stones became symbolic of the wealth of a family. Therefore, for a long time, large scale wealth was held in myriad amounts of luminous stones. All of these light-emitting stones were used to light up and decorate the Grand Residence, allowing them to take a walk in the middle of the night.

Not only that, special attention was paid to the aesthetics, and it felt as if she was walking on a starlit night sky. 

“Is that so?” he asked her.

Irene nodded, “isn’t it Noel?”

“I think I got used to it, coming here since I was young. Actually, I’ve never looked around the estate so leisurely. I only know of the locations and functions. Now that I listened to you, it appears to be so.”

Noel turned his head for a moment to look around at the residence, and his gaze reached Irene. Staring at her with deep eyes, their gaze met, and he parted his mouth. “It’s pretty, as you said.”

“...Oh.” her eyes fluttered for a split second. She looked straight into his eyes, then his lips that had mouthed ‘pretty’. Her face turned red instantly.

Why did I think he was talking about me?

Even if she was a fool, Noel’s expression was so sweet and warm that she could not help but feel that way, in that moment. Most of all, it was because her frame was projected so clearly in his eyes.

If Noel found out my thoughts, he would think I was being ridiculous.

He was talking about the Grand Duchy, yet she had blushed by mistake. 

“Irene, are you hot?” Noel worriedly asked her, as she fanned her face to cool the heat. 

As the season was approaching Autumn, it was not hot because of the cool wind at night, but Irene immediately nodded because she had to hide the reason for her redness. 

“Yes, a little…”

“We walked for a while. Shall we go back now? There’s still tomorrow’s schedule.”

“Yes, let’s do that.” 

Irene, who had enjoyed the night stroll with him more than she had thought, was saddened to go back like this. However, as he said, she thought it would be better to go back because she did not want to have any problems arise, regarding their schedule for tomorrow. Irene hid her disappointment and turned in the direction of their quarters. Walking beside her, Noel looked down slightly. Her expression was as usual, but he could read her, and noticed her feelings of regret.

“Next time, let’s come back.”

In fact, the same was true for Noel. if they did not have a schedule for tomorrow, he would have gone for a walk with Irene till late… he sighed in disappointed reticence, and continued.

“As the days get colder, there won’t be much to see here. Why don’t we go for a walk before it gets too cold?”

Irene looked up at him in surprise at his unexpected suggestion. She thought he had noticed her regret, but still…

“Okay.” She was pleased. He reached out to her first.

Irene smiled broadly. For a moment, Noel looked at her face silently.

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