[TKOSINM] 132 – I Got More Than What I Wanted

What I wanted…

Irene’s goal was to leave the house completely. To get out of the house and live her own life through the legitimate means of marriage.

“I got more than I wanted.”

However, unexpectedly, she received the affection of many people here and felt a sense of security and warmth. Not only was it just getting out of the house, but she also was given a lot of support emotionally and mentally. So much more than what she dreamed of in the first place.

So often she felt that this time was like her dream and unrealistic. It was enough for her to wake up in the morning, feel the warmth of the sun and the comfort of the duvets. It was enough to enjoy a meal with him and drink tea in comfortable silence, or idle chatter. It was more than she could ever ask.

Irene was struck by a thought. What about Noel? Was he still feeling suffocated and frustrated by the Grand Duke? Even now, he spent each passing day as if he was enduring. Did he feel like no one was by his side?

Irene looked up at Noel with curiosity, to find he was gazing down at her. Their eyes met. 

“Is it tough, Noel?”

The moment their eyes met, the words she had only been thinking about unconsciously spilled out of her mouth. 

He was taken aback for a moment, but Irene did not hesitate. She was curious about his answer. He didn’t respond right away. He didn’t even stop walking. He only continued walking leisurely beside her.

“I don’t know.”

After a while, he spoke up. It wasn’t a definite answer, just a vague statement. There was silence again after that, but Irene did not urge him or ask again. What he had said was better than a response of ‘it’s tough’, it was sufficient. However…

“I would be lying if I said it wasn’t hard. But…”

As he approached the carriage, he turned towards her making eye contact and answered honestly. Under the rays of twilight, his deep brown eyes reflected the image of her face in his gaze.

“I think I’m okay now.”

She smiled at his answer. 

Perhaps it was just his own interpretation, but he didn’t seem to be stifled down by the past or suffering anymore. He felt like he’d gained the courage to face his wounds, little by little. In a way, it was a more satisfactory answer, than saying it was tough.

“What a relief. I’m glad you’re fine, Noel.”

Seeing her smile, naturally he felt the corner of his lips lift too. In fact, he had more to say. You are the one who gave me strength. I wouldn’t have come this far without you.

But for the fear that she might feel pressured if he brought those thoughts up, Noel buried his inner feelings and extended his hand toward her. Before they knew it, the two had arrived in front of the carriage.

“Let’s go back now,” he offered politely.

Irene carefully placed her hand in his and Noel helped her up. He followed suit after she entered the carriage. Noel raised his head, and turned his line of sight upwards towards the roof of the building.

It seems that you have no intention to attack. Was tailing us your only purpose?

He knew from the moment they left the Grand Duchy, they were being followed. Louiselle had also noticed, thus tried to stay by Irene’s side til the end, until she was blocked by Noel. Noel remained where he was, he was prepared but he took no action. Rather, he waited for the enemy to move first. In fact, the reason he had left Louiselle at the guild, was because it would be difficult to find out who was tailing them, should Louiselle have remained with them. However, the shadow in the distance did not come any closer. Whomever it was, that figure only observed their movements from afar. They could not enter the tower, so they would not have known about the existence of the ring, and so it did it matter if he sent it to the mercenary guild.

But just in case… I’ll need to pay more attention.

Noel decided, when they returned, he would have to ask Louiselle. Settling in, the carriage started rumbling, quickly travelling back out of the alley towards Ram’s Mercenary guild.

♔♔♔

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